SLDF 2010:

Famous designers, industry specialists in Sri Lanka

The second annual Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) 2010, conceptualised by the Academy of Design (AOD) - Sri Lanka will be held from November 11 to 16 at Mount Lavinia Hotel.

This year's theme is Design Difference, which will encompass local creative design to attract the global market, bringing recognition to the nuances of unique Sri Lankan design and creative industries and placing focus on the difference created through this sector to alleviate poverty through employment generation and its contribution to the national economy.

The extensive program outlined by SLDF 2010 will include over 100 events, including workshops, panel discussions, fashion shows, factory visits, seminars and demonstrations covering six areas of design, fashion - jewellery - craft - graphic design and advertising - product design and interior design and architecture.

Emphasis will be placed on depicting the creative talent and manufacturing excellence of the local apparel industry through prestigious events such as the Ethical Fashion Symposium and the Industry Fashion Show.

A unique highlight of the festival will be an artisan and craft village, a dynamic fusion of traditional crafts and modern design, open throughout the festival.

This unique venture was facilitated by the EDB in association with SLDF, to promote Sri Lankan crafts.

SLDF 2010 will play a pivotal role in showcasing Sri Lanka's design capability while providing much needed business opportunities.

Big names in the design and retail circuit will participate in SLDF for sourcing, imparting knowledge and promotion. Among them will be a renowned international personality in ethical fashion Elizabeth Laska - co-founder and curator of Estethica - the groundbreaking eco-zone at London Fashion Week Orsola de Castro, SLDF brand ambassador, UK's renowned fashion commentator, writer and critique, Colin McDowell with world famous retailers like Topshop, M and S, Warehouse, Asos and Tesco to name a few.

The strategic partnership between the Academy of Design with EDB, MAS Holdings and Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) will no doubt mark yet another milestone of the public-private sector partnership in achieving common goals of the country.