Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
The founder of Fusion 14, Saarah Dean Ismail is the epitome of a modern day entrepreneur whose singular goal is to run a successful fashion enterprise while making her clients happy. Starting out on a very small scale, with the passage of time Saarah has taken Fusion 14 to great heights. An advocate of sustainable practices and affordable price points, her collections are eye-catching and bold. Her latest collection Midsummer Dream photographed in the lush and verdant gardens of Brief is graphic, full of colour and embodies Saarah’s effervescent nature.
How did you begin your journey into fashion?
I was raised with many influences with fashion and retail. My mother being a designer, she would take me along with her on her sourcing/ business strips from the age of 3. I have loved art and creating art since my childhood. I believe that set strong roots to my present life as a designer and an entrepreneur.
What is your first fashion memory?
When I insisted on wearing this lehenga set my mother made for me when I was under the age of 6 on repeat.
Why did you select a theme such as Midsummer Dream for this collection?
My team and I were inspired by Sri Lankan botanicals, and different experimentations with overlaying varied abstract florals with our signature dye techniques. Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa couldn’t be a better location to weave our vision together.
The Midsummer (night) theme has been done by all the main fashion designers. How did you ensure yours was different to theirs?
Straying from the obvious has been the goal. I believe my choice of florals and dye techniques takes a whimsical approach and are able to give our clients something new and fresh.
How would you describe the silhouettes in the collection?
I’ve done a mix of different silhouettes that could appeal to my different clients. I try to keep them all in mind when creating a new edit. Most of our garments are free sized, instead of a fixed sizing. We recommend minor alterations in-house if any clients have preferences.
