CFW CELEBRATES A 20 YEAR JOURNEY
New show dates announced as March 29th to 2nd April 2023
Celebrating a milestone in the fashion sphere of Sri Lanka, Colombo Fashion Week announced its new show dates from the 29th of March to the 2nd of April 2023. A journey which began in 2003 has come about in leaps and bounds and 20 years later its Founder and President Ajai Vir Singh’s goal of making Sri Lanka the South Asian hub for fashion is almost within reach. Speaking about CFW Singh states “CFW 2023 is set to take fashion to new heights. In the last 20 years, among other things, CFW has brought Pride in Sri Lankan fashion, this aspect was missing when we started, today Sri Lankan designers are household names and their creations fill wardrobes.”
This year brings forward an environment that demands innovations and creativity to move to the next level, as the Sri Lankan economy looks towards a revival after a year of turmoil. The HSBC Emerging Fund has been instrumental in supporting 5 new design talent to sustain themselves along with the Italy Award, that created opportunities for a new designer.
In this upcoming edition there will be 30 Sri Lankan and international designers showcasing, such as Darshi Keerthisena of Buddhi Batiks, Charini Suriyage, Dimuthu Sahabandu,
Sonali Dharmawardena, Amilani
Perera, Fouzul Hameed, Indi Yapa Abeywardena, Asanka De Mel and many others.
In its 20th year CFW celebrates a start of an important new collaboration with the globally reputed brand Mastercard. Their vision to digitize sustainably by year 2025 and nurture and support SME’S aligns with the vision of CFW. CFW’S official host hotel, Shangri La Colombo, one of the foremost hospitality brands in the world and in Sri Lanka will be the partnering this year as well. The Embassy of Italy has instituted an important award to identify and support a high potential young designer. It’s the ITALY AWARD in its second year under the leadership of Her Excellency Rita Manella. Kerry Logistics has joined hands with CFW. Their network is a highly diversified portfolio with the strongest coverage in Asia. Adding more, Tresemme returns this year also as the Official Hair Care Partner for CFW Summer 2023. Another partner who is joining hands this year is Juniper group which offers a unique real estate and financial investment portfolio. The iconic Ramani Fernando has been part of this journey since inception as the Official Hair and Make-up Partner and has been a friend in Fashion to all Colombo Fashion Week initiatives. This year too, Hameedia continues to extend its longstanding affiliation with CFW. Chupa Chups by Perfetti joins as a lifestyle confectionary brand and Prevense by British cosmetic, is the official skincare partner.