In November 2025, CFW will introduce a new season that will focus on an innovative aspect of fashion, creating new opportunities for Sri Lankan designers which includes Bridal and destination weddings. In South Asia this segment of fashion has grown and presents potential for Sri Lankan designers. Each year CFW identifies relevant opportunities before opening the platform to promote and facilitate the new season.
The fashion sector is growing rapidly in Sri Lanka, offering designers a clear path to expand their expertise and refine their craft. Colombo Fashion Week’s (CFW) March edition highlights the versatile summer season, a cornerstone of fashion across Sri Lanka and South Asia. The regional industry is currently navigating an exciting transition, finding harmony between functionality, wellness, craft, identity, sustainability, and celebration. Established in 2003, CFW has successfully built a strong South Asian presence. By welcoming designers from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to showcase with local and European creatives, CFW has spent over two decades cementing its status as a premier regional fashion event. This long run places CFW among an elite group—only four fashion weeks in Asia (including Japan, India, and Australia) have celebrated a 20-year legacy.
“Couture and Trousseau have been on CFW’s agenda for the last few years. I feel the time is right to introduce it in a smaller way and then expand into a full-blown season in 2026. This segment of fashion focuses on Occasion wear, Bridal, and Couture. This is a high-growth segment in South Asia, and we want to encourage Sri Lankan designers to create collections for this market. This also supports the Destination wedding position of Sri Lanka’s tourism. Our goal is to expand the fashion design industry of Sri Lanka and give more business opportunities to Sri Lankan designers in Sri Lanka and South Asia,” Says Ajai Vir Singh, Managing Director, CFW Holdings.
Over the last two decades, CFW has successfully built pride in Sri Lankan fashion. Starting with one established Sri Lankan designer in 2003, it has, over the years, encouraged a young generation to take up fashion design as a profession, opening avenues to dream big. Today, over 80% of the designers we see are products of CFW’s design development system. The Emerging Designer segment of CFW encourages designers from across the island to apply for a place to showcase their work and start their careers. CFW continues to lead the fashion ecosystem in Sri Lanka.
“Nations Trust Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Sanjaya Senarath said, “We’re happy to continue our longstanding partnership with CFW as it enters a new season. At Nations Trust Bank American Express, we’re passionate about offering our Cardmembers experiences that reflect their lifestyle and aspirations. The Luxury Edit by CFW, with its focus on South Asia’s evolving fashion landscape, is a perfect platform to celebrate this shared vision.”
This season focuses on the high-growth bridal segments in India and South Asia. This is also a high-growth segment in Sri Lanka. This will develop into a four-day affair in 2026 in the second half of the year.
“Cinnamon Grand Colombo is proud to continue its partnership with the iconic CFW for the third consecutive year. We recognize the importance of platforms such as CFW in elevating Sri Lanka’s profile and showcasing the dynamic spirit of Colombo as a destination. As Colombo’s landmark hospitality hub, Cinnamon Grand provides the perfect setting to celebrate creativity, culture, and collaboration, offering an elegant stage to market the city to an international audience. We look forward to another successful season with CFW as we continue to celebrate style, innovation, and the vibrant essence of Colombo,” said Nazoomi Azhar, General Manager, Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
This year’s season will feature three top Indian designers—specialists in the segment with Bollywood star patrons, including one who recently presented at Paris Fashion Week—alongside five invited Sri Lankan designers. This continues CFW’s legacy of showcasing high-profile talent like Tarun Tahiliani, Suneet Varma, JJ Valaya, and Rohit Bal. Lanka Tiles is proud to partner with the Luxury edit by CFW, recognizing CFW’s role in shaping local design. “Our brand… draws upon the synergy of this association. There is more planned in this space in coming months,” stated Priyantha Talwatte, Managing Director, Lanka Tiles.
The Couture + Trousseau season is presented in partnership with Nations Trust Bank American Express, Cinnamon Grand, Lanka Tiles, IDL, Vision Care, Hameedia, ITC, Beauty by Rosh, Ramani Fernando Salons, Hardtalk, and Acorn, whose support strengthens CFW’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
By NELUM BUDDHADASA
