Ruwanthi Gajadeera
Ruwanthi Gajadeera
SRI LANKA
“Three aspects make my collection uniquely sustainable: versatility, practicality, and commercial viability.”
The collapse of Meethotamulla, a massive garbage dump, on homes in Colombo, Sri Lanka, killed over 30 people, including children — and was a turning point in the life of designer Ruwanthi Gajadeera. Reckoning with the immense toll of waste on the environment, she began to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
“When I was a fashion graduate, I learned that sustainable design principles are also very close to the South Asian heritage fashion norms that I grew up with,” shares the designer, who holds a BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textile Design from Northumbria University and is studying for her MA in Design Innovation from De Montfort University. In addition to being a finalist this year, Ruwanthi was also a semi-finalist of the Redress Design Award 2021.
Her collection, ‘Take Me Home’, reflects the designer’s emotional desire to seamlessly move between the great outdoors and urban space. Made with lyocell thread, recycled polyester and nylon threads, the collection emphasises adaptability, employing versatile hems and backpacks that convert to jackets.
Ruwanthi adopts an autumnal colour palette, appealing to outdoor and hiking styles and providing easy transition to base and active layers. The outer layers are highly adaptable, with a utility harness and climbing necessities stored in pockets and loops around the waist. Genderfluid, minimalist, and timeless aesthetic including oversized silhouettes also make the collection accessible to a wider audience.
The designer used 3D software to test her zero-waste traditional patterns, and plans to develop her craft further with laser technology as a sustainable alternative to digital and screen printing, eliminating the release of harmful chemicals.
To help customers repair and recycle the garment, a QR label provides the care instructions, including upcycling information and directions to the nearest waste bank. Garments are made with monofibre textiles and removable cotton buttons for easier recyclability.
While working in fashion, Ruwanthi would see a lot of waste in production processes, as well as greenwashing from brands trying to cover their carbon footprint. With her home country of Sri Lanka also facing plenty of plastic pollution, Ruwanthi is further motivated to upcycle plastic waste through sustainable and transparent means. She looks forward to starting her own company that will provide sustainable textile and design solutions, with export-oriented solutions to strengthen local economies.
