WCIC’s Ramp Up! 2024 Empowering Sri Lankan Women Designers to a Global Stage

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC), established in 1985, is the world’s first women’s chamber and a pioneering not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering 
women in business

WCIC Ramp Up! 2024: The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) is set to host Ramp Up! 2024, a highly anticipated event dedicated to empowering Sri Lankan female designers and entrepreneurs. Scheduled for November 12th at the Hilton Colombo, this event will serve as a dynamic platform to showcase the rich talents of local designers while also promoting the growth of women-owned businesses in Sri Lanka’s fashion industry.

The designers participating in the event have been carefully selected for their innovative collections and entrepreneurial spirit. Each designer brings a unique vision to the runway, offering a diverse array of creations ranging from traditional techniques to contemporary styles. One of the standout collections is Silk Wraps by Gees designed by Gayathri Jayasinghe. Her glamorous collection exudes sophistication with luxurious silk wraps that celebrate both elegance and craftsmanship. Another highlight is Amani Clothing by Amrita Lalinda Hapuarachchi, whose smart casual collection blends style and comfort effortlessly, perfect for everyday wear.

The Beeralu Lace collection from Thilina Lace by M.B. Priyani adds a touch of Sri Lankan heritage with intricate traditional lacework, bringing an old-world charm to modern fashion. H.M. Nilusha Swarnamali’s black and white batik collection from Batiks by Hely, brings a fresh perspective to batik, combining striking monochrome designs with contemporary cuts. In a similar sustainable vein, Eco Pal by Jayantha features garments dyed with natural dyes, offering a sustainable approach to traditional attire, particularly in the form of beautifully designed saris.

Kanusha Nanayakkara, through Saheli Creatives, showcases Sri Lankan heritage by blending traditional crafts like Beeralu, Dumbara, and Batik with modern designs, creating a collection that embodies sustainability and ethical practices with organic linen to inspire conscious fashion, with Christeen Silva Goonewardene, the visionary behind Absolute Basics, showing a minimalist collection celebrating timeless elegance and the empowering essence of every woman.

Fathima Marleen’s Abaya collection reflects her dedication to blending modesty with modern design, while Jeeza Jameel’s Old Money collection from Jezza Fashions channels classic luxury with timeless pieces that exude sophistication. Samitha Wijayasekara’s Floral Collection from the Wedding Flowers celebrates femininity with vibrant floral designs ideal for weddings and special occasions. Finally, Ruchira Karunaratne’s Evening Wear collection from Rebel offers glamorous, edgy designs perfect for evening events, bringing a bold touch to the show.
These designers are part of WCIC’s ongoing effort to nurture and elevate local talent through its various programmes, workshops, and annual bazaars, providing continuous mentorship and support. Through its entrepreneurship and capacity-building initiatives, WCIC plays a critical role in developing and promoting women entrepreneurs, offering valuable insights into current market trends and providing opportunities for global exposure. These opportunities include exposure to new business strategies, innovative design techniques, and networking with industry professionals.

“Our goal is to provide these talented entrepreneurs with the exposure and guidance they need to elevate their craft. This fashion show is a celebration of collaboration, support, and shared learning. Our work ensures they are prepared for the export market, with products that meet international standards,” insights Ashanti Fernando, Co-chair of the event and Head of the Capacity Building Pillar of WCIC.

Accessories will play an integral role in complementing the designers’ collections, with bags by Anne Gunasekara and jewellery by Ruwini Jayarathne, as well as large pieces by Dilini Dissanayake. Traditional jewels will be provided by Rupika Perera, and Nimashini Pung Bags will add an extra layer of sophistication. Dilani Wireesoriya will provide silver and gold pieces, Franco Shoes and PG Martin Sri Lanka will ensure the footwear is in line with the event’s elegance. For hair and makeup, ROPARA Hair and Beauty by Dinushi and Gayathri Makeover Artistry will create the looks, while Salon Nayana and Aura Salon by Thushari will provide hair and makeup services for designers such as Batik by Hely and Eco Pal. 

The Co-chair of the event, Jani Perera, emphasizes, “We are putting these designers on a global platform, where they can thrive and elevate their brands to new heights. This is just the beginning, and we are committed to supporting their growth for many years to come.” The fashion show will culminate in a grand finale featuring actress Sangeetha Weeraratne and TV personality Danu Innasithamby, both modeling creations by Lou Ching Wong, who has also choreographed and directed the show, with the support of WCIC Board Member Nayana Karunaratne in collaborating with the designers to ensure a cutting-edge, relevant presentation of Sri Lankan fashion on the runway. 

The collaboration of diverse sponsors has allowed WCIC to create a platform for women designers to shine and bring their work to a greater audience. Gold sponsors include Prime Lands, Velona Cuddles, Arsulana Eco Lodge, and Pams Hydro (Pvt) Ltd., with Maliban as the Bronze Sponsor, while Hatton National Bank serves as the Official Banking Partner. Special sponsors include Maga Engineering (PVT) Ltd., Aesthetics by Ninewells, and segment sponsors such as Absolute Basics, Fathima’s Trends, Jezza Jamil, Sree Muthukumaran Chettiar Jewellers, Janashakthi Group, Wedding Flowers, and Ruchira K. The Celebrations Partner is 100 On the Rocks, with Hilton Colombo as the Hospitality Partner. The Official Media Partners are Daily Mirror, The Sunday Times, Daily FT, Hi Magazine, and Hi TV.

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC), established in 1985, is the world’s first women’s chamber and a pioneering not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women in business. For 39 years, WCIC has been at the forefront of promoting women’s entrepreneurship and professional development in Sri Lanka.