I am still studying, working on my PhD in Design and Engineering. I must thank Linda Speldewinde for all the support. I had a lucky break to intern at Dolce & Gabbana in Milan, even working with Mr. Stefano Gabbana
Fashion Designer Narthalea Yahampath has been appointed as the co-creative director of Lovi. With an impressive portfolio including showcases at Krakow Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka, Narthalea brings her expertise and vision to this venture. Embracing the opportunity, she eagerly anticipates the challenges ahead, poised to contribute her creativity and talent to the brand’s success. Natharlea has firmly established herself both locally and internationally, believing that “style is a way to say who you are without having to speak"
Q: What made you select fashion as a career?It’s been a great time since the announcement of me as co-creative director of LOVI. I’m so honoured and thrilled about all the beautiful Sri Lankan identity clothes we can make. Fashion gives endless creative opportunities to express, innovate, influence trends, and share what’s in my heart with the world.
Q: Where did you study fashion?
I am still studying, working on my PhD in Design and Engineering. I studied at AOD graduating with a degree in Fashion Design and Textiles. I must thank Linda Speldewinde for all the support. I had a lucky break to intern at Dolce & Gabbana in Milan, even working with Mr. Stefano Gabbana—learned so much. I can see so many parallels between D&G with LOVI.
Q: Tell us how the journey with LOVI began?
Actually, I met Asanka in a fashion seminar conducted by Mr. Ajai V Singh from Colombo Fashion Week some years ago. We were instant friends. And I have watched how LOVI has grown over the years creating a new area of fashion.
Q: What do you bring to LOVI?
Haha, all the love and creative energies and dreams... Asanka says “go crazy.” We’re exploring. For example, we’re creating a new women’s wear collection taking the codes of LOVI and mashing up with world cultures. You can see many of these new designs on amazing Yohani, our brand ambassador. She’s taking Sri Lanka to the world. And we’re also aligned on that mission.
Q: Tell us about the last collection you developed for LOVI. What was the inspiration for that?
The recent collection “Bloom” presented at Colombo Fashion Week on March 2024, is a depiction of Asanka and my creative dialogue in interpreting modern Sri Lankan fashion. He has created the codes and a framework. The LOVI values—innovation, exploration, multi-culturalism, and a deep love of Sri Lanka is weaved and stitched into each piece. Come see the new collection at LOVI flagship shop at the iconic Galle Face Hotel.
Q: Does LOVI incorporate your values in sustainability?
Of course. The fabrics are at the heart of environmental sustainability. LOVI uses mostly naturally biodegradable fabrics avoiding the long-term environmental harm caused by polyester/plastic fabrics.
But LOVI is also committed to economic sustainability for the staff and artisans, making sure to create high-value added products, so all us benefit.
Q: How does your fashion ethos align with LOVI?
If you talk to Asanka and what he has done, I think there’s a deep love of Sri Lanka and what Sri Lanka can be. That ethos binds us together. Our people, nature, culture, smiles and dreams—and that is the language of LOVI.
Q: What plans do you have for the next collection with LOVI?
We are working on developing new skills, new artisans, and new designs. Making the foundations strong so we can celebrate our culture and craftsmanship and bring about an era of modern Sri Lankan designs.
Pix courtesy Narthalea
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