Handlooms, batiks and some thinking on sustainable development were all part of the evening when the British High Commission and the British Council of Sri Lanka in partnership with UK Trade & Investment and the Academy of Design celebrated the educational, design and apparel links between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka, focusing mainly on the ties of the creative industry. The event was held in the gardens of Westminster House, the residence of the British High Commissioner, on August 2 with British High Commissioner John Rankin and Country Director for British Council, Tony Reilley present.
 |
 |
|
|
The guests were welcomed by Patrick Gotellier, the Director of the School of Design at the University College of Falmouth in the United Kingdom. The outdoor area and verandah had displays of local products made by the rural artisan communities. In his address the British High Commissioner discussed Sri Lankan made products being sold as “High quality goods” in the United Kingdom and the growing market for those goods. He also explained the significance of grass roots design and sustainable design in Sri Lanka.
The British Council Country Director emphasized the entrepreneurship programmes held by the British Council to aid the growing talent of the creative industry in Sri Lanka. “As part of a global initiative, the British Council strives to connect the next generation of design professionals [of Sri Lanka] with UK industry and education networks,” Mr. Reilley said.
Founder and Managing Director of the Academy of Design Linda Speldewinde spoke on the importance of a solid and lasting design foundation catering to the needs and requirements of the up and coming designers of Sri Lanka and how the ties with designers and design schools in the UK can help and inspire them.
She also stressed on new ethical and sustainable perspectives. AOD has also undertaken work in the rural regions of the island including the North and the East using design and creativity as tools for socioeconomic development by providing livelihood and new market links for rural artisan communities. A touching video documenting designs for sustainable development also gave new hope and insight into the field.
The night came to an end with a fashion show showcasing the designs of local designers. The winners of the Sri Lanka Design Festival Ethical Fashion Award Lonali Rodrigo and Mihiri De Silva presented a fresh collection that although not daring highlighted their ethical awareness. The British Council/Sri Lanka Design Festival Young Fashion Entrepreneur Winners, Darshi Keerthisena Director and Head of Design at Buddhi Batiks and Kasuni Rathnasuriya introduced a fantastic range of batik work and versatile use of material and texture.
There was also a presentation from the UK educational collaborations Northumbria, Falmouth and Bradford College.The local fashion industry collections from MAS Holdings for NIKE, NEXT, Hirdramani for BHS and Brandix for M&S featured an interesting selection that was both sleek and fun. The final collection centred on Sustainable Development (DFSD) was a result of the Mullaitivu Knitted Project, the Batticaloa-Ampara Handloom Weaving Project and the innovativeness of the designers behind it.
The hand woven material was exciting with the multiple uses of earthy colours and bright hues that complemented each other. The catwalk also highlighted handwoven craft products and accessories made by local artisans. |
E-mail
