Major fashion houses around the globe that have just unveiled their summer collections have gone back into hibernation to work on their fall pieces. Designers in training at LIFT have also had an adventurous season of appliquéing, beading and creating couture pieces. Their brief was to create a garment inspired by hallmark names in the world of couture fashion. Now the students’ hard work is up on display.
Paying homage to the celebrated French art form, the Couture Exhibition was officially opened by the French Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Jean-Marin Schuh last week and will continue until July 10, as part of the annual French Spring Festival.
With an almost bridal feel to it, Shehani Madiwaka’s piece was inspired by Zuhair Murad’s Spring Summer collection. “It’s a lot harder than it looks,” she tells us having initially struggled to manipulate the delicate salmon-tinged tulle, which forms the base of her creation. Soft, pastel clouds of lace which sit on the mesh give the dress elegance but it is as fragile as it looks, she shares and attaching elements has been a challenge, albeit a rewarding one, she smiles.