Fashion Shows & Events Archives

March 25, 2024

Colombo, 25^th March 2024: TikTok made its debut entrance into Sri Lanka’s dynamic fashion landscape by collaborating with Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) as its official Social Media Partner. This partnership marked a milestone for both TikTok and CFW, as they joined forces to celebrate creativity, diversity, and innovation in the local fashion industry through #FashionTok.

This March, across the three bustling locations in Colombo, CFW welcomed fashion enthusiasts to its 21st edition, showcasing a blend of local and international designers’ exceptional work. With TikTok’s support, the event reached new heights, offering attendees and online audiences an immersive experience like never before.

As part of the collaboration, TikTok introduced a QR Code strategically placed at the event venues, guiding users to the dedicated #FashionTok page, which provided a plethora of exclusive CFW content ranging from behind-the-scenes glimpses to runway highlights from the event. Through interactive one-minute videos and innovative features like Photomode, TikTok captured the essence of CFW and shared its unique and creative flair with a global audience.

In addition to the stellar lineup of designers at Colombo Fashion Week, including renowned names such as Limak by Kamil, Amilani Perera, Fouzul Hameed, Afsana Ferdousi and others, the event also featured emerging talents who are actively engaged in FashionTok and the TikTok platform. Designers like Maleesha Perera of Moir.ae, Chihiro Fernando of Chihiro.lk, Ara by Arsath Furkhan, Aysha Faizer of Lankan Chic, and Gai by Gayanth Karunarathne, utilized TikTok to showcase their creativity and attract a new and untapped audience to their brands.

#FashionTok emerged as a captivating subculture on TikTok, empowering Sri Lankans to redefine fashion’s boundaries and express their creativity. In a country that’s rich with cultural heritage, #FashionTok serves as a digital canvas for individuals to weave their unique narratives of style and beauty. Moreover, it serves as a powerful tool for promoting Sri Lankan fashion and talent on the global stage.

Beyond aesthetics, FashionTok fosters inclusivity and community, bridging the gap between aspiration and reality. It celebrates diversity, encourages collaboration, and inspires individuals from all backgrounds to embrace the universal language of fashion. Through its collaboration with CFW, TikTok reaffirms its commitment to supporting emerging talent and shaping the future of fashion in Sri Lanka and beyond.

December 5, 2023

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2023 – Hong Kong’s Avenue of Stars lit up in the glitziest fashion on Friday night (30 November) as French fashion house Louis Vuitton took over the promenade for its first-ever fashion show in the city. Overlooking Hong Kong’s stunning skyline, Victoria Harbour and the revitalised Victoria Dockside, Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Pre-Fall 2024 show was a nod to the city’s cultural vibrancy and nautical past, and showcased Hong Kong’s allure as a world stage for mega, cultural events.

Led by Louis Vuitton men’s creative director Pharrell Williams, the Avenue of Stars was transformed into a sandy beach, as models marched down digital displays of lapping waves.

One of the biggest spectacles of its kind in Asia, hundreds of international stars and socialites lined the promenade, including Louis Vuitton CEO Pietro Beccari, French actor Tahar Rahim, American rapper Pusha T, Chinese idol band TNT, South Korean actor Song Joong-ki, as well as Hong Kong celebrities Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, and Louis Koo.

The success of the momentous event was attributed to facilitation from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government, which offered its full support to Louis Vuitton, including coordination of approvals, venue usage and layout, as well as crowd control, ensuring the show advanced smoothly from conception to fruition, and all planned in only a few months. The Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department also played instrumental roles in staging the remarkable event.

Ending with a riveting light show above Victoria Harbour, where a squadron of choreographed drones displayed “LVers” (a combination of Louis Vuitton’s monogram with the word “lovers”), the show sent a message of positivity to Hong Kong and the rest of the world. The event was livestreamed on Louis Vuitton’s social media accounts, attracting over 10 million views, and is still reaching eyeballs on multiple social media platforms transmitting snapshots of the magnificent show to the globe.

Hong Kong’s international comeback as a hub for mega cultural events

The Hong Kong SAR Government attaches great importance to enticing international and mega arts and cultural events, cultivating Hong Kong as an arts and cultural metropolis and tourist attraction. Locals and tourists alike can expect more acclaimed events in the city over the coming year.

Similar News Items about Fashion more AfroAsia News Can be found here.

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July 13, 2023

Wednesday 12^th July 2023, Colombo – Mrs. India Inc, the esteemed beauty pageant celebrating the essence of womanhood, is all set to unveil its highly anticipated Season 4. This year promises to be a truly remarkable and international affair, as the grand finale will take place in the captivating island nation of Sri Lanka. It will be the first time in the history of Mrs. India Inc, that the prestigious event will be held on an international stage.

With an impressive participation of 75 contestants from various parts of India and across the globe, Season 4 of Mrs. India Inc, is expected to be the most diverse and enthralling edition yet. The pageant has attracted talented individuals from different countries, making it a truly global celebration of beauty, grace, and cultural diversity.

The highly anticipated finale week of Mrs. India Inc, Season 4 is set to take place from July 13th to July 19th, offering a captivating schedule filled with exhilarating events and experiences. The week-long extravaganza will commence with a grand opening ceremony, where the contestants will be introduced to the audience in a stunning display of grace and elegance. Following the ceremony, a series of rigorous training sessions, workshops, and rehearsals will be conducted to polish the contestants’ skills and enhance their confidence. Throughout the week, the contestants will have the privilege of exploring the picturesque beauty of Sri Lanka, immersing themselves in the vibrant local culture, and creating cherished memories.

The grand finale of Mrs. India Inc, Season 4 will be held at the iconic Nelum Pokuna, a world-class venue known for hosting magnificent events. The contestants will have the privilege of staying at the luxurious Cinnamon Grand Colombo, one of the finest hospitality destinations of Sri Lanka, ensuring their utmost comfort and convenience throughout the event.

To ensure a fair and unbiased selection, a distinguished panel of judges has been assembled, consisting of renowned personalities from various domains. The esteemed judges include: Malaika Arora, Dino Morea, S. Sreesanth, Cherag Bambbot and Bhawna Rao. Adding an extra touch of glamour and entertainment, the renowned Sri Lankan performer Yohani will grace the stage with a special performance that is sure to captivate the audience.

Prior to the main event, Sri Lankans have the opportunity of meeting with the elegant finalists at a Gala Party which will be held on Monday 17^th July 2023, at the Waterside Marquee, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo. Tickets priced at 12,500 LKR are currently on sale at the special events desks at both Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo. Cricket fans will also have the opportunity of meeting former Indian cap Sreesanth at this event.

Bollywood fans in Sri Lanka will surely be in for another treat when the After-Party to the Grand Finale takes place on 19^th July at the Breeze Bar, Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Malaika and Dino are both tipped to make special appearances at this celebration along with the newly crowned beauties. Tickets priced at 15,000 LKR for this event are also available at events desks at both Cinnamon properties.

Mrs. India Inc, Season 4 has partnered with several esteemed organizations to create an unparalleled experience for its participants and attendees. The luxury hospitality partners, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, will ensure an unforgettable stay for the contestants. The travel alliance partner- Visit My City, will contribute to making the journey in Sri Lanka seamless and delightful. The luxury couture partner, Bhawna Rao, will bring forth her exceptional designs to accentuate the beauty and elegance of the contestants. Rotaract District 3220 joins as the youth partner, emphasizing the importance of empowerment and social responsibility.

Mohini Sharma, the National Director of Mrs. India Inc, stated “We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Season 4 of Mrs. India Inc, which promises to be an extraordinary journey like never before. Taking our pageant to the international stage in Sri Lanka is a momentous step for us, showcasing the talent and beauty of women from around the world. We look forward to a truly diverse and captivating event, Mrs. India Inc, Season 4 will undoubtedly be a celebration of elegance, empowerment, and global unity between India & Sri Lanka”.

Echoing similar sentiments, Area Vice President, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo, Kamal Munasinghe noted, “Sri Lanka is at a point where our tourism industry is set to broaden its horizons and step into new avenues. One of the key areas is presenting our island nation as a destination for international events in the calibre of beauty pageants, large outdoor and indoor musical and sporting events, and gatherings of world bodies. Cinnamon is indeed proud to be associated with the Mrs. India Inc., brand as they themselves take the brand global and venture out of the sub-Continent.”

Mrs. India Inc, Season 4 promises to be a spectacular celebration of beauty, talent, and diversity, bringing together participants from around the world. This prestigious event will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the global pageant landscape.

February 21, 2022

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Five high-potential designers to be selected in 2022

With HSBC Colombo Fashion Week 2022 (CFW) scheduled for the end of February 2022, the organization has announced the launch of the HSBC Fashion Fund for Emerging Designers, as part of its Emerging Designer programme. Commencing this year, and going forward, five high-potential emerging designers will be selected and supported by this new initiative. The HSBC Fashion Fund aims to help rejuvenate and spur on creativity and innovation within Sri Lanka’s fashion and design industry, which has faced severe challenges since 2020, with established players struggling and newcomers facing business closures and other hardships.

Announcing the launch, Ajai Vir Singh – Founder and Managing Director of Colombo Fashion Week said, “I am very pleased to announce this new support-focused Fund and really thankful to HSBC for collaborating with us in this regard. Our partnership with HSBC extends over 15 years and they have clearly understood our vision. Today, as a result, we have been able to create this fund to support younger designers. As we move forward, this Fund will be developed further, based on the learnings and feedback we gather along the way. The establishment of the HSBC Fashion Fund for Emerging Designers is a great victory for the industry in Sri Lanka in terms of creating an environment that is conducive to fostering new and emerging talent.”

CFW has worked tirelessly, since its inception in 2003, to uplift, mentor and promote the fashion design industry in Sri Lanka. Continuing to collaborate with its long-standing title partner HSBC, commencing this year, the HSBC Fashion Fund for Emerging Designers will help to support and kick start the fashion journeys of Sri Lanka’s most promising new designers. This year alone, 5 Emerging Designers will be selected through a transparent selection process. These candidates will be supported by the Fund and CFW, both financially and in terms of mentorship and business guidance. The launch of the HSBC Fashion Fund comes at a time when the industry, particularly younger designers, need as much support as possible to mitigate the challenges created by the global pandemic and spur a recovery within the industry.

Commenting on CFW’s Emerging Designer Programme, Mr. Vir Singh added, “Our Emerging Designer programme is very personal to me and remains one of our most important initiatives. We embarked on it very early on in our journey as there weren’t many designers when we began in 2003. Thus, developing design talent became a priority and has remained so till now, and it will continue to remain so for the foreseeable future, as Sri Lanka is a growing and emerging market in terms of fashion design. We hope to gain more traction for this initiative in 2022, and move to even bigger things in the future.”

CFW’s Emerging Designer program has been an integral part of Colombo Fashion Week since its inception, having paved the way for many well-known names in the industry today. CFW’s Design Development System has directly impacted close to 80% of fashion designers in Sri Lanka today, with the programme having evolved over the years, based on market feedback, to be as effective as possible. CFW, which is a developmental platform by nature, has also created various programmes to provide a support system for young designers embarking on a career in fashion. The Emerging Designer showcase programme is open to all Fashion Schools, with ever increasing participation. In 2020, this program saw 100 applications and last year, in 2021, over 120 applications were received. Applications and the selection process for the Fund have already commenced and more details are available on CFW’s digital pages.

Expressing support for the programme, Mark Surgenor, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives said, “We are proud of our longstanding partnership with CFW and the progress we have made to support and showcase talented designers in the country. As we celebrate 130 years, as the leading international bank in Sri Lanka, the emerging designer fashion fund is yet another step in our efforts to provide an opportunity for the next generation to think big and broaden their horizons, connecting to our purpose of opening up a world of opportunity for our customers. We look forward to this year’s program and wish all designers the best of luck on their journey.”

HSBC Colombo Fashion Week 2022 will take place from the 24^th to the 26^th of February 2022 and will see over 30 collections showcased and presented by emerging and prominent Sri Lankan and international designers.

Colombo Fashion Week was founded in 2003 with the key objective of uplifting, promoting and developing the fashion design industry of Sri Lanka. Over nearly two decades this developmental platform has created a fashion Eco-System in Sri Lanka, promoting every aspect of the fashion industry and the supply chain. Colombo Fashion Week is one of the four fashion weeks in Asia which are over 15 years old. Since inception, it has been produced at interesting locations and has collaborated with different creative industries to not only showcase the fashion design industry in Sri Lanka, but the other creative arts as well.

January 3, 2022

The 12^th Edition of this mega trade fair will be held in the heart of Jaffna this January 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd. The event is organized by Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd (LECS), in association with the Chamber of Commerce & Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY) and endorsed by International Business Council, The Ministry of Industry & Commerce and the Consulate General of India in Jaffna.

The Jaffna International Trade Fair is the most anticipated platform for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs to introduce their products to the population of the North. The organizers of the event noted that traders have experienced first-hand the potential the North has to offer.

The event is known to be a multi trade affair featuring industries, products and services in the Agriculture, Hospitality, Education, Food industries, Machinery, Construction, Consumer, Electronics, and real estate sectors.

The Main Sponsor for this year’s event will be Insee Cement, a proud stall holder for over a decade. Ruhunu foods tied up to become the Official Food Partner for the event. Official Telecommunication Partner will be Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd. who have been part of the event for 12 consecutive years since 2010. Official Safety & Hygiene Partner is Sun Match Company (Pvt) Ltd.

JITF provides an annual platform to reach a large portion of the market in Jaffna, both consumers and businesses based in Jaffna and the in the North, visit the show over the three days, typically 40 – 50 thousand visitors from diverse demographics visit the Exhibition. The location of the event next to the Jaffna fort, makes for maximum visibility for those participating as stall holders.

JITF 2022 will see the launch of a programme targeted at the Youth and Young Adults in Jaffna, aimed at Empowering & Inspiring youth towards self-development and entrepreneurship. The programme will feature knowledge sharing, skill development, mentoring forums, job opportunities and networking opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.

The events long-standing education pavilion “Kalvi” will also feature many higher education institutions at the event in 2022.

The organizers invite all those interested to join the exhibition to experience and reach the vast market in Jaffna and the North of Sri Lanka. For more information visit www.jitf.lk or contact Ms. Imalka on 077-1093792.

December 4, 2021

The Body Shop Sri Lanka released its exciting new range of vegan body butters at a launch event held at its Colombo City Centre store on Thursday, introducing eight updated flavours for one of the brand’s most iconic and best-selling product lines. Originally introduced nearly three decades ago, the newly revamped products feature 100% vegan ingredients, a longer lasting efficacy, and wholly sustainable packaging.

At the launch, guests, key influencers, and members of the media were able to get better acquainted with the nourishing new formulas. With this new range, The Body Shop is asking its customers to “Go Love Yourself.” Enriched with body-loving formulas, each updated body butter promises intense moisturisation for a whopping 96 hours, and without the stickiness that is often associated with thicker creams. Made with 95% natural-origin ingredients, these vegan-friendly flavours just melt into the skin to instantly nourish and rejuvenate. The scoop, spread, and slather is a sensory experience in itself, but also leaves behind a naturally beautiful afterglow and of course, softer, smoother and great-smelling skin.

Just as every unique body deserves to be loved, so does the planet. In addition to creating high-quality skincare, bodycare, haircare, and cosmetics, The Body Shop are also industry pioneers in its commitment to generating positive economic, social and environmental impact. With this new collection in particular, The Body Shop harnesses the nourishing power of Community Fair Trade shea butter from the Tungteiya Women’s Association in northern Ghana, helping to provide financial independence for Ghanaian women. With regards to sustainability, all products in the new line come housed in a tub made of 100% recycled plastic – including Community Fair Trade recycled plastic collected off the streets of Bengaluru by India’s marginalized waste-pickers- and aluminium lids – making this the brand’s most environment-friendly product range to date.

The Body Shop customers in Sri Lanka can choose from a wide range of these newly released flavours. For sensitive skin types, the Almond Milk Body Butter -enriched with Community Trade almond milk and oil from Spain- gently soothes and nourishes dry and sensitive skin with its creamy and great-smelling formula. Argan Body Butter for very dry skin is another lifesaver. Formulated with organic babassu oil from Brazil, this nutty product provides intense and lasting moisturisation, to bid dryness ‘good riddance!’ once and for all. Made with sustainably sourced Hass avocado oil and Community Fair Trade shea butter, the new Avocado Body Butter helps nourish dry skin. For a natural looking glow opt for the intensely creamy Moringa Body Butter, or the Shea Body Butter for seriously dry skin.

Normal skin types can choose from fragrant British Rose Body Butter –made with English rose extract, citrusy Satsuma Body Butter with satsuma oil from Argentina, or Strawberry Body Butter made with strawberry seed oil. While they all make your skin feel loved like it has never been before, each with its unique scent also leaves behind a unique scent trail that will have noses turning.

The newly released body butter range -as well as all other bath and body collections- are available at The Body Shop flagship store on Bagatale Road, Odel in Alexandra Place, the Kandy City Centre, and at the Colombo City Centre in Colombo 02.

November 22, 2021

22^nd November 2021, Colombo: Vision Care, Sri Lanka’s largest eye care solutions provider, continued its longstanding partnership with Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) by participating as the “Official Eyewear Partner” at the CFW’s Swim Week 2-day resortwear fashion extravaganza that was held at the Shangri-La Hotel and the Marina at the Port City recently.

During the event, Vision Care’s world-class collection of top eyewear brands were used by several designers including Charini Suriyage and Karma Collection on Day 1 and Indi Yapa Abeywardena, Divya Jayawickrama and Hameedia on Day 2 in their fashion creations to complete the perfect luxury resortwear look. They used renowned global eyewear brands marketed by Vision Care including D&G, Versace, Bvlgari, Prada, Ray Ban and Vogue in their creations. In addition to these brands, Vision Care also offers customers a wide array of leading international brands for frames and sunglasses such as Emporio Armani, Michael Kors, Polaroid, Carrera, Coach, Oakley, Gucci, Porsche and many others. These brands are available at Vision Care branches located islandwide and also on their online store shop.visioncare.lk.

This year’s edition of Swim Week focused on luxury resort wear with emphasis on the upcoming festive season of December as well as destination weddings. Held in accordance with the current health restrictions, the show was a hybrid event that was telecast live with a limited number of guests attending.

Harsha Maduranga – General Manager of Vision Care stated, “Vision Care extended the partnership with Colombo Fashion Week earlier this year when the main CFW event was held back in April. Building on this collaboration, our top eyewear brands have now been utilised by the designers in the Swim Week edition of CFW, marking another milestone in our ongoing journey. Our expansive range of world-class, premium eyewear brands are widely sought after in the world of fashion. The perfect resort wear look is not possible without sunglasses as they are an integral part of it. These highly-talented designers have demonstrated how perfectly they are able to mix and match our eyewear products to complete the individual’s unique resortwear look.”

Colombo Fashion Week is a developmental project that aims to drive progressive change in every aspect of the fashion industry in Sri Lanka. Since its inception in 2003, CFW has focused on nurturing the next generation of Sri Lankan fashion designers.

November 22, 2021

Colombo, Sunday 21^st November 2021: The highly anticipated Chokolaate Mother-Daughter Fashion Designer Contest returns for its successful 11^th show on the 05^th of December 2021 at the Hilton Colombo Residence. Despite the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuing lockdowns and the attempts to return to normalcy, Sri Lanka’s most-sought after youth magazine has been working tirelessly to ensure that young designers continue to be empowered through the competition. This year Eva and Secrets (ICL Brands Sri Lanka) adds value to the coveted MDFD title as the Main Sponsors. Nine finalists will showcase their creations for mother-daughter duos at the grand finale which will be held under stringent health and safety guidelines and limited physical attendees. However, the entire finale will be live streamed via Chokolaate’s Facebook page for the benefit of its multitude of fans and well-wishers.

Commenting on this year’s event Chokolaate’s Managing Editor Michelle Gunasekara noted, “One drawback that we faced due to COVID was that we could not go ahead with our Finale of Chokolaate MDFD 2020. Therefore, this year we made a pledge to our finalists, that we would give them their show no matter what. Nine designers will be showcasing their creations on the ramp, modelled by real mothers and daughters. Chokolaate being an advocate for the youth, believes in providing a platform for youth in every aspect and this event would do just that as we see young aspiring fashion design students take on this challenge of creating outfits for your everyday mother and daughter whilst keeping creativity in mind. This year apart from having the live event, we will also be live streaming it to the Chokolaate Facebook page therefore expanding the reach and exposure these young designers would receive. Lock in the date and stay tuned!”

This year’s finalists comes from several prominent design schools in the country and hope to showcase their talents through a variety of themes for their collections. Amurtha Godage is a 24 year old from the University of Moratuwa who has chosen “Cheerful Retro” as the theme. Also from the University of Moratuwa 22 year olds Githmi Samarasekara and Minuri Dasbandara will highlight the “Waves of the Ocean” and “Authentic Love” through their collections respectively. Going minimalistic 25-year old Moratuwa University student Nilupul Bandaranayake will focus on “Bitty” as a theme.

Representing the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel, 28 year old Dhanushika Silva will bring “Island Life” to life through her collection while this year’s youngest contestant 21-year old Maleesha Perera from NIBM hopes to shed light on psychological issues depicted by an erupting Volcano. Another interesting theme inspired by Modern Architecture will be showcased by 23-year old Malindri Perera. Singer Fashion Academy’s 22-year old Wageesha Dewapriya will attempt to create “Transforming Dresses” in his collection, while 24-year old Devmini Serasinghe goes back to Kandyan roots to bring to life the fashion trends of that era.

Hilton Colombo Residence joins MDFD this year as the Hospitality Partner while each of the segments will be sponsored by Swabha Ceylon, Sail Lanka and the Informatics Institute of Technology. The Gold Sponsor for this year’s show is CISC, while its Academic Partner will be AACS. The Global Technological Campus and Singer Fashion Academy will Co-Sponsor the event while gifts will be sponsored by Wimaladharma Brothers, Baker in Heels, D’73 Label and Nehemiah Consultants. Ebert Silva Tours and Atshata Rice will be the Mini Sponsors of the Event.

Renowned Fashion Designer Dinesh Chandrasena joins MDFD as its Creative Director this year while the finale will be choreographed by Rozanne Diasz. Official Photographs will be clicked by Praveen Mirando Photography and Official Hair and Make-up will be handled by Chrissy’s Salon. Cool Tempo are the Official Sound and Lights partner with Anil Balasuriya being the Official Video Production Partner. Live Streaming on the Grand Finale will be done by Avenue Pictures. PR for the event is handled by Nehemiah Consultants, and the Official Radio Station is Kiss FM. The show also has its own Corporate Etiquette Partner Kumar De Silva and Lifestyle Media Partner Pulse.

For more information and limited tickets please call 0775 021166.

October 27, 2021

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Colombo, October 27^th, 2021 – In celebration of Sri Lanka’s vibrant fashion industry, Nations Trust Bank American Express has tied up with Colombo Fashion Week as the official ‘Fashion Card’ of Swim Week Colombo 2021 for the 5^th consecutive year.

Taking on a novel approach to luxury resortwear and swimwear, this year’s Swim Week collection titled “Environment is Luxury” will bring to light the importance of sustainable and circular fashion while highlighting the festive season of December and destination weddings. The runway show featuring the topmost, as well as upcoming local designers, will be presented at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo on the 12^th of November and at Sri Lanka’s latest multi-services hub, Port City Colombo, on the 13^th of November.

Commenting on the Bank’s longstanding partnership with Swim Week Colombo was Priyantha Talwatte, Chief Executive Officer & Director at Nations Trust Bank. “The Swim Week Colombo is a coveted event that is in line with the extraordinary and luxury lifestyle that we offer to our American Express Cardmembers. While we are thrilled to be supporting Swim Week Colombo for the 5^th consecutive year, we are also excited to offer our loyal Cardmembers an exclusive and sensational experience following several lockdowns. We hope that this partnership will provide a much-needed boost for the fashion and retail industry, and in turn, help the country’s economic and community recovery.”

As a responsible citizen, Nations Trust Bank has been uplifting the pandemic inflicted SME industry through various programmes and solutions. The Bank’s tie up with Swim Week Colombo will play an important role in reinvigorating the local fashion community and allow small businesses and upcoming designers to take the next leap forward.

“Swim Week Luxury Resortwear edition takes place after a gap of two years and we are delighted that Nations Trust Bank’s American Express continues the journey in expanding the Swimweek/Resortwear season to support the design industry in the new normal. Like minded partners are an asset on a journey like this,” said Ajai Vir Singh – Founder and Managing Director, Colombo Fashion Week.

Some of the key Sri Lankan designers that will showcase their collection at the luxury resort-wear edition will include Charini Suriyage, Darshi Keertisena, Indi Yapa Abeywardena, Aslam Hussain, Fouzul Hameed and Dinushi.

Due to the current restrictions in the country, Swim Week Colombo will be held as a hybrid event with the shows being telecasted live and a limited number of guests attending. Additionally, this year’s Swim Week will host the 6^th edition of the ‘Responsible Fashion Summit’, presented by the Joint Apparel Associations Forum, Sri Lanka to bring together international and local apparel leaders and experts for a thought leadership forum.

October 22, 2021

Focused thought leadership forum focuses on relevant issues and solutions for the fashion apparel industry

21^st Oct 21: Sri Lanka’s Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) signed on as presenting partner for the 6^th annual edition of the Responsible Fashion Summit (RFS).

Focused on the theme: ‘Circularity-in-Action’, this year’s event will be hosted on 8 November 2021 at the Shangri La Hotel, Colombo. Notably, this year’s event will be hosted as a hybrid virtual event with a restricted physical audience, and a live stream for a wider local and global audience

“Sri Lanka Apparel is proud to serve as a partner to the Responsible Fashion Summit. Circularity in fashion is an absolute priority for our industry, given that we have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices.”

“This event serves as an opportunity to bring together Sri Lanka’s most dynamic and innovative players in the field of sustainable, ethical and circular fashion, in order to collectively assess new opportunities to make our industry more sustainable, and relevant to global, environmentally conscious brands and consumers. We are confident that these invaluable collaborations across industry lines will further accelerate Sri Lanka’s progress towards becoming the most sustainable apparel manufacturers in Asia,” JAAF Chairman A. Sukumaran stated.

Circularity in fashion refers to business models that enable responsible design, sourcing, and production of clothes, shoes or accessories towards sustainable and effective circulation in society, for as long as possible, in their most valuable form, before being safely returned to the biosphere when it fulfills its complete lifecycle.

Accordingly, all products are manufactured to be easily disassembled, and for component materials to either be broken down by nature or returned to production, in order to drastically reduce consumption and cut down on negative environmental impacts.

These concepts will form the basis of all deliberations at RFS 2021, with the broader goal of going beyond shifting mindsets, by promoting knowledge and experience sharing, in addition to showcasing the local and global industry’s cutting-edge technical innovations, with the ultimate goal of accelerating the emergence of a circular Sri Lankan economy.

“Since inception Responsible Fashion Summit has been driven by the desire to walk-the-talk, this edition has been planned in a very interesting times. RFS is not only unique to Sri Lanka but also to Asia, it also showcases Sri Lanka’s efforts while bringing focus to key solutions that the global supply chain need. As the apex industry body for Sri Lanka, I am glad JAAF has come on board this year. We hope to achieve more this year and keep the momentum going. There will be a lot empowering discussions and an important evaluation tool to be launched. I invite all with interest in Sustainability to join in.” Responsible Fashion Summit Founder, Ajai V Singh said.

Since its launch in 2018, RFS has continuously served as an essential platform for showcasing ideas and innovations with potential for global impact, and a forum for open dialogue between international and local industry leaders and experts

Every edition of RFS has a different theme that reflects the issues the global industry is facing, the summit is planned with relevant experts to add value to different aspects of global challenges broken into discussion panels. RFS is one of its kind in Asia and unique to South Asia. It has enjoyed an important following among fashion, apparel and design sectors. Over the years it has showcased cutting edge ideas that would aim to transform the apparel industry towards positive impact. The key emphasis is to make the ideas workable.

The upcoming edition of RFS will feature four high-profile panel discussions. The First panel on the topic: ‘Impact of Circularity in Design’will feature David Abraham (Abraham & Thakore, India), Arujuna Hettinakanam (In-Cube Global) and Himanshu Shani (11:11, India).

The second panel will focus on apparel supply chain under the theme: ‘Readiness, Challenges and Opportunities regarding Circularity in Fashion Supply Chains’ and will include Nissanga Warnapura (Hela), Thusitha Cooray (Hirdaramani), Omoyemi Akerele (Nigeria)

Meanwhile, the third panel will be under the theme: ‘Influence of Circularity in Textile Innovation’, and will be comprised of Moyne Perera (Stretchline), Nalaka Senaviratna (Eco Spindles), Paige Earlam (Plexus-Cotton, UK & Africa), Joy Nunn (Purfi US & Belgium)

The sessions will be concluded with the fourth and final panel featuring Stuart Rogers (HSBC), Didul Kotagoda (Fmr Chairman, SLAB), Charini (CHARINI), Tharanga Gunasekera (HSBC), on the topic: ‘Standardising Sustainable Design based SMEs and the introduction of the Responsible Meter’.

In addition to the above, there will be three POV presentations by eminent industry experts like Tarun Tahiliani from India, Robert Lou from China and Sharika Senanayake from Sri Lanka.

Notably, even the event’s partner hotel, Shangri La hotel – which has been linked to RFS since inception – also boasts of progressive and important sustainable practices. Similarly, Eco-Spindles have been partnering RFS since inception, and over the years they have showcased their new developments focusing on recycled yarns from plastic / PET. This time it will be an innovative product where yarns are derived from recycled fabric.

DHL, a global logistics powerhouse partners Responsible Fashion Summit for the first time, this global brand has innovated progressively while keeping sustainability at its core.

A first of it’s kind designed garment evaluation tool will be launched at this platform called Responsible Meter, it is primarily focused at Micro + SME’s. It evaluates and scores the Responsible performance of a designed garment, on basis of its impact on Environmental and Societal Wellbeing.

The 6^th Responsible fashion Summit starts at 10 am (IST) on the 8^th of November at Spice ballroom, Shangri La Hotel. The live telecast links will be made available on social media and it will also be telecast live on CFW TV.

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