By: Rishini Weeraratne

Day One of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2024 was a testament to the power of fresh talent, as emerging designers took centre stage to showcase their visionary collections. The evening was a vibrant celebration of bold creativity and unbridled experimentation, with each designer offering a unique perspective on the future of fashion. From reimagined traditional crafts to cutting-edge sustainable techniques, the collections highlighted the dynamic energy and innovation that these rising stars bring to the industry. The runway was a playground for new ideas, with daring silhouettes, unconventional fabric choices, and storytelling that resonated deeply. Themes ranged from cultural heritage and identity to environmental consciousness and personal resilience, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and inspirations of the designers. Notably, many collections emphasized the importance of sustainability, demonstrating a commitment to responsible fashion practices even at the earliest stages of their careers. Day One wasn’t just a showcase of new talent; it was a platform for these emerging voices to challenge norms and push boundaries. The audience was left inspired, witnessing first-hand the future of fashion as it unfolded in real time. With such a promising start, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2024 is already proving to be a launchpad for the next generation of fashion trailblazers.

Hoshi.n

Hoshini Pitigala

Hoshi.n’s debut collection made a striking impact, celebrating resilience and beauty through the lens of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of finding strength in imperfections. Designed for the modern Gen Z creator and influencer, the collection featured versatile streetwear pieces that effortlessly transitioned from day to night. With a seamless blend of cutting-edge design and sustainable practices, Hoshi.n championed self-expression, adaptability, and ethical fashion. Each garment stood as a testament to the brand’s innovative spirit, offering a fresh and empowering take on streetwear that encourages individuals to embrace their unique journeys with confidence and authenticity.

Beyond Boundaries

Shanelle Charuki

Beyond Boundaries, the Fall/Winter 2024 womenswear collection, delivered a commanding tribute to the resilience and indomitable spirit of women in Indian culture, with a spotlight on Rajasthan’s rich heritage. Drawing from the intricate patterns of Rajasthani architecture and the unapologetic boldness of 80s power dressing, the collection featured striking silhouettes, vibrant colour palettes, and exaggerated proportions. These design elements symbolized a rebellious defiance against societal constraints, honouring women who challenge norms and embrace their individuality. Each piece radiated confidence and strength, celebrating the freedom of those who forge their own paths with pride and determination.

Interim: A Winter Whispers’

Nethara Thiyashi Halvitige

Interim: A Winter Whispers, delivered a deeply emotional narrative on the Fall/Winter runway, drawing from the free-spirited Bohemian aesthetic of the 1920s. The collection poignantly explored six core emotions felt by children of separated parents, weaving a tale of both vulnerability and resilience. Vintage-inspired silhouettes were enriched with modern emotional depth, brought to life through abstract prints and traditional craftsmanship, including batik, knitting, crochet, and manual machine embroidery. Each garment stood as a piece of wearable art, blending nostalgia with contemporary storytelling, offering an evocative fashion experience that resonated on a profoundly personal level.

Genome Glam

Gethmi Mithara

In collaboration with the Hirdaramani Group, ‘Genome Glam’ presented a ground-breaking exploration of human diversity through the medium of fashion. The collection artfully merged cultural identity with self-expression, showcasing a spectrum of skin tones, eye colours, and DNA-inspired patterns that celebrated the beauty of individuality. Sustainability was central to its ethos, with repurposed denim, Sashiko stitching, artisanal crochet, and refined eco-friendly washes featured prominently throughout. More than just a visual feast, Genome Glam sparked meaningful conversations about inclusion and environmental stewardship, offering a thought-provoking reflection on the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.

Phantom Thread

Hashari Fernando

Phantom Threads redefined luxury ready-to-wear on the runway, seamlessly merging inclusivity with traditional craftsmanship. Drawing from the limitless world of imagination, the collection featured deconstructed and bleached denim patchwork, repurposed fabrics, and intricate embroidery. These elements created a deliberate sense of disorientation and fluidity, evoking the surreal, fragmented nature of hallucinations. By challenging conventional fashion norms, Phantom Threads offered a deeply thought-provoking narrative, celebrating the beauty in imperfection and the transformative potential of sustainable design. The collection stood as a bold testament to creativity, pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion while honouring the art of reinvention.

Siamese

Saneli Odara Ranasinghe

Siamese Fall/Winter 2024 paid a stunning tribute to the resilience and richness of Thai culture, drawing inspiration from symbolic motifs such as lotus flowers, chrysanthemums, and elephants. The collection masterfully juxtaposed exaggerated silhouettes with intricate detailing, capturing the complex dialogue between globalization and cultural identity. Florals blooming from muted grey tones served as a powerful metaphor for the enduring strength and growth of Thai heritage amidst modern challenges. Every piece was a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary innovation, offering a poignant celebration of Thai culture’s unyielding spirit and its capacity for transformation.

el.em.en

Lihini Nanayakkara

In collaboration with Star Garments and Pahan Embroider, ‘el.em.en’ captivated audiences with its thoughtful exploration of beauty in imperfection. Inspired by Japanese philosophy, which views destruction as a pathway to resilience and healing, the collection artfully reimagines brokenness as a source of strength and transformation. Through a harmonious blend of intricate craftsmanship and contemporary design, ‘el.em.en’ delivered a compelling narrative that celebrates authenticity and self-awareness. Each piece on the runway was a testament to the brand’s commitment to redefining elegance, reminding viewers that true beauty lies in embracing flaws and finding balance between perfection and imperfection

At Revive

Yalindi Pahanma

In collaboration with Orit Apparel, ‘At Revive’ unveiled a ground-breaking denim collection that challenges conventional production practices while championing sustainability. The collection, showcased to an enthusiastic audience, feature pieces crafted from meticulously recycled denim, breathing new life into old fabrics, and significantly reducing environmental impact. With a focus on quality and durability, ‘At Revive’ pays homage to denim’s timeless heritage while advocating for a more sustainable future. Each piece seamlessly combines style with eco-conscious innovation, proving that fashion can be both impactful and responsible. The event highlighted the brand’s commitment to driving positive change in the industry, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

Moggler

Senaya Wickramatunga

Moggler made a powerful statement on the runway with its bold streetwear collection addressing the urgent issue of sex trafficking. Drawing inspiration from the physical and psychological restraints faced by victims, the collection featured intricate fabric manipulation, with safety pins serving as a poignant symbol of confinement. Each piece blended art and activism, weaving a narrative that aimed to raise awareness and spark dialogue about this critical global issue. Moggler not only pushed creative boundaries but also demonstrated the potential of fashion as a platform for meaningful social change.

Awaiting Utopia

Chamidi Rajasekera

In collaboration with Concord Apparel, BASE’s debut collection, Awaiting Utopia, captivated audiences with its powerful narrative of hope and transformation. Unveiled to great acclaim, the eco-conscious menswear line explores humanity’s journey from a dystopian present to a more promising future. Each piece, crafted through a remarkable 97% sustainable manufacturing process, showcased a seamless fusion of artisanal craftsmanship and innovative bio-growth techniques. Themes of resilience, survival, and renewal were woven into every garment, emphasizing the profound value of sustainable creation. The event highlighted BASE’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of ethical fashion, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.

KIZU

Sleesha Perera

In collaboration with Dynawash and Winterquilts, KIZU unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2024 collection, a poignant tribute to the Japanese philosophy of ‘Wabi-Sabi.’ Rooted in the acceptance of emptiness, suffering, and impermanence, the collection celebrated the beauty of imperfections. Drawing inspiration from World War I and II garments, KIZU symbolized strength found through flaws, offering a modern take on resilience. Sustainability took centre stage, with eco-friendly materials, intricate crochet techniques, and natural dyes sourced from discarded items like rust and onion peels. The collection not only redefined luxury but also underscored the inherent value in what society often overlooks.

The Knots

Susanya Athulathmudali

The Knots, unveiled a captivating women’s fashion line that draws deeply from the death rituals of ancient Rome, weaving history into every thread. Luxurious textures and intricate knot motifs took centre stage, rooted in the Roman belief that knots could attract malevolent spirits and were thus forbidden during exorcisms. The collection’s designs incorporated knot techniques inspired by laurel leaves, a powerful symbol of mourning and remembrance. With each piece, The Knots offered a poignant tribute to ancient rituals, transforming them into wearable art that preserves and honours the memories of those who have passed.