Fashion is an integral part of any culture. What we wear is shaped so intrinsically by who we are and where we come from. This shows through in our fashion in obvious ways, like by how heavy our clothing is, and in much more subtle ways, like the materials and techniques we use, the colours we tend to favour, and so on. France (and Paris) has been the fashion capital of the world for centuries, and while globalisation has made the world seem smaller, fashion is still as diverse as it has always been, albeit with a twist.
The French Spring Festival, a multi-disciplinary festival that has been fostering artistic links and cultural links between France, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives since 2012, has always understood the importance of fashion in culture, and is partnering with Mod’Art International Paris’s Sri Lanka branch for the fifth consecutive year to illustrate the role that fashion plays in culture. Mod’Art International is a top Parisian School of Fashion offering courses in partnership with the Perpignan University of France with many branches. This year, the Mod’Art International Sri Lanka Paris branch will present a virtual student fashion exhibition “Exposition de Mode”.
[caption id="attachment_147667" align="alignright" width="208"]
Niroshani Leanage[/caption]
In its ninth edition this year, the French Spring Festival is organised jointly by the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the network of Alliance Française in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with the support of their partners, Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology, SLYCANTrust, Publicis Groupe Sri Lanka, Café Français, ARTRA Magazine, SUEZ France, ATR Aircraft, Mod’Art International, AGC Innovate, Ceylon Theatres, Cafe Kumbuk, Emerging Media, and One Galle Face.
Brunch spoke to Mod’Art International Paris – Sri Lanka Branch Managing Director Niroshani Leanage to learn more about the exhibition being put together by the students of Mod’Art’s Sri Lanka branch.
Niroshani explained that the “Mode de Exposition” virtual exhibition will not be dissimilar to a physical exhibition, with the only notable difference being that guests will view the exhibition through video as opposed to visiting directly.
“The virtual exhibit will basically take place how we physically do it,” Niroshani said. “We will present work with our staff and students talking about each segment, from illustration to digital design to couture design. We will be highlighting couture design because haute couture started in Paris many centuries ago.”
Curated entirely by the team at Mod’Art’s Sri Lanka branch, Niroshani shared that “Mode de Exposition” will also feature “Concept to Creation”, focusing on sustainability and showing how students develop a concept through video creation and then continue this concept into their individual collections.
“There will also be trend presentations and other presentations showing the different aspects of other design and drawing techniques. The exhibition is going to be eye-opening and give people a look at what a fashion design student goes through in their learning process as well as show what they produce,” Niroshani said, adding that the student exhibition at the French Spring Festival has become something students look forward to as something of a mid-year event, especially this year since because of the pandemic, the French Spring Festival, was unable to take place last year.
Speaking on the challenges of doing an exhibition virtually, Niroshani shared that the only difference between this year’s virtual exhibition and the physical exhibitions of the past is that the guests will not be able to physically touch and feel the pieces in the exhibition.
Niroshani also spoke of the value of collaborating culturally with events like the French Spring Festival, saying: “When we participate, all our fashion students get to see the other art forms and representations, as well. Fashion is something you can’t separate, it’s a part of our lives, and when you connect with different art forms, it’s an important opportunity to meet
The French Spring Festival’s “Exposition de Mode” virtual student fashion exhibition will premiere on the Mod’Art Paris – Sri Lanka Branch’s YouTube page at 6 p.m. on Thursday 8 July.
Website: www.frenchspringfestival.com