Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2024

Day Two: Future Craft Runway

By: Rishini Weeraratne

Day Two of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was a dazzling celebration of Sri Lankan fashion, where innovation met tradition in an unforgettable fusion. Designers brought the runway to life with an extraordinary array of textures, colours, and silhouettes, each collection weaving its own narrative. From avant-garde creations that redefined boundaries to sustainable designs steeped in heritage, the day highlighted the rich diversity and ingenuity of local talent. With its dynamic energy and forward-thinking showcases, Day Two underscored why Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week stands as a beacon of creativity and craftsmanship in Sri Lanka’s fashion landscape.

LITHIRA

Lithira Daluwatte’s latest collection, showcased alongside accessories from Summer 67, captivated audiences with its poetic homage to the lotus flower. As a timeless symbol of resilience and transformation, the lotus served as the central muse for this evocative line of wearable art. Through meticulous hand-knitting and the use of humble yarn, Lithira, masterfully captured the flower’s journey; from its emergence in the murky depths of mud to its radiant bloom above water. Each piece reflected a narrative of renewal and growth, blending intricate craftsmanship with profound storytelling. The collection stood as a powerful testament to creativity’s transformative power, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed its debut.

Sufiyan Khatri and Ashleen Adikari

Ceylon Urban Drape’s latest collection, a collaboration between renowned Indian block print artisan Sufiyan Khatri and visionary designer Ashleen Adikari, made a striking debut on the runway. This fusion of talents beautifully united the finest elements of two distinct yet complementary cultures, weaving a vibrant narrative of unity and shared heritage. The collection showcased intricate handloom fabrics seamlessly paired with traditional block printing techniques, celebrating the enduring beauty of artisanal craftsmanship. Each piece stood as a testament to the harmonious interplay of textures and artistry, offering a bold yet elegant tribute to the richness of cultural collaboration.

NAO

NAO’s latest collection, Waves of Heritage, unveiled in collaboration with Leila, offered a fresh perspective on sustainable fashion. The collection masterfully blended innovation with tradition, repurposing ocean plastics, deadstock fabrics, and garment waste, seamlessly combining them with Sri Lanka’s iconic handloom materials. The result was a striking line-up of eco-conscious, ready-to-wear designs that paid homage to the island’s rich heritage while meeting the demands of modern fashion. Each piece reflected a celebration of craftsmanship and sustainability, demonstrating that style and environmental responsibility can coexist. Waves of Heritage stood out as a testament to NAO’s commitment to ethical fashion and thoughtful design.

Kǣli (Ruwanthi Gajadeera)

Kǣli by Ruwanthi Gajadeera, in collaboration with the European Marine Board, delivered a powerful message with its latest collection, S.O.S - SAVE OUR SEAS. Inspired by the catastrophic impact of the X-Press Pearl disaster, the collection fused sustainable fashion with compelling storytelling to highlight the resilience of marine ecosystems and the critical need for conservation. Cyanotype prints and heritage-inspired draping were key design elements, drawing from the pioneering marine research of Dr. Asha de Vos. Each piece vividly captured the ocean’s journey from thriving life to polluted depths, transforming the runway into a visual call to action. S.O.S urged audiences to recommit to the preservation of our seas, showcasing fashion’s potential as a force for environmental advocacy.

Cejlon by Dileni Weerakone 

Dileni Weerakone’s latest collection, Handmade Stories of Cejlon, made a remarkable debut, captivating the audience with its vibrant tribute to Sri Lanka’s weaving heritage. In collaboration with the Academy of Design (AOD), the collection showcased a stunning array of resort wear, each piece meticulously crafted by local artisans. The designs celebrated the island’s rich cultural tapestry while emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional weaving techniques. Dileni’s journey from a New York investment banker to an eco-conscious fashion entrepreneur added a compelling narrative to the show. Since returning to Sri Lanka in 2021, she has channelled her passion for sustainable fashion, first with her label KUKKA v3 and now with Cejlon. The collection stood out not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its commitment to supporting local craftsmanship and sustainable practices, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Kaumadhi Boutique

Kaumadhi Boutique’s latest resort wear collection, The Bay, took the spotlight with its elegant tribute to Sri Lanka’s endangered Beeralu lace. This delicate bobbin lace technique, deeply rooted in local tradition, was beautifully reimagined for contemporary fashion. Paired with sophisticated accessories from Lumibella, the collection showcased a seamless fusion of heritage craftsmanship and modern design. Each piece celebrated the intricate beauty of Beeralu lace, offering a fresh and stylish perspective on this ancient art form. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, The Bay, highlighted Kaumadhi Boutique’s commitment to preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural legacy and supporting the skilled artisans who keep this exquisite craft alive.

Sriland ‘Osu Vastra’ - The Herbal Clothing 

Sriland’s Osu Vastra Herbal Clothing collection, envisioned by Suranga De Silva and Amal Chandika, made a striking impression at its debut show. Seamlessly blending Sri Lankan tradition with modern sustainability, the collection showcased a unique fusion of heritage and innovation. True to its name, Osu (Ayurvedic Herbal) and Vastra (Clothing), the line featured vibrant, toxin-free garments crafted from handwoven cotton and dyed using Ayurvedic herbs, plants, and trees. The collection highlighted Sriland’s commitment to eco-conscious fashion, emphasizing zero carbon footprint and fair-trade principles. Each piece was a testament to the brand’s dedication to preserving Sri Lanka’s rich cultural legacy while meeting the demands of contemporary fashion. The show was a powerful reminder of how traditional practices can thrive in the digital age, leaving the audience inspired by the beauty and sustainability of Osu Vastra.

AOD Future Heritage

The Future Craft collection by AOD captivated audiences with its bold reimagining of Sri Lanka’s traditional crafts, curated as part of the Future Heritage Textiles project. Showcasing the innovative vision of AOD’s talented students, this forward-thinking line brought new life to heritage techniques such as batik, handloom, and Beeralu lace through modern, fashion-forward silhouettes. Each piece in Future Craft highlighted the potential of Sri Lankan craftsmanship to flourish within the contemporary fashion landscape, preserving cultural identity while boldly pushing the boundaries of style. The collection stood as a testament to the creativity and cultural pride of the next generation of designers.

Ka-Sha

Karishma Shahani Khan’s latest collection, SAMANTAR, presented under her label Ka-Sha, captivated the audience with its exploration of the deep connection between the inner self and the outer world, inspired by the philosophy, ‘as above, so below.’ Utilizing repetitive and mirrored patterns, SAMANTAR masterfully conveyed the cyclic nature of existence, combining geometric precision with fluid, organic shapes. Crafted from luxurious cottons and silks, the collection reimagined indigenous silhouettes, weaving a seamless dialogue between tradition and modernity. The result was a harmonious narrative that bridged past and future, offering an evocative and deeply reflective addition to the contemporary fashion landscape.

CHIHIRO

Chihiro Fernando’s latest collection, ANJAANAM 24, unfolded as a poetic journey through time, drawing inspiration from the past, present, and future. Enhanced by accessories from Kalu Kella, shoes by Laydeez, and jewellery by Jewel Hub, the collection beautifully captured the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges, offering a reminder to keep sight of the light ahead. Crafted from vegan and plant-based silks, each piece featured batik prints inspired by Hiru, the Sun, evoking a warm sense of nostalgia. Every design in ANJAANAM 24 stood as a unique work of art, celebrating perseverance and artistry in equal measure.

IRO IRO (BHAAVYA GOENKA)

Bhaavya Goenka’s, Contrasts collection for IRO IRO masterfully captured the dynamic tension between urban life and untamed nature, celebrating the city’s vibrant pulse alongside the raw, unyielding beauty of the wilderness. Each piece reflected the strength needed to navigate these opposing forces, inviting wearers to embrace contrasts as a pathway toward decolonial futures. Bold yet serene, the collection’s designs fostered a thoughtful dialogue on resilience and acceptance, inspiring a hopeful vision for tomorrow, one that balances forward progress with deep-rooted authenticity. Contrasts offered a powerful commentary on harmony, adaptability, and the evolving nature of identity.

S. Mendés 

S. Mendés, in collaboration with Leila, unveiled ‘An Ode to Timeless Ceylon Heritage’, a collection that elegantly bridges Sri Lanka’s cultural legacy with modern craftsmanship. The collection highlighted the delicate beauty of Beeralu lace and intricate hand embroidery, drawing inspiration from the refined sophistication of 1950s colonial Ceylon. Each piece was rooted in sustainability and artistry, honouring timeless elegance while celebrating the skilled artisans of the island. More than just a fashion line, ‘An Ode to Timeless Ceylon Heritage’ offered a journey back to the essence of Ceylon’s heritage, emphasizing values of quality, exclusivity, and cultural preservation. The collection left a lasting impression, showcasing the profound beauty of Sri Lanka’s enduring traditions.

AMESH

AMESH’s latest collection delivered a vibrant celebration of colour, craft, community, and collaboration, embodying a commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and conscious design. Showcased to enthusiastic audiences, the collection blended hand-weaving, knitting, and crochet with the skill of local craft communities, transforming studio leftovers and pre-consumer waste from Sri Lanka’s apparel industry into striking, trans-seasonal statement pieces. Themes of cross-cultural identity, ritualism, and fluid gender expression were woven throughout, promoting a shared wardrobe concept that redefines fashion through resourcefulness and sustainable creativity. Each piece stood as a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of purposeful, intentional design. AMESH’s collection was a powerful reminder of fashion’s potential to foster community and inspire change.