On Sri Lanka’s Independence Day, February 4, Colombo International Fashion Week kicked off with an eclectic mix of the young and the experienced from Sri Lanka and the globe, who got together to showcase a spectacular array of fashion.
Some of the most popular labels of Sri Lanka, like Middle Finger, Arugam Bay and LICC denim wear took to the centre stage, along with newer names like Nadiya Iqbal, Upeksha and Indi.
From silks to cottons to amazing western silhouettes as well as sexy beach wear, there was everything that represented modern day Sri Lanka on stage.
The venue, Hilton Hotel, ensured a touch of Lanka in the ambience too. The designers that really stood apart from the rest from the rest were Upeksha, Indi, Asanga, FH Studio by Fousul Hameed (arguably the most chic menswear in recent times) and the very experienced Sonali Fernando. All of these chose to showcase western wear mainly, while Asanga did have some gorgeous block print saris as part of the collection.
The Arugam Bay collection received the loudest cheer. The show kickstarted with a bunch of surfers taking to the stage, clothed in chic beach wear, carrying their surfing boards too.
The LICC denim show saw some elegant alteration to designs of denims. The evening saw international representation in the form of Laskala, a Russian label designed by Masha. The evening wear comprised of short dresses.
The showstopper outfit had prints of Marilyn Monroe on it. The evening ended with Gaurav Gupta from India, who showcased a mix of desi and western wear. The one layered churidar that he showcased, was the talking point for the evening.
12 designers in one day, would have been a long and tiring affair. But Prasad Bidapa managed to showcase all of them in less than two hours. International touch indeed, we like!
