Seasoned and upcoming designers to showcase local talent at The Fashion Circle Runway Show

Q: What are your thoughts on the Sri Lankan fashion industry?

Ramona Oshini (an upcoming young designer): It’s a lifelong dream and I always wanted to do something in the creative field. The Sri Lanka fashion industry has come quite far. I personally believe if we do an excellent job in quality control we can be way ahead than this.

Q: How far has Sri Lanka come in fashion according to international standards?

Iesha Hettigama: Not very far. It is of course very difficult to talk about ‘international standards’ in fashion. Fashion has to be rather characteristic of a ‘way of life’. Until quite recently, ‘international’ meant ‘European,’ even though it included the US. Not anymore. Even in Europe, now there is a definite preference for what is called ‘ethnic’ fashion, and for Sri Lanka to make a mark, it has to produce something that is characteristic of our people, and yet of universal appeal.

Q: Do you think Sri Lanka has a good online platform for the fashion industry?

Ayodhya Ratnayake: Especially when you take the dynamic lifestyles of people into consideration, I think it’s a much more convenient way to get them to notice what’s in store for them and to pick their favourite designer wear by just a click. It’s also a good way to target the international customers who have no access to Sri Lankan fashion. It will expand Sri Lankan fashion even more.

Q: What do you think about thefashioncircle.com?

Prabath Samarasooriya (who has been in the industry for quite a while): It is a good starting point for designers and for fashion lovers.

Lonali Rodrigo: It is definitely one of the websites that will fill the gap for the need of an online platform in Sri Lanka.

Brian Kerkoven (Choreographer for the event): It is a great way of bringing everyone under one roof; designers, choreographers and models. I hope this way we could reach out to the international market and get work for all those who deserve a chance in the international arena. It is very often seen that the same people get highlighted all the time, if you do not run behind or take commands from those who are in a position to dictate terms, you will not get any chance to do anything; this way everyone gets a fair chance.

Q: Do you think The Fashion Circle will boost the online fashion retail business in Sri Lanka?

Ayodhya: Because of its high level of convenience and broader selection with greater access for more information, people tend to be more attracted to online shopping. This has never really been that popular amongst the Sri Lankans because the existing online shopping stores don’t really satisfy the customer expectations due to lack of information, availability of designs, incorrect data and by not updating their sites often when needed. I believe a fully focused online fashion portal like The Fashion Circle would definitely boost the online fashion retail business in Sri Lanka.

The Fashion Circle Runway Show will see the official launch of The Fashion Circle. The event partners include PR Wire – Official Public Relations Partner, Mt. Lavinia Hotel – Official Hospitality Partner, Dynamic AV – Official Audio Visual Partner, Official Stylist – Capello Salon, In Vogue – Official Magazine Partner, Anything.lk and Arantha Photography. The show will be choreographed by Brian Kerkoven. Mosh and Coca-Cola Light are also supporting this venture launch.