2020 is going to be a good year for designers who let their brushes speak for them. We have our own Kuhu Plamondon who is the undisputed queen of hand-painted wearable art. This year’s BFW brought back a Sri Lankan favourite Sonali Dharmawardena, whose work with batik has elevated the country’s fashion scene.
“I want to give my audience a paradigm shift on staples, she tells us. “We bring in a hint of cultural flavor with a trendy twist to it to establish our identity, then move to fashion statements that embrace regional cultures with an open-minded take on it.”
Dharmawardena’s signature look is fearless in its use of colour, and with tie-dye and batik being back with a vengeance on the global runways, this looks to be her year. “Exciting year with great things in store for anyone who has faith in it. I love what I do. I’m confident of my source. So I know the brand will ace” she declares.
“I like to see people change to be innovators”
When asked about what needs to change for the industry to thrive, she expressed her happiness that there is a greater focus on the use of natural fabrics – she primarily works with cotton, linen and silk – but also points out the dangers of groupthink. “The trend of copying has to change. We are in times of freedom of expression that free spiritedness gives rise to limitless possibilities : fear makes one be a follower”
