By: Rishini Weeraratne

At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2024: Day One, we engaged with attendees to gather their thoughts on the events and talks. From industry professionals to aspiring creatives, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees praised the diverse range of topics, from fashion marketing and storytelling to the inner workings of the animation industry. Many highlighted how the sessions provided valuable insights and practical advice, especially for those exploring career paths in design and the arts. It was inspiring to see how the event sparked meaningful conversations, leaving attendees eager for more in the days to come.

Thalaal D Ismail, Secretary, Media Unit, St. Peter's College

“Today’s event was incredibly engaging. My team and I gained valuable insights into the creative industry and discovered how we can contribute to the creative and design economy. We explored topics such as animation, as well as the fashion and design sectors, which provided us with a deeper understanding of these dynamic fields."

Bhagya Kanakaratne

“I attended today’s event specifically for the session hosted by MMCA, and it was an eye-opening experience. As someone new to the topic, I found it to be a valuable learning opportunity. I enjoyed gaining insights into the Museum’s inner workings, their practices, daily operations, team dynamics, and even the various roles and responsibilities within the organization.”

Dinura Ratnayake

“It was a fantastic experience, and we thoroughly enjoyed the session. It was particularly encouraging to see so many young people in the audience, as fostering youth involvement is essential for the growth and future of the animation industry.”

Lenny Gunewardene, ICT Lecturer, Kusinara International School

“The discussions focused on animation, including both 2D and 3D design. Students from Kusinara International School gained valuable insights into these creative industries, equipping them with the knowledge and information needed to pursue careers in this dynamic field.”

Siobhan Manuelpillai

“I am grateful to AOD for including me in today’s session, which was truly rewarding. It was encouraging to see such a large and engaged audience. Having worked in the Animation and Design Industry for three years, I found it inspiring to interact with young individuals who are at a crossroads in their career journeys and considering paths in Animation and Design. In Sri Lanka, pursuing a career in the Arts is often overlooked, but as someone in the industry, I hope to see more talent stepping into this field. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my experiences and insights with the next generation of creative professionals.”

Grace Wickremasinghe

“I am a Creative, Social Media Marketer, and Poet, and I found today’s sessions to be incredibly enriching. Each talk was not only inspiring but also thought-provoking, offering fresh perspectives on the creative industry. It was particularly motivating to hear from accomplished individuals whose work and brands I deeply admire. Their insights into building and sustaining successful brands, while staying true to their creative vision, resonated with me on a professional and personal level. The opportunity to learn from their experiences and hear first-hand about their journeys was both inspiring and empowering.”

Mahika Panditha

“I’m a Business Operations Analyst and Freelancer, and I also run a bakery called ‘Sugar Daddy.’ Today’s talks were fantastic and a refreshing change, as it’s been a while since I’ve attended sessions like this. They were incredibly educational, particularly the first session on fashion marketing and storytelling, a topic I’m deeply passionate about. It offered valuable insights that I can apply to both my professional and entrepreneurial ventures. I’m excited for the upcoming sessions over the next few days and look forward to learning even more.”