The best looks from Aarya on show by Indi Summer-Spring Collection 2023

By Safna Malik

Leading couturier Indi Yapa Abeywardana presented her ‘Aarya by Indi’ Summer-Spring Collection for 2023 at the Town Hall Building last week. 

Indian celebrities like Dayana Erappa, Aastha Ssidana and top-famous model Archana Akil Kumar made a special appearance with signature designs.

Indi Yapa Abeywardena took over the runway in style by bringing together fashion, design, diversity, history and culture through her unique designs.

The Indian International Show Director and Fashion Choreographer Sham Khan came exclusively to Sri Lanka to organise the ‘Aarya by Indi’ Spring and Summer 2023 fashion show.

The show took place under a grand blanketed outdoor setting with beaming lights giving the fashion spectators and local personalities from the film and fashion industry a magical evening.

The collection named Aarya holds historical significance with the word being a reference to the Hindu goddess Parvati and Durga. The fashion show is an amalgamation of storytelling and history that involves princess Kuveni and Prince Vijaya as well. The collection embodies a sense of heritage and was heavily inspired by the ancient paintings and architecture of Sri Lanka. In other words, it’s a transition from the past to the present.

The collection has over 50 styles that range from bridal, and ethnic wear to western wear such as dresses, gowns, jumpsuits, blouses, and sarees.

This solo fashion show continued to cement Indi’s unique designs, emphasising culture with a focus on traditional craftsmanship and supporting artisans and their skills that featured hand-drawn prints, inclusive outfits and meticulously handcrafted textures that the brand Indi is known for.

This latest collection demonstrated the importance of Sri Lankan heritage that has been explored through the historical roots of Sri Lanka. Indi was finally able to celebrate her four years of hard work in the runaway with her designs meticulously crafted using traditional techniques to create contemporary fashion with a new perspective.

Indi has looked to the golden era of ancient paintings as an inspiration and worked closely with local craftsmen, and artists to create a retro-meets-modern for the woman of today.

Once again Indi proved she is true to her roots in design by showcasing on the runaway her hundred hours of handwork materials and custom-made designs which are suitable for any occasion.

“Fashion has witnessed a massive transition, from embracing cultures to empowering traditions. Inspiration is everywhere – in nature, architecture, people going about their lives, a piece of art, an intricately decorated home, and my travels across our country,” Indi added. Sustainability is another key factor that remains a priority for Aarya by Indi Spring and Summer collection and the relationship between mother nature evolves through her designs aesthetically. Indi as a brand that has always focused on environmental sustainability and culture, presented this collection fused ancient art with a touch of Indian culture.

The collection consists of detachable designer wares and silhouettes designed to be worn separately to prolong the lifespan of the garments.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola