AOD fashion graduate designer Charuka Dilshan Gunasekara triumphs over leading institutions to be named the world’s top emerging fashion talent

Sri Lanka has claimed the top honour at one of the world’s most influential fashion graduate platforms, with designer Charuka Dilshan Gunasekara awarded Overall First Place (the Gold Award) at the Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) 2026 International Showcase, held in London on 18 June 2026.

A graduate of the Academy of Design (AOD), Charuka was selected as the overall winner of the International Showcase, competing against emerging designers from leading fashion institutions around the world  including universities from Japan, China, Mexico, South Korea, and other leading fashion capitals. His win marks a landmark moment for Sri Lankan fashion , placing the country’s creative talent firmly on the global stage and reinforcing South Asia’s growing influence within the international fashion industry.

Graduate Fashion Week, now in its 35th year, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential platforms for emerging fashion talent, bringing together leading fashion talent from the UK and universities, industry professionals, global brands, media, and creative talent from across the world. The International Showcase celebrates exceptional graduate work from selected institutions worldwide and represents some of the strongest emerging voices shaping the future of fashion.

A collection rooted in Sri Lankan heritage

Charuka’s award-winning collection impressed judges through its innovative fusion of Sri Lanka’s traditional Dumbara weaving heritage with contemporary fashion design. Exploring themes of resilience, healing, and transformation, the collection reimagines one of the country’s most significant craft traditions for a global audience  highlighting the richness of Sri Lankan cultural heritage and showcasing AODs unique design philosophy and DNA while demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship can shape the future of fashion.

“Charuka’s achievement is a proud moment for Sri Lanka and for AODs creative community. His success demonstrates how Sri Lankan craft, culture, and creativity can resonate on the global stage, while showcasing the extraordinary talent emerging from the country. We are immensely proud to see both Charuka and Sri Lanka recognised through this achievement,” said Linda Speldewinde, Chairperson and Founder of the Academy of Design (AOD).

“Out of all those international universities  from Japan, China, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan and more , including fashion capitals,  Charuka has done so well. I am very proud of him and AOD,” said Professor Thomas Atkison, an AOD faculty member who taught Charuka and was present at the International Showcase in London.

“This is a proud moment not just for Charuka, but for Sri Lankan design education as a whole. It shows that when our students are given the right platform and guidance, they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world  and win,” added Linda Speldewinde, Chairperson and Founder of the Academy of Design (AOD).

A rare honour for Sri Lankan design education

Charuka was among a select group of international graduates invited to showcase their work at Graduate Fashion Week 2026, making the achievement particularly significant. Very few Sri Lankan designers have had the opportunity to participate in the International Showcase, and Charuka’s win for overall first place represents one of the country’s most notable successes on this global platform.

It is the first time an AOD graduate has taken overall first place since Amesh Wijesekera’s landmark International Award win , a result that was, at the time, a global first for Sri Lankan fashion and design, achieved against some of the world’s leading fashion schools. Amesh’s win launched his international career, leading him to an internship with British designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, show at Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week, represent Sri Lanka at Berlin Fashion Week, and ultimately be shortlisted for the 2022 LVMH Prize with his own label, AMESH.

In the years since, AOD students have continued to build on this legacy at Graduate Fashion Week, including a Silver Award win in 2024. Charuka’s win now stands as AOD’s biggest result on this platform since Amesh  and AOD is committed to backing his career in the same way, with international mentorship and showcase opportunities to follow.

Fellow AOD graduateKaveetha Dissanayake was also recognised at this year’s International Showcase, receiving a Special Award in the International Considered Fashion Award category further underscoring the strength and depth of talent coming out of AOD’s design programmes.

Looking ahead

Charuka’s win is a celebration of the growing international recognition being received by Sri Lankan design education and the country’s emerging creative sector. As AOD graduates continue to gain visibility on international stages, achievements such as this demonstrate the ability of Sri Lankan designers to contribute meaningfully to global conversations around fashion, culture, sustainability, and innovation.

The Academy of Design (AOD) is Sri Lanka’s leading design education institution, with nearly 20 years plus of history and an academic partnership with Northumbria University. AOD is based at the Colombo Innovation Tower and offers programmes across fashion, design, and creative disciplines, with a mission to uplift livelihoods through design education and skills upliftment across Sri Lanka and the wider region. AOD will continue to support Charuka as he launches his career, with the institution backing the development of his label and creative practice following this landmark win. For further information and collaborations, developing young fashion talent  reach out to AOD via www.aod.lk Website or give us a call at 074 112 0276