Nine Sri Lankan designers showcase swimwear collections at CFW Swim 2016

Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) Swim 2016, presented by OLU Tropical Water, will showcase the latest collections of emerging and established Sri Lankan swimwear labels. In the inaugural season of CFW Swim, renowned Sri Lankan swimwear designers will present their new collections alongside designers who are new to the category. Linea Aqua, the main partner of CFW, has manufactured all swimwear, showcasing its state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, which are world-class. CFW Swim 2016 will take place on 7th and 8th August at the Hilton Colombo Poolside.

CFW Swim 2016 will feature swimwear collections of respected Sri Lankan designers, including Charini Suriyage (CHARINI), who will present a retro-inspired, sporty line of swimwear designed especially for the Sri Lankan woman and Upeksha Hager (U by Upeksha Hager), whose collection will feature floral, striped and teacup-inspired patterns and figure-flattering structures. The show will also feature Arugam Bay Beachwear, whose Swim 2016 Collection will include sporty, contemporary silhouettes, pastel and neon hues and bold floral prints. Charlene Thuring (C.H.A.R.L.E.N.E.) will debut the Bohemian Swimwear Collection. Swimwear collections will also be presented by celebrated designer, Darshi Keerthisena (Buddhi Batiks), and leading intimates brand under the MAS portfolio, amanté.

CFW Swim 2016 will also serve as an important platform for emerging designers. This season, Sharmila Ruberu (Meraki) will debut her swimwear collection, featuring striking colours and feisty designs. Just five months after its debut at the CFW BrightSpark Shows – Spring/Summer 2015, Rukshika Fernando (Rum Punch) will showcase the Active Tribal Collection. CFW is also enriched by its partnerships with Nissan, Yamaha, Vision Care, American & Efird Lanka, Bodyline, Ramani Fernando Salons, Leo Burnett and Arc Worldwide – who believe in the vision and aspirations of CFW – for CFW Swim 2016.

Since its inception in 2003, CFW has inspired growth in the Sri Lankan fashion industry by introducing a Fashion Week culture within the country and driving designers to produce seasonal and retail-ready collections. Swim was introduced as a third season in the annual CFW calendar to serve as the most important platform for Sri Lankan and international swimwear labels in the region, and to showcase Sri Lanka’s world-class swimwear manufacturing capabilities.

In the same way Spring/Summer and Resort have helped propel the careers of some of Sri Lanka’s most recognized designers, Swim will connect Sri Lankan swimwear designers with buyers and the media and help them to build a solid clientele within the region. CFW is one of four main Fashion Weeks in Asia that are over ten years old and, and as a developmental project, it is constantly creating innovative runway and retail opportunities for Sri Lankan designers to gain exposure and breakthrough into the global fashion arena.

For more information on CFW Swim 2016 designers and schedules, visit the official Colombo Fashion Week website (www.colombofashionweek.com). For the latest updates on runway shows, exclusive segments and behind-the-scenes activities, follow CFW on Facebook (www.facebook.com/colombofashionweek), Twitter (@colombofw) and Instagram (@colombofw). Use #CFWSwim to join the conversation.