Ruwanthi Gajadeera
“FASHION CAN BE A POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR ADVOCATING FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE WORLD FOR ALL.”
– RUWANTHI GAJADEERA
Amidst the aftermath of a tragic event—the collapse of a massive garbage dump in Colombo, Sri Lanka—designer Ruwanthi Gajadeera was compelled to embark on a journey towards sustainability. As a fashion graduate, she also found immense potential in aligning sustainable design principles with the rich tapestry of South Asian fashion traditions.
“In every stitch, I strive to weave a narrative that merges beauty, responsibility, and the preservation of traditions,” shares the designer, who holds a MSc in Sustainable Management from the University of Bedfordshire and is pursuing an MA in Design Innovation from De Montfort University. In addition to being a Finalist this year, Ruwanthi was also a Finalist of the Redress Design Award 2022 and a Semi-finalist in 2021.
Her collection, ‘kaeli - resurgence’, highlights the urgent need to preserve our oceans, inspired by the X-Press Pearl maritime tragedy. Designing for low impact, Ruwanthi uses recycled yarn to create a handloom denim fabric, an alternative to the toxicity created with mass-produced denim. She also designs for recyclability by using only cotton thread and yarn as a mono-material, and incorporating removable shanks and QR codes with care and recycling instructions.
Each piece in the collection reflects culture and craftsmanship, from a knit jumper seamlessly made with a continuous string of yarn, to a coat with textures created from scraps of Dumbara (Sri Lankan traditional weaving technique). Removable panels can be repurposed as wall hangings or other decorative items, adding to the garment’s longevity.
“While it can be challenging to communicate the need for change and shift the mindset of highly talented artisans who are deeply rooted in their traditional methods, I believe that collaboration and careful integration of new technologies hold the key to success,” she shares.
Ruwanthi’s dream is to establish a globally recognised fashion label at the forefront of sustainable textile and design solutions, contributing to local economies through export-oriented production.
