Sunday Observer Fashion Designer 2010 :

Semi Finals on August 31

by Thulasi MUTTULINGAM

All applicants and future fashion designers of the country take note: the semi finals of the Sunday Observer Fashion Designer of the year will be on August 31.

A promising and talented 20 applicants will be short listed by an eminent panel of judges to go on to the final show to be held on October 16. All those who have applied (or are yet to apply), please be at the Sovereign Hotel, Rajagiriya at 9.00 am on August 31 along with a portfolio of the sketches you sent in.

A fortunate 20 among you will be selected for the final show at the BMICH on October 16 which has now become a major annual feature on the fashion calendar.

Ramzi Rahaman is the official hairdresser/makeup artiste and has been since the show's inception. He says that he is extremely surprised by the 'remarkable amount of talent shown by the contestants' every year and how difficult it is to narrow them down to 20 as well as to choose the final winners.

"This show is a good opportunity for them. It's not necessarily all about winning. All those who go on to the finals will get some much needed experience and confidence just by participating on a show of this kind. How to co-ordinate themselves and present themselves to advantage, how to work with models, hairdressers and makeup artistes."

He also said that the show would be a good opportunity for everyone to make their mark, get noted by the audience, some of whom would be from the advertising and fashion design industry, and thus get valuable contacts.

"The show can be used as a stepping stone for all those who would like to move up and progress further," according to Ramzi.

The official sponsors for the show are Singer Sri Lanka while Ranjan Dedigama of Gems and Jewels (Pvt) Ltd, Maharagama is the sponsor for office wear.