10th HSBC Colombo Fashion Week to focus on next generation

By Cheranka Mendis

 Colombo is once again ready to host the much anticipated fashion event of the year, HSBC Colombo Fashion Week, this April bringing together a host of designers from both here and abroad.

In its 10th run, the fashion week has gained popularity over the years and has catered to empowering young designers and improving the design development, retail and commercial operations of the fashion industry. Promising that this year’s event is going to be even more glamorous than the past years, HSBC Colombo Fashion Week President Ajai Vir Singh expressed that this year’s focus will be on the youth – the next generation of the industry.

The event will be held on 3, 4, and 5 April at the Hilton Colombo. Initially hosted in 2003 with the hope of creating a sustainable local industry, the event has today grown to be one of the most sought after fashion shows in South Asia. Having supported a number of local designers to take their talent and the country’s name to the international fashion arena, this year, 20 Sri Lankan designers have been chosen to showcase their collections alongside international designers, with 40 more on a waiting list.

“In 2003, we struggled to find three Sri Lankan designers. Today, our industry has improved to such an extent that we have 40 more on a waiting list, having chosen 20,” Singh said. The final list of designers is expected to be released soon to the public.

“Reaching 10 years is an important landmark for us,” Singh added. “I feel that we have established a lot within the fashion industry. The success of the Fashion Week has been seen in the upliftment of the industry we see today.”

As fashion shows are acknowledged as the most glamorous business meetings, the event has over the years become a marketing platform for designers, has created numerous opportunities for local talent, and has seen collaborations with overseas fashion weeks such as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia, Miami Fashion Week, Malaysian Fashion Week, and fashion weeks in Karachi and Dubai.

“When I look at the industry, I only get inspired for the future of where Sri Lanka’s fashion design industry is headed and that is definitely to match and compete with the best in the world. With encouragement and support, we will strive till we achieve it. We have gone through the toughest times and yes, there are challenges, but the future looks bright.”

Title sponsor HSBC has been backing the show for the past six years, HSBC Chief Executive Officer for Sri Lanka and Maldives Nick Nicolaou said. “We are delighted to be part of the fashion extravaganza yet again. This event has been a catalyst in improving the fashion industry of the country. I hope that the designers will look into the local industry for textile and material such as handlooms which would benefit yet another group that is part of the local fashion scene,” Nicolaou added.

Adding to the glamour and glitter of fashion, the audience will also see the unveiling of Colombo Jewellery Store’s latest collection on the final day of the festival. Described to be a “wild collection,” by CJS CEO Akram Cassim, the new collection will feature yellow, gold and white Sri Lankan gems on leather.

He also added that those dining at Hilton Colombo’s Spoon restaurant during the fashion week will stand a chance to win diamond horseshoe pendants courtesy of CJS every night. The special promotion has been aptly titled ‘Spoonful of luck.’

In addition, the hotel will celebrate the event with special flair bartending sessions in the lobby on event nights, festival high teas and special promotion at the Spices restaurant.

Adding more class to the event, Frontier Automotive will showcase both the Range Rover Evoque and the Freelander 2 at the event. Company CEO Sheran Fernando noted that the Evoque was featured at the Fashion Week last year and saw a massive increase in demand as a result to become the largest selling item in its range.

Bringing in an aspect of knowledge to the affair, the British Council is bringing down Founder and CEO of Not Just A Label (NJAL) Stefan Siegel who was the runner up of British Council’s UK Young Creative Entrepreneur (YCE) 2012 Award. Siegel will host two workshops – one on ‘International outlook: How important it is for a fashion designer looking to survive long term in the fashion industry’ and the other on ‘How to build world class fashion brand.’ NJAL is recognised as a leading designer platform for showcasing and nurturing today’s pioneers in contemporary fashion, infusing new life in to the industry.

The colour forecaster for HSBC Colombo Fashion Week is Dulux.

- Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe