Sunday Observer Fashion Designer of the Year 2009:

Wanna be the next winner?

Ms. Chula Nanayakkara and the winners.

First runner-up Shehan Fernando with the winner at the Fahion Designer of the Year 2008.

As the applications pour in for the 'Fashion Designer of the Year' competition, the event has never been this happening with the glitz and glamour taking centre stage.

So much so that everyone who even takes part in the competition is already seen as a winner because the recognition is massive.

"It's not about competition, the prizes or gifts that make the 'Fashion Designer of the Year' competition a great one but the fact that several designers build confidence and the strength to make it out on their own" said Chula Nanayakkara.

So much so that even the first runner-up Shehan Fernando has also got a foothold in the fashion industry not just in Sri Lanka but internationally.

The talented designer who won second place is now in England studying fashion designing and working for a fashion house. Says Chula, "We hope to give

everyone a chance to take part in the competition because it is a chance for those talented designers to know what creativity they can exude."

Speaking to the `Sunday Observer' was Mrs.de Silva who has given the strength and support to her daughter who