Sunday Observer Fashion Designer of the Year 2009:

Chance to get to the top

As the applications pour in, the charismatic Chula rushed to the Observer Editorial and said that there were dynamic applicants from a multitude of backgrounds proving how good the response has been for the 'Fashion Designer of the Year 2009' competition.

"We even got applicants who were a mother-daughter duo who were keen on participating as it wasn't a family competition but gaining a suitable platform for them to shine in fashion design" she said.

Sunday Observer caught up with Asoka Duminda, who was last years' winner of the 'Fashion Designer of the Year' contest. He said, "I started as a simple tailor having a shop for about 10 years in Boralesgamuwa before I applied for the competition.

However, in order to further my knowledge, I finished a Fashion Designing diploma at the Selak College because I believe that having a good foundation is important to stay ahead of the game".

Asoka said that despite being unheard of before the competition, he commends Chula and ANCL for helping talented designers from all over the country to show their designs with happiness.

"It's always the imported fashion people want to buy and flaunt but something Sri Lankan in style, thought and creativity is something that is unmatched anywhere in the world" he said.

Thanking Chula for her advice and positive spirit, Asoka was happy that everyone has the opportunity to make it to the top. He said that with the Observer 'Fashion Designer of the Year competition', it's not about having money to gain recognition but creativity, passion and the drive to have confidence that matters.

"Many designers ask other tailors to stitch the pattern that they brainstorm but a true fashion designer will know what it takes to start from scratch, as to getting the right material for stitching, sewing and embroidering" said Asoka who thinks that the fashion industry here favour only the Sri Lankan bridals more than other clothing. Today, Asoka holds his head up high with great fashion designing offers as judges favoured his Black/White/Red designs that tickled their fancy at last years' competition. "I'm hoping to launch my very own label soon that would infuse a sense of Sri Lankan identity coupled

with a bit of fusion from the West. In addition to this, I've already worked with Derana to design costumes for their mega events" said Asoka. Further he commented, "I have also been designing costumes for teledramas and hope that even celebrities will approach me to uplift their fashion identity."

In keeping with his love for fashion, Asoka advised all wannabe designers, "Know your basics first and then think of creative aspects.

You should believe in yourself and try to be the best you can because the fashion industry is not easy."

So keep those applications rolling in to be a part of the mega fashion fiesta event called the Observer 'Fashion Designer of the Year 2009'!