Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Monday, 21 October 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
in the apparel industry to address these issues and create new methods of eliminating waste by reducing the carbon footprint and at the same time looking into ways of incorporating reusable energy sources in their production chain.
The three day festival from 10-12 October held in Colombo culminated with an insightful forum and the much looked forward ‘Sri Lanka Fashion & Apparel Awards 2013’. The award ceremony witnessed the best achievers in 10 categories winning the coveted awards for their respective categories:
Emerging designer award – Lonali Rodrigo
The Sri Lankan fashion sector itself is still a relatively young industry and within it, the fresh talent portrays an eclectic mix of new impulses and new ideas. The ‘Emerging Designer Award’ category aimed to reward new talent by providing a platform to showcase them to the global fashion industry.
Sustainable fashion with craft award – Kiito Bespoke by Damith Cooray
This award recognised fashion that employs eco-sustainability methods in design and manufacturing process. The judges looked to understand design philosophy and evidence of commitment to sustainable sourcing, reducing environmental impact and helping to spread the message to all parts of its supply chain and/ or consumers.
Sustainable fashion award – Lonali Rodrigo
Sustainable fashion has taken centre stage in many parts of the world as a result of growing concern for the environment and its impact on future generations. Sri Lanka has been in the forefront in these efforts to deliver fashion without compromising its obligations to people or planet seeking to celebrate Sri Lankan design talent that ties design with sustainability.
Graduate-industry collaboration award – Mudara DeZoysa with Mas Active Nirmaana & Colorzone
Celebrating and encouraging mutually beneficial industry young designer (Graduate) collaborations through sharing of knowledge and resources while finding solutions for new and better avenues for enhancing product through design.
Industry young blood award – Charith Senadheera
The designer was to utilise the manufacturing strengths of Sri Lanka which would eventually become a product area that could be developed within Sri Lanka’s apparel industry as a fresh product area or a Sri Lankan brand of the future. This award rewarded new talent by providing a platform to showcase them to the global fashion industry.
Game changer through innovation award – Joint winners ACIS Innovations and Coats Thread Exports
We live in a world of unprecedented change, increasing global competitiveness, and the very real threat of commoditisation. Innovation is the best way to win - the key idea that is shaping corporate life, helping leaders conceive previously unimagined strategic options; making ideas become reality.
Own brand award – Avirate (Women’s wear) and FH/Hameedia (Men’s wear)
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, from a strong manufacturing platform, has harnessed their knowledge to produce their own design labels. The ‘Own Brand Award’ recognised locally grown designer brands that continue to connect and grow with its target customer base season upon season. The judges looked at the team which not only keeps ahead of industry trends, but also creates its own, while maintaining a strong brand handwriting.
Manufacturing excellence award – Orient Design
The award recognised the very best of specialist products and accessories manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. To honour and reward those companies that have displayed progress and achieved through their manufacturing process in this competitive and fast moving industry, the judges will be looking an original collection that excites the consumer.
Design excellence award – Melbourne Textiles
In the sector of casual wear, global brands increasingly depend on partners who will bring innovation and design support on an ever-evolving and sophisticated product category.
Technical excellence award – MAS Active Linea Intimo
Being a leading supplier to global brands in many technically demanding categories, the primary consideration would be technical proficiency in constructed apparel such as active wear, swimwear, foundation garments, tailored suits and other structured apparel; the judges also looked for the design team which stays ahead of trends in colour, pattern, shapes and cut, as well as innovations in fabric and finishes.
Pic by Krishan Ranasinghe
