The HSBC Colombo Fashion Week marked 15 years of reviving the country’s fashion industry with a celebration of Colombo. Hosted by the Hilton Colombo, this year CFW aimed to showcase Colombo as a hub of tourism and as a city that is vibrant and creative. In addition to the fashion shows, this year saw a collaboration with art, film, food and even music.
“It’s a good milestone for the fashion design industry of Sri Lanka, by god’s grace and support of all the stakeholders, we have consistently climbed the steps. Today when we look back, the humble step that was taken in 2003 has created and revived the fashion design industry of Sri Lanka, it has built pride in Sri Lankan labels, opened the way for young Sri Lankans to become designers and created commerce. This year we look to the next 15 years,” said Ajai Vir Singh, Founder and President of Colombo Fashion Week.
More than 30 designers, both local and international showcased their creations over a period of four days. The international designers included Bibi Russell, Eymeric Francois, Urvashi Kaur and Tarun Tahiliani. From the list of Sri Lankan designers featured were Darshi Keerthisena, Upeksha Hager, Charini Suriyage, Maus, Dimuthu Sahabandu, Conscience, Meraki, Sonali Dharmawardena, Fouzul Hameed, Jaishree, Amilani Perera, Catherine Rawson, Lovi Ceylon, Nilanka Silva, Aslam Hussein, Indeevari Yapa Abeyagunawardene and Gihan Ediriweera.
This year CFW sought the creation of original tracks for selected CFW designers for their runway segment. ‘Fashion + Food’ provided a gastronomic adventure with the food event designed around the fashion capitals of the world – London, New York, Tokyo, Milan and Paris in partnership with restaurants including Il Ponte, LAB and Ikoi Tei.
The Responsible Fashion Summit took place with a panel of local and international experts. Meanwhile, in the third season of Fashion Films, brought the inspiration of fashion designers to life through one-minute films shot on a smartphone. Art Connect showcased compositions by six renowned Sri Lankan artists, who featured fashion and art under the theme ‘Co-liberate’.
