Bio

Ruwanthi Gajadeera was the Runner-up of the Redress Design Award 2023. She holds a BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textile Design from Northumbria University, MSc in Sustainable Management from the University of Bedfordshire, and is studying for her MA in Design Innovation from De Montfort University.

“Fashion can be a powerful platform for advocating for a sustainable and equitable world for all.” – Ruwanthi Gajadeera

redress Design Award Collection

Ruwanthi’s Redress Design Award collection, ‘kaeli - resurgence’, seeks to heighten awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans. Her collection incorporates recycled yarn to create a handloom denim fabric, designing for recyclability with monofibres as well as removable shanks and QR codes with care instructions including how to disassemble the garment for recycling at the end of its life cycle. Each piece reflects heritage 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 handmade mats). Removable panels can even be repurposed as wall hangings or other decorative items, adding to the garment’s longevity.

Ruwanthi was also a Finalist of the Redress Design Award 2022 and Semi-finalist in 2021.

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