AOD’s Nethangi Fernando Shines at World’s Biggest Graduate Fashion Week in London, Now It’s Your Turn to Begin a Global Design Journey After O/Ls
View(s):When Sri Lankan design talent walks the runways of London, the fashion capital of the world, it’s not just a personal victory. It’s a statement that creative youth from our small island can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best emerging designers worldwide.
This year, Nethangi Fernando, a trailblazer from the Academy of Design (AOD), proved exactly that. She showcased her collection at the iconic Graduate Fashion Week London, the world’s largest event for new fashion talent. Nethangi’s innovative collection was developed in collaboration with Inqube, a forward-thinking Sri Lankan fashion apparel innovation company, a venture with Brandix, demonstrating how local education, industry, and global opportunities connect at AOD. Nethangi is currently employed at Inqube as a designer post-graduation from AOD’s Northumbria University degree program.
But what makes this success story truly remarkable is that Nethangi’s journey started exactly where thousands of Sri Lankan students find themselves today at the end of their O/L-A/L exams, wondering what to do next.
From Colombo to London: The Power of a Global Design Education
At the heart of AOD’s success is its long-standing partnership with Northumbria University UK, one of Britain’s leading institutions for art and design. Northumbria’s School of Design is ranked among the UK’s top design schools by the Times Higher Education ranking, renowned for producing graduates who go on to influence global creative industries.
AOD is the only campus in Sri Lanka offering the complete Northumbria University UK design degrees and its own AOD unique award-winning design education eco system and experience, right here in Colombo, based at the iconic Colombo Innovation Tower a hub for design and tech. Through its Design Foundation Programme, students fresh out of O/Ls can begin their journey into this internationally recognized BA (Hons) pathways in Fashion and Textile Design & Fashion Design and Marketing, Interior Design (Interior Architecture), Visual Communication Design and Motion Graphics and Animation, building skills that are both globally relevant and industry ready.
Why Start Now? The Critical Post-O/L Opportunity
Finishing O/Ls is a critical turning point. Many students feel pressured to pursue traditional paths like medicine or business, without exploring creative careers that are growing globally.
Industries like fashion, animation, graphic design, interior and communication design are among the fastest-growing sectors worldwide. With Sri Lanka’s rich craft heritage, our youth are well positioned to make an impact, if equipped with the right education.
AOD’s Design Foundation Programme, created for post-O/L students, introduces the fundamentals of design thinking, creativity, AI integration, and technical skills. It builds the confidence and capabilities needed to smoothly transition into AOD’s globally recognized UK degree programs and join its vibrant creative ecosystem.
Real Students, Real Success
The story of Nethangi Fernando is not an exception. AOD has had a number of students winning international awards and building a trail blazing reputations for Sri Lanka’s creative talent whilst building international careers. Designers Amesh Wijesekara, Ruwanthi Gajadeera, to name a few. They are proof of what’s possible when raw talent meets the right training, mentorship, and international exposure.
After enrolling at AOD, these young designers were guided to discover their unique creative voices, develop strong professional portfolios, and learn to present themselves to global audiences. Their final collections wowed industry experts and scouts at Graduate Fashion Week London, the same platform that has launched designers now working for brands like Burberry, Alexander McQueen, and Stella McCartney.
Nethangi’s collaboration with Inqube, an industry partner at the forefront of smart apparel and fashion innovation shows how AOD students learn to bridge design, technology, and business. The valuable experience she gained through internships and live industry projects helped set her apart on the runway.
Today, she stands as a role model for every Sri Lankan student who dreams of turning a creative passion into a global career.
Your Global Design Journey Starts Here
So, if you’ve just completed your O/Ls and are wondering where your future could take you — take inspiration from our alumni. Your creativity could one day open doors to runways in London, fashion weeks in New York, or studios globally.
All it takes is the first step.
Call AOD on 0741120276 for details, or visit www.aod.lk
Your story could be the next to inspire the world.
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