An evening of creativity, innovation, and elegance unfolded at the Grand Marquee, Taj Samudra Colombo, as the highly anticipated grand finale of the ChoKoLAATe Mother-Daughter Fashion Designer (MDFD) 2026 competition concluded in spectacular fashion. Bringing together some of Sri Lanka’s most promising emerging designers, the event once again reaffirmed its reputation as one of the country’s most influential platforms for nurturing the future of fashion.

Founded by Michelle Gunesekara, Managing Director of ChoKoLAATe Magazine, MDFD has, for 16 years, served as a launchpad for young designers, providing aspiring creatives with the opportunity to showcase their talent, refine their craft, and gain invaluable industry exposure. Celebrating the enduring bond between mothers and daughters, the competition challenges participants to design cohesive collections spanning casual wear, sportswear, and evening wear, modelled exclusively by real-life mother-daughter duos.

Following months of portfolio evaluations, workshops, mentoring sessions, and competitive preliminary rounds, this year’s finalists unveiled collections that reflected remarkable creativity, technical skill, and artistic vision. The grand finale showcased a diverse range of concepts and inspirations, highlighting the strength and depth of Sri Lanka’s emerging fashion industry.

The evening’s highest honour was awarded to Niki Vagail, who was crowned the ChoKoLAATe Mother-Daughter Fashion Designer 2026. Impressing the judges with a collection that demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship, originality, and design sophistication, Niki emerged as a standout talent and a deserving winner of this year’s competition.

The title of First Runner-Up was awarded to Ashen Rishmal, while Lavanya Dissanayake secured the position of Second Runner-Up, with both designers presenting collections that captivated audiences through their distinctive storytelling and innovative approach to contemporary fashion.

The competition also recognised excellence across individual design categories. Ashen Rishmal was awarded the Best Casual Wear Collection, while Dulini Withanage claimed the title for Best Sportswear Collection. Lavanya Dissanayake further distinguished herself by winning the Best Evening Wear Collection, demonstrating outstanding versatility and creative excellence.

Adding to her achievements on the night, Lavanya Dissanayake was also awarded the prestigious Shantanu & Nikhil Scholarship, providing a valuable opportunity for further growth and exposure within the international fashion industry. Meanwhile, overall winner Niki Vagail was presented with the coveted Charini Internship, a career-defining opportunity that will offer invaluable professional experience and mentorship.

The runway was masterfully brought to life under the creative direction of renowned designer Dinesh Chandrasena, whose expertise and vision elevated the evening into a truly memorable fashion showcase. Dynamic choreography by Rozanne Diasz ensured that each collection was presented with elegance, confidence, and impact.

The success of MDFD 2026 was made possible through the support of an exceptional network of sponsors and partners who continue to champion creativity and young talent. To add bold power to this experience is a distinguished lineup of sponsors, each playing a vital role. Pantene leads as the Official Hair Care Partner, followed by Fondre as Segment Sponsor – Sportswear, Secrets (ICL) as Fragrance Partner, and CBL Munchee (Black Edition) as the Indulgence Partner. Abans (Dollor) comes on board as a Supporting Partner, followed by LCY as the Collection Showcase Partner. Sun Crush joins as the Associate Partner, while Fonterra (Anchor Moments) serves as the Official Hot Beverage Partner. Prima adds a fiery touch as the Hot and Spicy Partner, with Kela & Co completing this remarkable lineup of partners.

As another remarkable chapter comes to a close, ChoKoLAATe Mother-Daughter Fashion Designer continues to strengthen its legacy as a transformative force within Sri Lanka’s fashion industry, inspiring young creatives to dream boldly, design fearlessly, and shape the future of fashion both locally and beyond.