Anushika Perera hit the spotlight fairly early in her career by gaining recognition as an emerging designer in 2016. Making the most of the accolade and the opportunities that came with it, she has been experimenting and evolving as a designer. Her efforts have been focused on fashioning her own label Anushika Perera and finding a deeper purpose to her designs.
What is the best introduction you could give to your personal brand “Anushika Perera”?
Clean. Simple. Comfortable. Linen and handloom materials are celebrated with a natural, minimal and humble sense of style. It is designed for those who enjoy sunlight, music and the little things in life.
You have an explicit interest in creating sustainable designs. Why is this an important platform for you?
Caring for our environment; people and nature should be something that comes from within. We as humans have been created and in a sense – designed in a certain way and should be responsible and sensitive to our surroundings. This consciousness is a vital factor in my design ethics and I try to follow it as much as possible. I use all natural or recyclable fabrics and materials and try to keep wastage at a minimum. I work with small scale businesses and talented housewives.
What have you learnt through your research on handlooms and traditional weaving that you find interesting and inspiring?
The most interesting part in handloom craft is that you can read the fabric; how the weaver has woven and where they have perhaps made a mistake. This is what interests me the most about the material. The mistakes in the fabric makes it beautiful and I always try to take it as a detail in my designs. What I find most valuable is that it is a material brought to life solely by another person.
Sri Lanka has a long-standing history of weaving. Today, it has evolved into a craft that has grown and merged with various influential factors. Just as much as it has come a long way, it should continue to thrive as now the usage and awareness around handloom and traditional weaving is high. There is a lot of room to grow and potential to incorporate different techniques and materials in to the craft.
Tell us a bit about the artisanal communities you work with for fabric, material and designs.
80% of the communities I work with comprise of home-based hardworking women, finding their means on a daily basis. I source fabrics and yarns and hand it over to these home weavers who in turn create a near perfect tailor made product for me. My handloom fabrics are created by a group of women in Awissawella. They love exploring material properties with me and helped me a lot during my graduation collection with various experimental weaves. All my waste material is given to two ladies who reuse it in up-cycled products which they sell at a local market.
As a visiting lecturer at the University College of Ratmalana you have an opportunity to mentor aspiring designers. What do you find yourself constantly telling students?
I encourage them to Research, Research and Research. Our subconscious mind records everything. You do not have to go far to look for inspiration; it’s all around us. Research helps to develop inspiration in to ideas.
A designer is also an entrepreneur. What are your thoughts about taking a fashion brand from runway to retail?
You need to have a strong sense of consumer behavior, marketing and networking skills. Knowing and reading your customer will always help in strengthening the designs. it’s always a big challenge as a new designer and entrepreneur to enter the market specially if you’re starting from ground zero. It takes time and patience.
The fashion world constantly changes. So being updated and on point is needed for any designer. Whether your focus on fast fashion or slow fashion, there is a certain demand on design. Identifying this demand and addressing the demand in an ever changing industry is a huge challenge.
You showcased yet another collection at Swim Week Colombo. Any positive and negative feedback you received which you have taken on board in order to improve?
Colombo Fashion Week and Swim Week Colombo have been an amazing experience and is one of the biggest highlights in my life. Since 2016, I have gathered so much of experience. Project 7 was one such experience exposing me to new dimensions of the creative design process. They have been a great strength in helping me to recognize my potential and open doors to other avenues. I have thus learnt and am still learning to address the two worlds of runway and retail.
What is your vision for your brand Anushika Perera?
I am hoping to expand my range and I am currently exploring other sustainable materials and products to work with for the brand.
What drives you ?
Self-satisfaction. If I have created something that makes other people happy and comfortable as much as it makes me, it’s a job well done. I also have my family, especially my parents who have been supportive of me since day one and knew I would pursue a career in the creative field even before I realized myself. They are the pillars of strength in my life. I’m glad I got to make them proud. I would not be where I am today without them. I am grateful for all the opportunities I have received so far. God has been good. I believe I have a very long and hard journey ahead.
Anushika Perera currently retails at The Design Collective Store at No.28, Stratford Avenue, Colombo 06.
By: Surekha Jayasinghe
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