Sunday Observer: CATS SINGER Designer of the Year 2012

A new wave of creativity

By Mahes PERERA

The young budding fashion designers have gone to great lengths to ensure that their artistic brilliance is something that cannot be overlooked. The judges are bound to have to a tough task in selecting those contestants who deserve to move into the final. The semi finals will be held on September 16, two Sundays from today and it is clear that the contestants have put in a lot of effort to impress the judges in the outfits they have chosen - be it bridal wear, kiddies wear, winter wear, saree wear, evening wear, officer wear, sports wear, casual wear, swim wear and lingerie. A new wave of creativity will be on display.

The Sunday Observer Most Popular Designer of the Year voting coupon printed on this page is awaiting action from you. So, hurry vote for your choice of contestant and mail your coupon to the Sunday Observer.

Tickets for the grand finale which will be held at the Grand Oriental Hotel the host hotel are now available at Elegant Smockers, Havelock Road, Semage Mirros at Nawala and Furnifits, High Level Road, Kirulapone. Tickets are priced at Rs. 1,000 3,000 and 5,000 .

Models who wish to be a part of the competition by modelling the outfits of the contestants are requested to write to the organisers CATS indicating their availability. Please send in a photograph as well.

The sponsors of CATS SINGER Designer of the Year are Sterling Flowers, Semage Mirrors, Rite Shu, Elegant Smokers, Furnifits and YFM Radio.

Madusha Basnayake

I never pictured myself as a designer but somehow I spent my childhood sewing dresses and making my own funky accessories.

I studied at Girls' High School, Kandy and I'm now in the second year at the Department of Integrated Design Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa. My mother is a good seamstress and is a great influence on me. I compete under four categories - casual wear, saree, evening wear and kids wear. I always wanted to have my own designer boutique and I hope I will succeed.

Fathima Hafsa Killru

I'm 13 years and a student of Colombo South International School. I've been interested in designing from the time I was 10 . I believe I can present the designs to the best of my ability and I thank my family for the support they are giving me.

Niranjala Manchanayake

I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the organisers of this contest. This is a realisation of one of my childhood dreams and also this is a great opportunity for me to uncover my skills and disabilities. I have being doing fashion designing as a hobby for my relatives and friends and they motivated me to take part in the contest. I have completed a diploma in Embroidery at the Singer School and I believe that the exposure I gain by being a participant will broaden my skills.

Venya Lakshini de Silva

A past pupil of Musaeus College, I was at the University of Moratuwa to read for an honours degree in Fashion Design and Product Development, and undergoing in plan training at MAS Intimates. My ambition is to be a top fashion designer and I hope the participation in this contest will be a turning point in my career.

Shashikalani Naduni Perera

I am 21 years old and studying Air Line Travel and tourism. A past pupil of Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa, I always wanted to enter such a contest to express my designing abilities. My mother inspired me to become a designer and if I win this competition it will give me the opportunity to turn professional.

Lasanthika Randima

Fashion designing has always been a dream in my life. I followed a fashion design and dressmaking Diploma course and I'm happy to take part in this design competition and I'm enjoying the special experience. I am inspired by the works of Mare Jacobs and Karl Lagerfied.

Yasisurie Kiribandara

"Fashion is an expression of self; an extension of who I am and what I feel" - in short it is my inspiration in life! This is true when it comes to Yasisurie and how she perceives fashion. A freelance designer for a while after working for some of the leading garment exporters in Sri Lanka after she obtained her qualifications from AOD. "I explored my interests until I found my passion which is design. Currently I design for individuals as well as brands / companies.

I've never been a part of any contest before and I felt this was an excellent opportunity to show my art with you. I will showcasing evening wear, casual wear and office wear. I have always been inspired by Coco Chanel who to me revolutionized fashion along with Alexander Mcqueen, Anna Sui, Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood and Zac Posen. I hope one day we would be able to take fashion to the state where we would have our own guild as the CFDA" said Yasisurie.