Ramp Up! 2024: WCIC’s fashion show focuses on empowering Sri Lankan designers

Show Stopper - Sangeetha 

Ramp Up! 2023 Director Lou Ching Wong with Sangeetha

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) recently announced ‘Ramp Up! 2024’, a significant fundraiser dedicated to empowering Sri Lankan female designers. 

Scheduled for 12 November at the Hilton Colombo, this event serves as a vital platform for showcasing the rich talents of local fashion designers and elevating their contributions to the industry.

Following the resounding success of Ramp Up 2023, this year’s fashion show will feature over 100 collections crafted by accomplished designers from across Sri Lanka, carefully curated and selected to exemplify their creativity and innovation. Attendees can expect to see the glamorous designs of Gayathri Jayasinghe, alongside the smart casual offerings from Amani Clothing by Amrita Lalinda Hapuarachchi. Noteworthy highlights include the intricate Beeralu lace designs from Thilina Lace by M.B. Priyani and the captivating black and white Batik pieces from Hely Batiks, led by H.M. Nilusha Swarnamali. 

The event will also feature Lilis, under the creative direction of Subodha Prabhashini Thennakoon, showcasing a beautiful natural dye-sari collection, while Saheli Creatives by Kanusha Nanayakkara promises a unique assortment of styles. Other participants include Fathima Marleen with her elegant abaya range, Jezza Fashions by Jeeza Jameel with the opulent Old Money style, The Wedding Flowers by Samitha Wijayasekara presenting a floral collection, and Rebel by Ruchira Karunaratne, offering sophisticated evening wear. Rounding out the showcase, Absolute Basics by Christeen Silva will provide essential fashion staples.

The event will culminate in a grand finale featuring actress Sangeetha Weeraratne and TV personality Danu Innasithamby, modelling creations by Lou Ching Wong, who will also choreograph the show while collaborating with the experienced designers and fresh prodigies alike to create trending and relevant designs that represent a groundbreaking vision of fashion in Sri Lanka and its roots. 

Organised by WCIC, Ramp Up! 2024 aims to support women’s entrepreneurship development programs for female-owned micro and SME businesses and empower women entrepreneurs to elevate their fashion businesses with this event. By attending, attendees will play a vital role in supporting the growth of women-led businesses and celebrating diversity in the fashion industry.

The initiative, led by the Capacity Building Pillar of WCIC, aims to position the organisation as both a serious business chamber and a glamorous platform that celebrates the achievements and potential of women in society. Thus, the event’s diverse lineup of models is comprised of WCIC members and professionals from various sectors such as doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and others. This will help highlight the event’s commitment to inclusivity and representation within the fashion landscape. The fashion show serves not only as a celebration of creativity and innovation but also as a crucial step towards promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across all sectors. 

“Fashion is more than just clothing; it is a powerful expression of identity and creativity. By empowering female designers, we not only showcase their unique talents but also inspire a culture of innovation and inclusivity within the industry. Each collection represents hard work and passion, reminding us that diversity in fashion enriches our communities. As we celebrate these talented women on the runway, we take a step towards a society where everyone can share their stories through various industries,” WCIC Capacity Building Pillar and Event – Head Nayana Karunaratne insights. 

Ramp Up! 2024 is presented by Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) together with Gold Sponsors – Prime Lands, Velona Cuddles, Arsulana Eco Lodge and Pams Hydro Ltd., Official Banking Partner – Hatton National Bank, Special Sponsors – Maga Engineering Ltd. and Aesthetics by Ninewells, Segment Sponsors – Absolute Basics, Fathima’s Trends, Jezza Jamil, Sree Muthukumaran Chettiar Jewellers, Janashakthi Group, Wedding Flowers and Ruchira K, Celebrations Partner – 100 On the Rocks, Hospitality Partner – Hilton Colombo and Official Media Partner – Daily FT, Daily Mirror, The Sunday Times, Hi Magazine and Hi TV.

For ticket inquiries, please contact WCIC Secretariat: +94 76 684 8080 or Nayana Karunaratne: +94 77 737 7723.