Chokolaate, Sri Lanka’s leading youth-centric media platform, announced the official call-out for designers to participate in the much-anticipated Mother-Daughter Fashion Designer (MDFD) contest. Now in its 16th year, MDFD continues its legacy as one of the island’s most influential creative platforms for emerging fashion talent.

Organised annually by Chokolaate Magazine — founded in 2006 with the mission to nurture and amplify youth voice and potential — the MDFD competition invites both aspiring and early-career designers to submit unique concepts that celebrate creativity, innovation and the timeless bond between mother and daughter. Over more than a decade and a half, MDFD has grown from a niche runway event into a respected incubator of design talent, drawing entries from students, young professionals and self-taught creatives across Sri Lanka.

“We’ve always believed that talent can be found everywhere, and MDFD is our way of providing a stage for that talent to shine,” said Michelle Gunesekara, Founder and Managing Director of Chokolaate. “What began as a tribute to the mother-daughter relationship has evolved into a meaningful platform where young designers learn, grow and gain industry recognition.”

A Platform That Transforms Lives

From its early beginnings, MDFD has consistently attracted hundreds of submissions each year, providing participants with mentorship opportunities, professional workshops, and exposure to industry leaders. Finalists are selected through a rigorous judging process, where creativity, technical skill, originality and storytelling through fashion are key criteria. Past events have featured training sessions on design fundamentals, fashion marketing and brand development — elevating participants’ skills and preparing them for careers in the creative industries.

Over the years, the competition has produced a league of alumni who have gone on to represent Sri Lankan design talent on national and international stages. MDFD winners and finalists regularly garner opportunities ranging from internships and brand collaborations to features in leading publications and fashion showcases.

Celebrating Sri Lankan Creativity and Youth Potential

Beyond the runway, the MDFD contest has become a cultural touchstone within Sri Lanka’s youth and creative communities. The competition elevates the voices of young designers who draw inspiration from heritage, nature, identity and contemporary trends — blending tradition with innovation to reflect Sri Lanka’s diverse creative spirit. MDFD’s unique format, which pairs designers’ creations with real mother-daughter duos on the runway, underscores themes of connection, empowerment and shared artistic vision.

The event is led by renowned Creative Director Dinesh Chandrasena, with choreography by Rozanne Diasz, while Salon Naturals oversees hair and makeup. Nehemiah Consultants serves as the PR Partner, with KISS FM coming on board as the Official Radio Partner. Technical production is powered by Live Events Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, managing sounds and lights, with the College of Fashion and Design on board as the Creative Skills Enhancement Partner.

As MDFD opens its designer call-out for the coming edition, Chokolaate encourages designers of all backgrounds to participate and push the boundaries of their creativity. Visit the official Chokolaate social media platforms and submit entries before 28 February 2026.