The Design Collective store turned five on Friday the 19th of August 2022. A fashion concept store Shahili Gomes McCoy, started with one of her oldest friends Binu Wickremasinghe. Speaking to Daily Mirror, Shahili stated that she is, “very proud of what we have achieved in the past five years. We have worked with incredible talent, met amazing people, and learned so much. We have been featured in British Vogue, Indian Vogue, Grazia Pakistan, London’s Evening Standard, and a few others. It has been an incredible experience. I would be lying if I said it's always been easy and fun. In the past five years Sri Lanka has faced a number of significant challenges. First, the horror of the easter bombings, then the global pandemic, and now the worst financial crisis in our history. It is often hard to remain positive and hope things will get better, but we must remain optimistic. I hope all business owners find the strength to keep going and to find things to be positive about. I am proud to have invested in Sri Lanka, and I am hopeful for our next five years.”

Co-Partner, Binu Wickremasinghe further stated that, “this year as The Design Collective celebrates five years, we believe that the theme and concept of this year should reflect the message of the forward thinking people of our country, Sri Lanka, which is standing together as one. The colors we have chosen to represent this theme are Black, Gray, White, and Blue, which signifies the journey from darkness to light. We have encouraged our designers to create pieces that represent this theme to be showcased at the event.”

Darshi Keerthisena, the founder, and designer of the brand Buddhi Batiks, unveiled a collection at the anniversary celebrations held last evening, highlighting the importance of craftsmanship using the ancient techniques of Batik dyeing. Buddhi Batiks was one of the first brands to retail with The Design Collective. Darshi will be collaborating with Button Masala from India. Button Masala is a simple jounery system designed for sustainable clothing. Their technique uses only buttons and rubber bands, and is one of the fastest, cheapest, and one of the most sustainable systems of garment making. The Design Collective initially invited Anuj Sharma, Creative Director of the brand Button Masala, based out of India, for their first year anniversary event, to give a workshop to Sri Lankan designers, and the fashion community on the construction of garments using this incredible technique. TDC once again brings back Button Masala to Sri Lanka for their fifth year anniversary celebrations and this time around designer Anuj Sharma will be collaborating with Darshi Keerthisena. Shahili states that this, “is truly a full circle moment, and through this introduction, the two brands have joined forces to create a collection that highlights both the art of Batik and sustainable garment making. This collection will be showcased during the anniversary event, along with a brand new, much awaited collection from Buddhi Batiks.”