Here’s everything you need to expect from Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) 2019! Don’t fret, let us run you through the exciting agenda of CFW, as the four-day event promises to give an insider’s perspective on the fashion industry, with trend-led catwalk shows from local and international designers.

1. A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

Founded in 2003 with a vision to impact, define and revive the local fashion industry, CFW has expanded the boundaries of the industry by celebrating Sri Lankan designers and fashion through multi-pronged facets. Whilst showcasing Sri Lanka’s fashion design platform to the world, the CFW 2019 organizers have taken steps to highlight Sri Lankan story in the world of fashion. We explored the segments that will be revealed in CFW as they strategically strengthen every aspect of the industry.

2. COLOMBO, A GO-TO DESTINATION?

CFW has a plan to make Colombo the fashion hub! To showcase Colombo as a vibrant city is through the three hotels that host the shows. Hilton Colombo on the 2^nd March, Shangri-La Colombo on 1^st March, and Galle Face Hotel on the 28^th February. This is the first time such a collaboration has come about between these hotel brands.

“Colombo will expand its focus this year, it is like shifting gear to increase momentum, we are focusing on fashion industry and also the city of Colombo to be associated with fashion and be showcased, the three hotels coming forward to host is a strong start” stated Ajai Vir Singh, Founder and Managing Director of CFW. Along with the extravagant act of hosting, these three hotels provide an exclusive week featuring Fashion+Food through limited edition menus.

3. DESIGNER SHOWCASES

What’s new on the ramp, you ask? More than 30 designers, both local and international are set to showcase over a period of four days. Some of the international designers include Rajesh Pratap Singh and Sukit Dir. Sri Lanka designers list comprises Sonali Dharmawardena, Charini Suriyage, Maus by Annika Fernanso. Meraki by Sharmila Ruberu, Dimuthu Sahabandu, FH by Fouzul Hameed, ‘Jai’ by Aashki, Amilani Perera, Lovi Ceylon by Asanka De Mel, La Pard by Dinushi Pamunuwa, La Sari by Nilanka Silva, Brian Kerkoven, Aslam Hussein, Vathsala Gunasekara, Indi by Indeevari Yapa Abeywardene, Kamil Hewavitharana and Gihan Ediriweera.

4. STAY IN-THE-KNOW ABOUT THE EMERGING DESIGNERS

What does the word 'emerging' means? For CFW, it is the role of expressing the potential of up and coming artists, designers nurtured in the fashion industry, and the significant movement to bring what exists in the mind, to life. But these designers and artists have to first, be guided, their talent cultivated. Since its inception, a key focus of CFW has been fostering designers for the fashion industry.  This season will see ten potential designers who will be mentored and guided through the CFW process, take the ramp. That is not all. Another feature of this season is a new mentorship format to guide emerging designers. The mentorship panel consisting of senior designers Kanchana T., Darshi and Upeksha will have sessions with younger high potential designers. ‘THE NEXT’ award will also be given to the best performing young designer. 

5. FASHION FILMS

Fashion Films are an increasingly powerful and inspiring platform that captures, highlights and transpires the stimulating energy of the designers' collections. Ajai Vir Singh, Founder of CFW revealed that fashion films would take lead this season while a Fashion Film Award will be awarded to one director during the show. “We’re focusing on fashion films this time because films are a very important part in the creative industry. Film expresses fashion and therefore we have collaborated both film and fashion this year to accentuate the exposure of Sri Lankan designers. There will be five film directors working with ten fashion designers to create idea films which will be presented before each segment”, he further detailed. Documenting fashion requires meticulous attention to details in order to present an eccentric and engaging visual narrative, and the best fashion films require a persistent dedication.

In addition, a Sri Lanka Fashion Design Exhibition will also be held as a celebration of Sri Lankan designers. With a futuristic vision in achieving a five-year milestone in the domain of Sri Lankan Fashion, CFW inevitably exudes a fresh and precise vision, providing a stage for designers determined to tell a whimsical story or challenge the prevailing wisdom, transpiring their perspective via their unique designs.

For more information visit www.colombofashionweek.com and stay tuned to Daily ARTRA for updates on Colombo Fashion Week!