Introduction
Every year we pay tribute to an iconic fashion object, last year it was Madraschecks. 2013 is an important year as it marks our 10th year! This year we pay tribute to two elements in fashion, the fabric Seersucker and the colour Indigo, which is both originated in our very own south Asian region. Indigo is also the colour of the year forecasted by Dulux.
| AJAI VIR SINGH Sri Lanka is poised to become one of the most influential nations in South Asia. It is currently experiencing immense sense of optimism and growth. Its close proximity to India and its strategic location in the region makes it a perfect hub for fashion in South Asia. With a population of over 1.5 billion, South Asia is showing great potential as the next important luxury and fashion market. Colombo Fashion Week is driving the hub concept by positioning itself as the Spring Summer and Resort wear fashion week. Colombo Fashion Week is a completely integrated showcase, aimed at developing a South Asian fashion hub, which encourages and promotes commerce between regional designers and retailers. Its main aim is to uplift the fashion industry of Sri Lanka, and its approach is multifaceted. CFW identifies promising young designers before offering them guidance and internship through CFW's Technical Studio. These designers then become part of the international showcase, gaining the opportunity to interact with and learn from established designers, as well as exposure to high potential markets. By encouraging Sri Lankan designers to use local textiles and crafts in their designs, it helps to boost related industries. CFW is also developing a Sri Lankan and a regional buyer network to start a commercial dialogue with designers. All of this combined creates a sustainable local fashion industry, constantly offering opportunities for designers with potential, existing designers, and building upon the success of the local apparel industry for the benefit of all. |
 Ajai Vir Singh President - Colombo Fashion Week |
| PRASAD BIDAPA Prasad Bidapa - fashion guru, stylist, a respected fashion retail expert and a celebrity, and for the third time, one of Elle magazine's "50 Most Stylish People" in India. His work in the field of fashion is considered state-of-the-art and his portfolio includes clients in India as well as overseas, including Louis Vuitton, Zegna and Espirit, as well as most of the important Indian labels. He is considered one of India's most influential style entrepreneurs, appearing regularly in the media where his opinion is highly sought after. He is a multidimensional fashion personality, a graduate of NID, he went beyond fashion designing, today his grasp on this discipline has seen him impact various aspects of the fashion industry. His progressive thinking is sought after as he works behind the scenes in South Asia to give it a voice and a standing in the international fashion arena. He has been an associate, consultant, technical partner behind Colombo Fashion Week since its inception in 2003. |
 Prasad Bidapa Associates - Colombo Fashion Week |