Day 1 

This week, WTF takes a backstage look at CFW SWIM 2015. Swim, returned for its third annual season, in line with its objective of uplifting Sri Lanka’s fashion design industry. Swim, as a season of its own, focuses on swimwear as a specialised category, which has shown immense growth potential as an important fashion platform for Sri Lankan swimwear designers and swimwear manufacturers. Swim will continue to be an annual event.

Ajai Vir Singh, President, CFW  speaking to WTF – “Swimwear is the new annual season that Colombo Fashion Week will add this year to strengthen the body of work that comes out of Sri Lanka’s fashion industry,”

Day one and two featured 12 designers in total with an interesting triangular runway build in the Hilton Pool. There were models from Russia, India, Australia, Russia and Sri Lanka, Day one showcase included International designer Sanchita Ajjampur with over 20 years of experience. She used a lot of “Bling” in her collection and she too looked great on the runway. Due to some technical issues we had a long wait, but it was worth the while, because Rukshika Fernando (Rum Punch) showcased the Active Tribal Collection with traditional prints and solids with sporty surf inspired shapes. It was spectacular and received great reviews.  Rukshi shared her good news with WTF “Rum Punch was selected by “Zalora” - which is the biggest online brand for South Asia - as the first and only Sri Lankan brand”.

Miss India for Supranational 2015 Afreen Vaz was the guest of honour at CFW Swim. She wore a creation by Darshi Keerthisena. Nearly thought her brisk walk down the ramp will give her a dip in the pool, but she held strong. Speaking to WTF, she said “I love Sri Lanka and it’s my time to travel and make new connections and promote India. I’m happy I made it to Sri Lanka.”

Day 2 

Day two was warmer but had more hype. My outfit for the day was put together by PUSH with a touch of floral and was punk inspired. Day two had more designers who have contributed to the world of fashion. Darshi Keerthisena (Buddhi Batiks) did a spectacular collection as always, and my most loved section came from SHIVAN & NARRESH, India’s first luxury swimwear brand. Their collection was timeless and stunning, and I can see many Lankans and Indians enjoying the pieces. Upeksha Hager (U by Upeksha Hager) took her first step in swimwear, and her collection featured floral, striped and teacup-inspired patterns and figure-flattering structures, which also made a mark.

Somehow, most local designers seem a little awkward when they have to walk down the runway after their collection.

Although we had to fish for many international female models to get into swimwear, our local male models stood out with well-maintained physiques.

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