Sunday Observer Fashion Designer of the Year 2009

Creating the right ambience for designs

The beauty guru behind the dazzling hairstyles and the stunning makeup for the ‘Fashion Designer of the Year’ competition will be none other than Ramzi Rahman. Ramzi, who has been part of the competition from day one, said, “Compared to the first competition, I see major improvements and the amount of contestants have increased.” He said the competition has been a good way for even those from out of Colombo to gain exposure, experience and most importantly, networking for the right contacts. “The competition is a stepping stone for young designers from any age group to learn from the best players in the fashion industry and make their mark”, said Ramzi who has worked with Chula Nanayakkara to make Sri Lankan fashion alive in countries like the UK and Malaysia.

“Nowadays it’s easy for anyone with a creative talent to be a fashion designer because everything from tailoring a dress to stitching can be outsourced”, he said. Ramzi, a notable beautician and bridal dresser, said competitors should adhere to the rules and regulations if they want to achieve the required standard of winning. “Sometimes, it’s just the identity of a style or the creative spark that tends to catch the eyes of the judges making it stiff competition” he pointed. Everyone has talent and channelling the right talent into the proper line of fashion design is vital; otherwise people won’t know the value of it.

However, Ramzi also said it is important for the designers to work well and know the real pressures of getting ready for a fashion show. “This is their first taste of a major fashion event and it’s imperative that they work together with veterans in the industry”, said Ramzi who knows how nitty and gritty it can be in the fashion industry. “Also, it should be highlighted that designers should have a good communication with their models and their beauticians,” he said. “There is space for designers to model, there are designers to test the waters in other areas and simply see the amazing talent Sri Lanka possesses compared to other countries”, he said. Furthermore, Ramzi hopes this trend continues. “To have a fashion designing competition that will help those from the rural areas gain an opportunity to shine is important in this country because that is where the true talent lies”, he said. Not to say that Colombo doesn’t have a brimming fashion sense but Ramzi said when having a fashion show, it is important to achieve the right result for the target audience. In times where fashion shows are more entertainment than for buyers, Ramzi noted that Sri Lankan identity should be prevalent in every garment. “Sri Lanka is now known for the best of garments but still needs to get the right talent out there from even our villages”, he said.

It’s no use copying from the West but being influenced and dressing up to suit our culture is what counts the most.

“I would also like to see a bridal segment in the future where people can harness the best of Sri Lankan bridal designs to offer the international market”, concluded Ramzi.Finally, the applications have come in and the semi-finalists have been selected. The semi-final round of the Fashion Designer of the Year competition will come alive on the 17th of September so good luck to all contesants!

Hurry up !

Ms. Chula Nanayakkara Ariyarathna invites all creative persons irrespective of age and educational qualifications to send in four sketches of their designs before Sept.17. Those who could not send your sketches by post can present themselves at the B.M.I.C.H , Cinema Lounge on Sept. 17, for the Semi Finals of Sunday Observer Fashion Designer of the Year 2009 by 9.00a.m.