October, 8, 2021
“kǣli–A Sustainable Collection” by Ruwanthi Gajadeera awarded with the 1st prize worth US$10,000
Among nearly 450 designers from 18 countries and regions including Europe, America and Asia, Gajadeera, Ruwanthi Pavithra from Sri Lanka became the winner of the first prize and won US$10,000 2021 at Taiwan Fashion Design Award” (TFDA).
Organised by the Industrial Development Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (IDB) and co-organised by Taiwan Textile Federation in 1987, TFDA was promoted to be an international contest in 2013 and has attracted the attention and participation of personnel from many overseas fashion schools. The event was sponsored by Lealea Enterprise Co., Ltd., Li Peng Enterprise Co., Ltd., Coddy Global LTD., and Fortune Industrial and Commercial Development Foundation, etc.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, there was also a live broadcast of the ceremony. The international jury connected with each other online in real-time and included Nao Takekoshi, Stephane Dou, Christina Dean, Valéria Bessolo Llopiz, Jane Singer, Tomonori Matsui and Charlotte Chiang.
In conjunction with Taipei Fashion Week series, all works of the finalists of 2021 TFDA will be displayed at Warehouse No. 3 of Songshan Cultural and Creative Park until October 11th.
Ruwanthi - previous wins
Early in July, the Academy of Design (AOD) added another accolade to its portfolio, following the success of Ruwanthi Gajadeera at London Graduate Fashion Week 2021. She became 1st runner up for her sustainability-themed designs, competing against 15 strong international contenders.
With her collection 'kǣli', Ruwanthi corporated her Sri Lankan heritage and the many sustainable mechanisms of ancient Sri Lankan culture, to support slow fashion and produce eco-friendly attire. Having designed under four key principles (low-impact, low-waste, longevity, and recyclability), Ruwanthi’s oeuvre allowed her to follow through with her vision of exploring sustainable fashion avenues, with the intent to eternalise these garments to be passed down from generation to generation.
“The sustainable catwalk collection of Ruwanthi Gajadeera shown at the 30th anniversary of Graduate Fashion Week in London, flew the national Sri Lankan flag for the quality artisan skills practiced on the island, and achieved a well-deserved position of first runner up in the International Award category,” said Douglas MacLennan, Chairperson Graduate Fashion Foundation London.
AOD’s mission is taking Sri Lankan talent global and helping young design aspirants contribute to the country whilst building a better work for themselves and others. AOD is about inspiration, about hope and about dreams we make happen! AOD makes this all happen through its unique and powerful partnership in design with Northumbria University School of Design in the UK and its own unique design pedagogy, it embarks on the post O/L and A/L students who join its mission to study its Fashion and Design BA programmes.
If your creative side is calling out for attention, call AOD on 0775727772, email info@aod.lk or walk-in between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday - Colombo Innovation Tower (CIT) 477, R A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 04
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