Sunday Observer Fashion Designer of the Year 2009:

Launching pad to go international

The search for the best fashion designer of the year has begun with application forms now pouring in to reveal the best of fashion Sri Lanka has to offer.

"We also welcome fashion designers to display and walk the ramp provided they fit the standard", said Chula Nayannakkara the fashion livewire behind the show.

Rozanne Diaz

However, Chula will also train would-be models and designers in achieving the real fashion design standard. Chula also helps designers get the right opportunities to shine and enhance their work further. "Every fashion designer entering the competition has the potential to go international", said Chula who emphasized the fact that the sky is the limit for soon-to-be-successful designers.

"One of the segments of the show is office wear and I would advise competitors to think of smart and elegant designs coupling some Sri Lankan elements", said Chula Nayannakkara, who also did a fashion segment and an amazing dress design for the then Miss Sri Lanka Rozanne Diaz in Malaysia in 2005 for PERMA (Persatuan Perkhidmatan Masyarakat Ceylonese Selangor Dan Wilayah Persekutuan).

"For the sari segment at last year's competition, we didn't have enough of Kandyans and this time we are encouraging competitors to go for a fusion mix of Kandyan and Indian to highlight the essence of Sri Lankan designs", said Chula.

Further she commented, "Gaining inspiration from our surroundings and reflecting our love for Sri Lanka is what is required especially if we are to take our designs to the international arena". The fashion industry is always open to new ideas and dazzling creativity and harnessing the right talent is the key.

Speaking about how designs are judged, Chula said it was difficult to find the best design because every design is unique and creative in their own way.

"What we are looking for is a design that outsteps all boundaries to be creative, elegant, dazzling, mesmerizing and definitely possible to wear in Sri Lanka", said Chula.

In addition to this, Chula also mentioned that some of the best people will be working and helping out back stage to make this year's competition a success.

"Imran Packeer Saibo will be handling the lighting and back stage while Clifford Richards will be the master of ceremonies", said Chula.

Further she said, "Ramzi Rahaman who was responsible for my show in Malaysia will also help out in the hair and make-up for this years' show as well".

So make sure you be part of the action by filling the coupon and entering the 'Fashion Designer of the Year 2009' competition to see if you got what it takes to make it big! See page 25 for coupon.