MBFWSL 2025: Where South Asia’s creative landscape took centrestage
View(s):By Shannon Salgadoe Pix by Akila Jayawardena and M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka 2025 (MBFWSL), held from November 19 to 23 at Cinnamon Life, closed its final three days with a powerful showcase of South Asian creativity. Across three evenings that reaffirmed how craft, culture and contemporary expression shape the region’s design identity, designers presented work that felt intentional, globally conversant, and deeply rooted in place.
Day Three’s Future Craft runway opened with a celebration of designers challenging and redefining traditional craftsmanship. Designers and labels such as Gaach, Charuka Gunasekera, Nao, Lafaani, Urban Island, TSS, Kalathri Guruge, Ajrakh Gharana, Afsana Ferdousi, Clara Minnelli, CDK Gyencha, Artroom Ceylon, Barefoot, Poochki, Seraphine Amoria, Mevii, Stoique and Amesh collectively highlighted how sustainability, heritage, and innovation intersect. Handwoven fabrics, kantha and crewelwork, natural fibres, upcycled materials and circular design philosophies created a tapestry of narratives. Designers explored identity, memory, femininity, renewal and the evolving language of South Asian craft, proving that tradition is not static but continually reimagined. The runway felt both intimate and expansive, enriched by artistry rooted in community and thoughtful material storytelling.
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- Reikh
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- Amilani Perera
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- Ka-Sha
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- Charini
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- Studio Dimitra
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- Kuma Collection
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- Ikigai x Elra
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- Naushad Ali
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- NOAD
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- Quarter
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- Amesh
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- Stoique
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- Artroom Ceylon
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- Clara Minnelli
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- TSS
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- Gaach
Day Four’s Destination Island showcase shifted the mood toward sunlit ease and resort-ready vibrancy. The evening featured Quarter, Jayati Goenka, NOAD, Shavi, MAS Intimates, Metropolizen, Love by Kaveri, Naushad Ali, Maandsa, Moose Clothing Company, Mivinie, Ikigai x Eira, Urban Drape x FMLK, Love Large by Double XL, Kuma Collection, Erode Collection, Studio Dimitra, and Amiran. Collections played with movement, colour, and the rhythm of island living, from hand-blocked textiles and fluid geometry to youthful street influences, luxury batiks, and contemporary saree interpretations. Designers blended architectural silhouettes with soft draping, festive shimmer, and modern craftsmanship, positioning Sri Lanka as a destination for globally relevant resort design.
The closing night’s Colombo Edit delivered sharp refinement and urban texture. Presenting their collections were Akaaro, Charini, Amesh, Ka-Sha, Suit & Tie by Raphael, Amilani Perera, Indi Yapa Abeywardena, and Reikh. Engineered textiles, metallic weaves, intricate surface treatments, and sculpted silhouettes defined the evening. Designers drew from the contrasts of Colombo itself – its rhythm, architecture, and shifting light – translating them into garments that balanced restraint and emotion. Sculpted silhouettes, refined textiles and detailing shaped the final night, giving the week a crisp and purposeful close.
MBFWSL 2025 showcased the growing momentum of South Asia’s creative landscape, with designers presenting distinct visions yet sharing a commitment to craft, culture, and innovation. It was a reminder that MBFWSL has reaffirmed its role as an annual platform that reframes how fashion shapes culture, lifestyle, and modern luxury – a space where heritage, creativity and contemporary design continue to evolve in dialogue with one another.
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