Sunday Observer: CATS SINGER Designer of the Year 2012:

Excitement begins to mount

By Mahes PERERA

The capacity-packed hall at the Grand Oriental Hotel was sizzling with expressions of excitement by the contestants who had applied and were waiting to be interviewed by the jury. The not so exuberant, maintained a dignified silence awaiting their turn to sit at the table with the judges, display their sketches which reflected their commitment and their understanding of the categories they had chosen.

The organisers were taken aback by the number of contestants more than 75 who turned up for the interview which was held on August 12.

The contestants who wished to submit their sketches for all ten categories were encouraged to do so, while there were others who wished to submit for three categories.

The categories ten in number are bridal wear, kiddies wear, winter wear, saree wear, evening wear, office wear, sports wear, casual wear, swim wear and lingerie.

The jury comprised renowned personalities in the field of fashion instruction and society in general.

Registration of participants

*M. Vajira Peiris, Senior Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University, UK and former lecturer and graduate of the University of Moratuwa.

*Prathibani Manthriratne, Lecturer, Department of Textile and Clothing Technology, University of Moratuwa. Also lecturer and freelance designer in Textile and Fashion Designing.

*Dhammika de Alwis, Manager Educational Services, Singer (Sri Lanka) Plc.

*Achini Tharaka Ranaweera, Masters Degree University of Westminster UK. B Des (Degree) University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Lecturer University of Moratuwa and Course Editor (Visiting) Open University, Sri Lanka.

*S. Suriarachchi, Chairman Suriarachchi Group.
*Dulip de Alwis, General Manager, Grand Oriental Hotel.

The first three winners of the contest will receive sewing machines, while the categories winners, the 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up will also win valuable prizes. The overall winner section will have a 1st runner-up and a 2nd runner-up. Winners in the contest will receive scholarships in Fashion Designing Technology.

The diploma in fashion designing will take you through studies in fashion creating, fashion illustrations, colour theories, international high quality methods for cutting, sewing, finishing and many other aspects of designing technology. All participants will receive certificates and attractive prizes. The Sunday Observer is the print media partner while the Grand Oriental Hotel is the official hotel.

Other sponsors are Sterling Flowers, Semege Mirrors, Rite Shu, Elegant Smockers, Furnifits and YFM Radio.

The panel of judges