HSBC Colombo Fashion Week to boost local fashion retail network

HSBC Colombo Fashion Week which has established itself as the only fashion initiative that provides commercial opportunities for local designers has collaborated this year with five retailers creating a designer, retailer program.

The launch of this unique program will provide Sri Lankan designers the much needed exposure and opportunity to expand their retail presence and business growth.  The retailer program will also help local designers to stand on their feet and earn them livelihood opportunities. This initiative will go a long way in creating a sustainable local fashion design industry.

This year Trunk, Cantaloupe Boutique, Aakshii, Melache and Cotton Collection have collaborated with CFW whereby they will provide Sri Lankan designers the necessary infrastructure as well as the customer base to market and sell their designs.  This would mean post Colombo Fashion Week, fashion fans would be able to immediately head to one of these retailers to purchase items from the collection shown.

Far from being just a glamorous fashion show, HSBC CFW‘s aim has from the beginning been to raise the standards of the local designers by insisting that international standards are adhered to.

Having worked on this ethos for over nine years,  the consumers are now showing the change as we now see a trend where  local designed clothing are very sort after.  This trend has indicated an increase in homegrown labels, changing the pattern of what consumers want and look for.  It is now considered “chic” to wear a Sri Lankan designed outfit.

President and Director of the CFW Ajai Vir Singh said: “Our objective has always been to create opportunities for new and established Sri Lankan designers domestically and internationally. This year, CFW has taken focused steps to enhance these objectives by creating strategic alliances and ventures that would provide a cohesive platform for designers and the fashion industry in Sri Lanka from a holistic perspective. Our focus by tying up with the retailers is to increase commercial activity.”

HSBC CFW will see the integration of a true fashion week with links established with local retailers, international buyers and collaborations with other fashion weeks. Being the only South Asian country that represents many international designers from the region, CFW has also now been positioned and seen as the hub for Spring/Summer resort wear.

Moving from strength to strength since its inception in 2003, HSBC CFW has built a reputable following locally and internationally. CFW 2012 scheduled for 24, 25 and 26 February, is set to take things to a whole new level.