Striding out their talents for style
By Dilshan Boange
Colours and contours unfolded in a glitzy and glamorous culmination
of showcasing talent for fashion and design creation recently at the
Galadari Hotel as the University of Moratuwa's final year students of
the Department of Textile and Clothing Technology brought out their best
to be showcased at their Graduation Fashion show.
Today as Sri Lanka is now reaching towards newer horizons to showcase
Sri Lankan talent to meet the demands of international industries in
respect of both materials and skills this even of the University of
Moratuwa's Department of Textile and Clothing Technology can be thought
of as a pitch for creative connectivity and recognition of young Sri
Lankan designers who will form the streams of fashion creators of the
next generation.
Our human capital that can be of much value to the international
fashion industry in terms of 'creative investment' cannot be
underestimated.
Yet it is not often that we see forums being created to showcase the
wealth of creative talents Sri Lankans can offer international markets
to create pathways for our younger generations to take our country's
image to the world.
Commercial ventures
In this regard the course offered by the Department of Textile and
Clothing Technology is an asset to the country and a pathway for young
creative souls to reach their aspirations of entrepreneurship in the
field of fashion and clothing, or harnessing their talents to serve
commercial ventures of an international scale with leading clothing and
fashion labels of the world.
The course was introduced to nurture the next generation of fashion
designers from Sri Lanka and has close collaboration with the industry
and the Government Departments. The Bachelor of Design Degree in Fashion
Design and Product Development was introduced with a Consultancy
provided by the London College of Fashion of the University of the Arts,
London.
 The course is now fully established and is one of the degree courses
with a high demand in the University system of Sri Lanka. This course
was established to satisfy a long-felt need in the Apparel Export
industry.
Joint research
The Joint Apparel Associations Forum (JAAF) which is the apex
organisation of the Apparel exporters has worked with the University and
supported the course from its inception.
The initial funding to commence the course was provided by the
Government of Sri Lanka through the Ministry of Industrial Development
Commerce.
Textured Jersey Lanka plc which is the principal sponsor of the
Graduation Show this year has now entered in to a more cohesive
partnership with the University of Moratuwa, to support the Department
of Textile and Clothing Technology.
The partnership will strengthen the link between the two institutions
so that they would engage in mutually beneficial activities.
These include supporting the annual Graduation Fashion Show,
placements of students and staff in the industry, engaging in joint
research, designing fashion portfolios and many more.
The panel of Judges at the Graduation Show were eminent personalities
in the fashion world and this year Suzie Katz of Brandix Lanka, Rebecca
Ward of Quantum Clothing, Peter Katz, Freelance Designer and Priyantha
Fernando, Technical Director, MAS Holdings were present.
The evening of splendour and innovation in fashion came to a close
amidst rousing cheer to mark another successful graduation show by the
University of Moratuwa's Department of Textile and Clothing Technology.
The staff and students as well as all who were present surely believe
that a significant journey is underway for the visions of tomorrows
clothing trends by Sri Lankan youth to gain the recognition and future
encouragement that they richly deserve.

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