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Speaking about the association, Ajai Vir Singh, President, Colombo Fashion Week stated, “At CFW we are constantly looking for ways to take Sri Lankan designers global, giving them greater exposure and the opportunity to reach the world. That is why we have been working with AFW over the years to enhance and take the Sri Lankan fashion design industry to an international level.” Ajai added: “We have selected five designers to represent different aspects of Sri Lankan design at AFW, Indi Abeywardena, Sonali Dharmawardane will showcase the intricate details of the local batik industry, Fouzul Hameed will highlight the menswear industry and Ramona Oshini, a CFW designer will showcase her work with the local Craft Council which promotes handloom and handmade jewellery. Showing at AFW also gives each of them the opportunity to meet with international buyers.”
AFW commemorates an unprecedented Fashion Week, opening up a spectrum of opportunities for both the creative and commercial designers, exhibiting unparalleled fashion and stylish eccentricity originating from modern Asia, Central Asia, Eurasia, Africa and South America. Commenting on her participation Sonali Dharmawardane said, “I am very excited to be one of the Sri Lankan designers showcasing at AFW.”
Also commenting on attending AFW, Ramona Oshini said, “I am really pleased to be part of the team of five designers heading to AFW to represent our country. These designers represent different aspects of fashion from Sri Lanka and they will really help showcase our local talent to an international audience. As one of the designers selected by CFW this year to work with the local craft industry, I will be showcasing a combination of work which ranges from classical wear to casual wear and incorporates handloom and batik on handloom. To accompany each outfit I have worked with local craftsmen to create jewellery made of brass and woodcarvings.”
Arwin Sharma, President of Group Fashion Weeks said, “As AFW develops its expansion both within Asia and globally, we are looking forward to Sri Lankan designers showcasing their work on stage at AFW. We also appreciate the support we received from Ajai which assisted the formation of World Fashion Organization (WFO) – Asian Fashion Week (AFW) and the Regional Chapter for Asia which includes Sri Lanka.”
Group Fashion Week is responsible for Asian/ASEAN Fashion Week, Indian Ocean Fashion Week, Seychelles Fashion Week, Silk Road Fashion Week, World Islamic Fashion Week and World Indigenous Fashion Week. Collectively formed as a global non-profit organisation, Group Fashion Week and its subsidiary companies were created to promote the integration of the global fashion industry, in order to bring together designers from around the world. Group Fashion Week also strives to encourage the expansion of world fashion, international fashion business relationships, trade opportunities and understanding among designers from different cultures and nations.
Recognising the immense talent of fashion designers worldwide, AFW sets the precedent as the epicentre for a global fashion initiative for Asia. AFW is supported by the World Fashion Organization (WFO), International Fashion Organization (IFO), International Trade Organization (ITO), World Fashion Brands & Merchandising Group (WFBM Group), as well as the ASEAN (Association of South East Asia Nations) Secretariat which represents 10 member states, international partners and stakeholders.
AFW’s mission is to establish itself as a major fashion movement for fashion designers providing a platform for them to optimise their international exposure and global reach. The development of the movement will also lead to economic growth and a greater understanding of the principles of fair and free trade, which will accelerate the growth of the fashion and textile industry.
