Sunday Observer Fashion Designer of the Year 2009:

Young fashion perspectives

By Nilma DOLE

Glittering designs and dazzling colour will electrify the catwalk when the young fashion designers of Sri Lanka showcase their talent. “We should highlight our local talent without borrowing and copying designs from others. The sole purpose of this competition is to prove integrity and friendly competition in the form of respect to the fashion industry”, said the mover and shaker of the show, Chula Nanayakkara Ariyaratna. With undoubtedly a talent for making the most of just ordinary material, Chula has held this event for the 5th time now.

Speaking about the local fashion industry, Chula said the potential and talent is astounding that it will be high time when Sri Lanka takes on the international ramp. “We should give plenty of opportunities for our young designers because it shouldn’t only be the big players who should monopolise the trade. We need fresh perspectives in fashion and the only way to achieve Sri Lankan success internationally is to have a competition of this nature”, said Chula. Moreover, with fashion making waves and eco-friendly designs coming into vogue, Sri Lanka is blessed with natural wonders that give inspiration to harness fashion creativity.

“We should promote those from the rural areas to invoke their identity in fashion by being inspired by their surroundings and take it to the city”, said Chula. In addition to this, she said urban fashion is highly influenced by the West but rural fashion still gives a sense of cultural spirit that is unmatched.

Even those who have just a talent and would like to pursue it are welcome to apply for the Fashion Designer of the Year competition.

“You never know what potential you have until you take the initiative to discover your hidden talents. Some of the recognized veterans have started with a simple pencil sketch and a big idea”, said Chula. Further commenting, “The aim of this competition is to get those unknown and budding fashion designers get on the platform and prove their worth.

If they don’t go out to the open and hide their talents inside then the world won’t know what amazing talent we have in our country”, she said.

Sri Lanka has one of the brimming fashion industries in the world which is relatively young and dynamic. Chula said it’ll be a matter of time until the world is amazed by the designs and celebrities around the world will grace our dazzling designs.

Be a part of this amazing journey of fashion design and who knows? You could be the next best star designer!