Dimuthu wows Asian Designer Week
View(s):Turning heads on the ramp at Asian Designer Week (ADW) which unfolded in New Delhi from May 5 to May 7 was Sri Lankan designer Dimuthu Sahabandu.
Sahabandu was among some 50 designers from neighbouring countries such as Bangaldesh, Nepal and Singapore to present his collection at the three-day fashion event which looks to promote talented designers across Asia take their work to global markets.
Going on to the Asian Designer Week, straight after Colombo Fashion Week, the collection he showed in India was an extension from the lineup themed “Ceilao”, going from the 15 looks he showed at Colombo Fashion Week to 30 looks for Asian Designer Week in New Delhi, he says.
“The underlying source of inspiration for the “Ceilao” ready-to-wear collection, which translates to Ceylon in Portuguese was derived from the Portuguese influence in the traditional Sri Lankan attire in early Ceylon. Focussing on frills, flounces and volumes incorporated in the draping of the traditional Sri Lankan attire and its origins, the collection consisted of a fusion of traditional and modern contemporary fashion,” Sahabandu told the Sunday Times.
“The origin of the Kandyan saree in early Ceylon was also an area of interest for me at the time I was on the drawing board with this collection, so I wanted to create a collection consisting of a fusion of eastern and western style elements. It’s something that never fails to fascinate me every time I read or research on early Ceylon.”
The designer’s work is an interesting contrast of dramatic and muted on the catwalk- the drama of black and the subtle hues of soft shades featuring prominently. He says he has always been drawn to nudes and neutrals. “I always see a great deal of beauty in anything understated and subtle. I also believe in the strength of black. It’s the result of absence of light. Black can be associated with many different moods- it’s quite mysterious. The strength of black and its capabilities are immeasurable. So I wanted to include the presence of light and the absence of it in one collection which I find quite fascinating.”
Modestly describing the audience response to his collection as “ quite positive given that it was a platform which showcased talent from many different Asian backgrounds,” he adds, “the audience and the media present at the event showed a great deal of support and appreciation for “Ceilao” which was quite rewarding at the end of all that time and effort.”
Dimuthu Sahabandu’s “Ceilao” collection is now available at Melache, 24, Wijerama Road, Colombo 7.
Pix by Shivam Pahuja
