Colombo Fashion Week (CWF) concluded its 20th anniversary edition this past weekend. CFW is one of Colombo’s most anticipated events and as usual, it did not disappoint. Attracting fashion enthusiasts from all corners of the world, this year’s event boasted an important perspective as it further embraced CFW’s long-time mission of driving ethical practices in the industry and shining a light on the importance of sustainability.
As the event’s official partner for the fifth consecutive year, Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo and One Galle Face were the proud venue hosts throughout the event, with the exception of Day 1, which was held as a private event at the Colombo Mayor’s Residence.
Here are some of Brunch’s personal favourites from this season.
Day 1:
A highly exclusive event held at the Mayor’s Residence, Day 1 featured just two designers – Indian duo Abraham & Thakore and our own Dimuthu Sahabandu.
Abraham & Thakore
Abraham & Thakore’s collection showcased what the duo is best known for – blending contemporary and traditional elements seamlessly. The collection featured a range of garments that were both elegant and effortless, with a focus on clean lines and minimalistic silhouettes. The use of Indian textiles and craftsmanship was evident in the intricate embroidery and detailing on each piece, elevating them from simple to sophisticated.
Dimuthu Sahabandu
Titled ‘The Dark Water Pond,’ Dimuthu’s collection was a captivating and thought-provoking display of artistry. The collection featured stunning designs inspired by the depths of a pond and the creatures that reside within it. Using a mix of textures, fabrics, and intricate detailing, the collection was a tribute to the unique beauty that can be found even in the darkest of places.
Day 2
Day 2 was dedicated to emerging designers, showcasing the future of Sri Lankan fashion design. It was a great platform for young, up-and-coming designers to showcase their talent, with the hope of launching their careers in the fashion industry. The ramp was filled with fresh, innovative designs, with a focus on each designer’s unique aesthetic, ranging from bold prints to understated elegance.
Featured designers included Chamanka Hewage, Devapriya Halwala, Rochelle Tissera, Aysha Faizer, Jaishni Karunaratne, Hirushi Jayathilake, Shehani Guruge, Navindri Ranatunga, and Akash Paranavitharana.
The Day 2 show ended with a special showcase by Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani, who presented a range of textile concepts developed during the pandemic.
Shehani Guruge
Shehani’s collection with its focus on inclusivity and empowering women was not only visually stunning but also emotionally charged. The designer’s commitment to creating fashion for breast cancer survivors is evident in the innovative 2D and 3D fabric manipulations used in the collection. The silhouettes created were both feminine and powerful, with an aim to empower women to embrace their bodies post-surgery.
The vibrant colour palette reflected the inspiring stories of cancer survivors who have owned their experiences and embraced their journeys. The designer’s passion for empowering women shone through every aspect of the collection, a powerful statement about the importance of inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry.
Hirushi Jayathilake
Hirushi, who specialises in couture and occasion wear, stayed close to her strengths as her collection shone with its impeccable silhouettes and whimsical details. Having demonstrated her dedication and attention to detail, Hirushi did not fail to showcase her craftsmanship and technique in embroidery and textile craft.
The designer supports Sri Lankan manufacturing by promoting ethical labour, craftsmanship, and sustainable production and she was sure to stitch in her ethics at her first showcase as an emerging designer.
Navindri Ranatunga
Navindri showcased Navyāti – a brand that attempts to capture relatively overlooked aspects of ancient Sri Lankan art, culture, and folk heritage, while integrating these elements into contemporary textile design. Motifs, imagery, and forms from ancient Sri Lanka are juxtaposed with modern design through silhouettes, print, and colour.
The brand aims to bridge the gap between ancient and modern design while hoping to be both accessible and intriguing for contemporary customers with its unique textile development involving hand-painted motifs transferred onto digital prints and layered with touches of various Western embroidery techniques.
Day 3
Indi Yapa Abeywardena
Indi Yapa Abeywardena’s ‘Rainbow’ collection was easily one of the best collections of this year’s CFW. The collection was a perfect representation of the event’s theme of inclusivity, as it incorporated a diverse range of colours and textures. The collection showcased the designer’s signature style of soft drapes and luxurious textures, while also including handcrafted elements from local rural artisans.
The ‘Rainbow’ collection featured an array of brilliant colours, symbolising hope in many cultures. The designer’s focus on inclusivity was evident in the collection, as she challenged stereotypes and represented love through her designs. The handcrafted elements not only added a unique touch to the collection but also supported small business enterprises.
Sonali Dharmawardena
A veteran designer and no stranger to CFW, Sonali kicked things off as she featured a piece from her very first collection which she showcased on the CFW stage two decades ago – borrowed from a customer who was kind enough to lend it for the occasion.
Sonali’s collection was once again a picture perfect representation of what we have come to love about her designs. Both an artist and a designer, Sonali continues in her value addition to fabric by creating fusions of traditional and ancient styles. As is her specialty, her collection featured natural fabric with bold colours and beautiful silhouettes.
Charini Suriyage
Charini, a designer who has been with CFW for 14 years, has a well-known brand with distinctive identity which is well-received locally and internationally. It carries bold yet elegant statement pieces with unique concepts.
Charini shared that this year’s collection was a tribute to powerful women with big hearts: “It’s for all the boss ladies who balance everyday work and home. They are powerful yet sensitive, unapologetic but honest.”
Rizwan Beyg
One of the biggest names in fashion in South Asia and the Middle East, Beyg is the finest couturier from Pakistan. He returns to Colombo Fashion Week after a gap of five years.
Internationally recognised for his expertise in embroidery, his collection at CFW saw a glimpse of his signature fine needlework. Working with basics, his collection uses his pattern making skills to craft pieces that strongly emphasise a fluid silhouette. A collection of separates accessorised with his brand’s leather accessories and handbags are complemented with jewellery.
Amilani Perera
Amilani’s collection this year highlights the societal responsibility around technology-facilitated gender-based violence. It shows how we as a society need to nurture women, similar to how a seed is nurtured by the sun, water, and pollination. Much like these essentials of nature, Amilani showcases that society needs to facilitate positive energy through technology in order to live a safe and fulfilling life.
The collection represented technology through webs weaved by disabled survivors of violence with a display of an array of embroidery techniques and sublimation printing, maintaining a minimum impact to the environment.