Today we speak Amilani perera who has made a name for self and her brilliant designs in the fashion world. We asked her question which we thought would be useful and maybe provide an insight for those wanting to know more about the industry and how she got started.
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a designer?
I have always wanted to be a fashion designer since I was a teenager. When I was selecting subjects for my A/L’s at Musaeus College, I chose art, business statistics and economics, because I was adamant to become a fashion designer one day. It became one step closer to my dream. After I graduated from Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore, I started my career at MAS Holdings for the amanté lingerie brand. Thereafter I was employed as a design consultant for Arvind LifeStyle Brands, Bangalore, India. While I was working at MAS holdings I decided to launch my brand and decided to apply for Colombo Fashion week. And once I got selected the rest was history…
And these were the stepping stones that lead my self-titled brand AMILANI PERERA (www.amilaniperera.com ).
2. What’s the inspiration for your designs?
In Sri Lanka, most workers in the garment industry are women. We focus on women during fashion, but we should focus on all aspects. Gender Based Violence has no social or economic barriers. It can affect anyone. Fashion is a universal language and can be used to raise awareness on this important issue. Hence in partnership with UNFPA of Sri Lanka (United Nations – srilanka.unfpa.org) all ready to wear collections by Amilani Perera brand derives inspiration from this issue.
Further I facilitate a wellbeing programme with UNFPA of Sri Lanka to uplift and empower abused women in Sri Lanka by engaging them in product development and conducting mentoring programmes with them. Every year, the brand’s collection showcased at Colombo Fashion Week, the collection concept will revolve around prevailing Gender Based Violence. The survivors of violence work in my collections showcase at Colombo Fashion Week each year and the proceeds from the collections will be transferred to shelters supported by UNFPA, that house survivors of violence.
On brands’ bridal line, we create bridal designs not only for Sri Lankan brides. Our brand is exclusively known for exporting bespoke bridal looks to brides all over the world. The portfolio contains exclusive bridal sarees, traditional Kandian bridal looks to bridal gowns. We cater bespoke designs to other occasions as well. And each bespoke look inspiration derives from the wearer’s personality and silhouette.
3. Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
There are many senior, well established, humble local designers that I look up to and inspire me. Internationally Since I was in college I have always been interested in Martin Margiela and about his creations! His ability to adapt to different clientele is amazing.
4. Where do you see yourself in the next years?
Once the prevailing pandemic dies down the future plan is to continue showcasing in international fashion shows as we showcased at Asian designer week in New Delhi and USA/ Sri Lanka fashion week in New York. Our ready to wear Collections have reached fashion buyers in Tokyo, Japan and will be retailed at the store 3.T.H.R.E.E.A by end of year 2021. Hence expanding the brand internally even further is one of the key points for coming years & to continue our work in Partnership with UNFPA. Once you make investments based on changing people’s lives, your entire life just shifts to another level of happiness… And that’s my future plan and goal.
5. What is international fashion to you?
With our world being a Global village, international fashion is not a distant language anymore. However when a brand from a different part of the world launches their seasonal collections it’s very interesting to witness the influence from their rich cultures and environment through their designer pieces. That’s the best aspect of International fashion.
6. If there was one thing you can change in the local industry what would it be?
Implementing & investing on more facilities to manufacture a variety of textiles and garment trims locally!
