Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) unfolded from 6 to 9 March, kicking off at the Galle Face Hotel. This year’s edition not only highlighted Sri Lanka’s premier talents in the realm of fashion, but also extended a warm welcome to and showcased designers from various corners of the globe. 

International participation at the event ranged from neighbouring countries like India and Bangladesh to fashion hubs like Italy and the UK, contributing to the diverse and inclusive atmosphere of CFW 2024. The event served as a platform for a cross-cultural exchange of design aesthetics and fashion innovation on a global scale.

Staying true to tradition, CFW commenced on Day 1 by spotlighting some of Sri Lanka’s most promising emerging talents. Since its establishment in 2003, the event has played a pivotal role in revitalising and advancing Sri Lanka’s fashion industry. 

CFW’s commitment to showcasing emerging designers is a crucial aspect of its mission. By providing a platform for these talented individuals and affording Sri Lanka’s youth the invaluable experience of participating in a professional event, it actively contributes to nurturing the next generation of talent within the industry. This emphasis on fostering emerging talent showcases CFW’s dedication to sustaining a vibrant and innovative fashion landscape in Sri Lanka.

Carefully selected from a shortlist of 22 designers, CFW’s emerging designer showcase presented collections that captivated our attention. As a testament to the exceptional talent on display, we are delighted to share our series of Brunch picks.

Brunch picks for Day 1

Gayanth Karunarathne 

Emanating an aura of unyielding optimism and love, Gayanth’s collection was a visual symphony of vibrant pinks, pristine whites, and sunny yellows. The intricate designs, characterised by their petite and innocent aesthetic, served as a canvas for the manifestation of inner beauty, symbolising an indomitable spirit and unwavering optimism towards love. Gayanth’s adept use of colours and the youthful vibrance infused into his collection left a lasting impression. 

Prathibha Liyanaarachchi

In her debut showcase, Prathibha unveiled the collection ‘Stitched Stories,’ demonstrating a level of prowess that belied her status as a newcomer to the fashion scene. Her ability to craft stunning flowing garments revealed a mastery of the art, skillfully manipulating textures, patterns, and fabric weaves. 

Infusing the vibrancy of modern urbanity with the rich tapestry of indigenous crafts, Prathibha’s collection left us in awe of its effortlessly elegant, feminine, and free-spirited allure. Despite being a debutante, she exhibited a level of craftsmanship and sophistication typically associated with seasoned professionals. It would not come as a surprise if ‘Stitched Stories’ ascended to become a Colombo favourite, especially when the special pop-up store, featuring all the night’s collections, opens at Cinnamon Hotels in the near future.

Mevini Amarasinghe

Mevini’s collection emerged as our personal favourite of the night, resonating deeply with Sri Lanka’s style appetite, cultural context, and habitual environment. Skilfully incorporating batiks and cultural motifs, the collection became a triumphant celebration of Sri Lankan heritage, seamlessly merging the richness of the past with contemporary aesthetics. 

A closer examination of the collection unveiled a discernible affinity for design elements from the ancient Kandyan era, expertly blending art, clothing, and accessories to create a timeless tapestry that transported us to an era that revered tradition while wholeheartedly embracing the future. The designs exuded a sense of timeless elegance, sophistication, and almost regal charm, presenting stunning silhouettes that firmly established Mevini’s collection as a standout of the night, capturing the essence of wearability and cultural resonance for the Sri Lankan audience.

Brunch picks for Day 2

Amilani Perera 

At the forefront of the evening’s highlights was the presentation by Amilani Perera, a designer whose prowess in her craft is both undeniable and admirable. The Amilani Perera brand has consistently stood out for its unique design techniques, and perhaps even more commendably, for its commitment to social responsibility. Not merely a showcase of sartorial elegance, Amilani’s runway exhibition served as a poignant voice for women in need in Sri Lanka and the rest of South Asia. 

The collection presented on this occasion was a testament to her social consciousness and deep personal commitment. Paying homage to International Women’s Day, each ensemble carried with it not only the mark of a skilled designer but also the profound intention of making a positive impact on society. 

Amilani’s dual commitment to excellence in design and the betterment of society exemplifies the fusion of artistry and benevolence, making her contributions to the world of fashion both noteworthy and inspiring.

Manoviraj Khosla 

A preeminent Indian fashion designer hailing from Bengaluru renowned for his eponymous label, Manoviraj’s influence extends across a distinguished career that spans over three decades. His design philosophy is a harmonious blend of a profound appreciation for Indian aesthetics infused with a subtle touch of Western influence. 

Manoviraj’s collections stand out for their meticulous tailoring, innovative fabric choices, and a steadfast emphasis on wearability. As he took the stage, the audience anticipated a showcase that seamlessly wove together cultural richness and contemporary flair, a hallmark of the designer’s enduring contribution to the world of fashion.

Brunch picks for Day 3

Aslam Hussein 

Rooted in a profound passion for traditional and ethnic styles, Aslam Hussein emerges as a designer who has masterfully navigated the delicate art of fusion. His creations seamlessly intertwine contemporary elements with a rich cultural heritage, resulting in a collection that is both visually enchanting and culturally resonant. 

Aslam’s showcase was a celebration of art, culture, and entertainment, presenting a mesmerising fusion of colours, textures, and silhouettes. Whether it was the exquisite couture pieces, stunning jewellery, or ready-to-wear ensembles, each creation stood as a testament to his artistry, meticulously tailored with precision and elegance. 

As a special highlight, Aslam introduced exclusive jewellery pieces, custom-crafted specifically for this version of CFW, infusing an additional layer of luxury and glamour into an already spectacular display of sartorial mastery.

La Pard 

In its Spring-Summer 2024 collection, La Pard directs its focus towards a subject of paramount importance that resonates deeply within any family, society, and country: mental health. Within the Sri Lankan context, where discussions surrounding mental well-being often linger as a taboo, La Pard has undertaken the crucial task of shedding light on this critical matter. 

The collection draws inspiration from individuals who bravely stand against bullies, vocalise their struggles, and actively seek assistance during periods of depression and anxiety. By centring its designs around a simple deck of cards and highlighting the unique joker card, typically undervalued yet integral, La Pard aims to spark a conversation that transcends societal stigmas. 

Through its artistic expression, the brand aspires to inspire compassion, understanding, and support, fostering an environment where mental health is acknowledged, discussed, and ultimately, embraced.

Brunch picks for Day 4

Samant Chauhan 

In the evocative collection titled ‘Whispers of Spring’ by Samant Chauhan, the designs unfold like the arrival of spring, where wildflowers bloom amidst a wreath of delicate smoke. Each piece serves as a testament to the beauty of colour and the rebirth of nature, paying homage to the essence of the season itself. 

The collection delicately captured the untold tales of vibrant sunflowers, the fragility of a baby’s breath, and the exquisite elegance of daffodils. The designs, much like the chosen theme, were noteworthy for their ability to evoke the intended emotions, creating a visual narrative that resonated with the spirit of spring. Samant’s artistic interpretation beautifully mirrored the essence of nature’s renewal, making ‘Whispers of Spring’ a captivating and aesthetically pleasing showcase of fashion that harmonised with the beauty of the changing seasons.

Lovi

In the pursuit of excellence, Lovi Ceylon has successfully secured a fantastic Brand Ambassador in Yohani, whose embodiment of its beautiful clothing adds an extra layer of grace and sophistication to its already exquisite designs. Yohani carries the essence of Lovi’s craftsmanship with a finesse that resonates effortlessly, turning each piece into a masterpiece. 

The designs, as usual, stood out for their dedication to craftsmanship, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in every embroidery, handloom, beading, and stitch. As we approach the centennial of Sri Lanka’s independence in 2048, the collection ‘Bloom’ by Lovi Ceylon serves as a profound tribute to the country’s promising future. 

Each garment is a testament to the thousands of hours invested in loving labour, reflecting not just the brand’s commitment to quality but also its vision for a grand future for Sri Lanka. Together, Lovi Ceylon invites us to bloom, symbolising a collective journey towards greatness and a shared vision of a developed and flourishing Sri Lanka.