October 30, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) is setting the stage for a transformative decade, establishing a unique narrative for South Asia’s creative industries through an expansive platform that blends design and innovation.
The 15th edition of SLDF, organized by the Academy of Design (AOD), will be hosted at Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams from November 7-10, 2024, with a robust lineup of over 50 events, including fashion shows, thought leadership forums, exhibitions, and public discussions.
This year’s festival emphasizes the theme of resilience, innovation, and Sri Lanka’s aspirations to establish itself as a leading creative hub within the global economy.
SLDF 2024 places a particular focus on India as its partner nation, inviting a dynamic array of Indian creatives such as eco-conscious fashion designers, graphic artists, influential business leaders, and public figures to participate.
AOD’s Chairperson, Linda Speldewinde, highlights this collaboration as a powerful step toward fostering a distinctive South Asian creative identity.
By positioning Sri Lanka as a bridge that connects South Asia’s diverse creative voices, SLDF aims to develop talent and regional cohesion that will meet international standards in creativity and design over the next decade.
This partnership not only celebrates cultural exchange but also aims to strengthen the South Asian creative ecosystem by merging Sri Lanka’s strengths in ethical production with India’s retail prowess.
SLDF’s vision of a South Asian creative epicenter is reinforced by its mission to promote sustainable design and support creative economies.
In addition to fostering collaborations in fashion, tourism, and technology, the festival seeks to encourage innovation in diverse fields, establishing design as a vital economic contributor within the region.
The partnership with India also aligns with expanding South Asia’s apparel value chain, which aims to leverage India’s luxury travel and wedding markets while promoting Sri Lankan hospitality and craftsmanship on a larger scale.
The festival will host notable figures from the subcontinent, offering invaluable insights into the future of sustainable fashion, brand communication, and experiential luxury.
Among the leading figures is Bandana Tewari, a lifestyle journalist and sustainability advocate renowned for her talks on compassionate fashion and conscious consumption.
With her extensive experience as Vogue India’s former Editor-at-Large, Tewari will contribute her expertise in ethical fashion practices.
Another prominent figure, V. Sunil, known for his work on India’s “Incredible !India” campaign and the “Make in India” initiative, has played a vital role in positioning India as a high-end tourist destination.
His insights are expected to bring invaluable perspectives on brand-building and creative vision.Adding to the lineup is Vandana Mohan, founder of The Wedding Design Company (WDC), who has redefined luxury weddings, creating bespoke celebrations that capture the grandeur of Indian culture.
Similarly, Deepak Jain, CEO of the amanté brand, will share his experience in growing a leading intimate wear label in South Asia.
Lastly, Priti Mahajan, a specialist in brand and communication strategies, will offer expertise in destination building and luxury brand development, with her platform, The Lifestyle Project, driving artisan-focused collaborations.
SLDF 2024 aspires to drive a new narrative for Sri Lanka as a gateway to South Asia’s creative economy, establishing the festival as an annual rendezvous for global leaders, upcoming talents, and industry innovators.
