Designer Indi Yapa Abeywardene's maiden solo fashion show related a story of exuberance intertwining culture, heritage and craftsmanship.
Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Indi Yapa Abeywardene is no stranger in the fashion industry. She cut her teeth in the industry when she first showcased her collection at Colombo Fashion Week over a decade ago. Qualified in the UK, Indi returned to Sri Lanka and soon opened her own establishment. A regular at Colombo Fashion Week, this season Indi took the plunge and staged her solo fashion show where she showcased over 100 outfits. Indi has made a name for herself as a bridal designer and her sartorial style is sought after by many brides. For her maiden solo show which was held in the grounds of the Municipal Council with the colonial building as an imposing backdrop, Indi showcased an opulent collection of traditional and fusion wear.
How long had you been planning on doing a show on your own?
I marked my decade in the fashion industry in Sri Lanka in 2020. However, due to Covid, followed by the economic and political instability it kept getting postponed. But this time thanks to some amazing brand partners and supporters we managed to put it together this year and within six months the entire production was executed. The main objective was to do a solo fashion show, along the lines of an international fashion house where they concurrently run a show to a fashion week or as a seasonal show. We had to keep in mind the correct time to release the seasonal collection for the next year. Having a solo show gives you the freedom as a designer to select the location you want, have the models you want, show the outfits you want and of course, reap all the publicity for your own brand. The feeling of accomplishment is amazing, especially when you know only a handful of Sri Lankan fashion designers have taken a risk and done a solo show.
