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Chamodi Samarasingha

University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

I am W.R. Chamodi Imalka Samarasingha, a passionate designer and researcher from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. I completed my Bachelor of Design Honours degree, specializing in Fashion and Lifestyle Design, on December 21, 2023. Currently, I am pursuing my Master of Science in Fashion and Lifestyle Design at the same university, with a major research component that reflects my deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage. My ceramic-based project was developed during my final year undergraduate studies. The concept was born from my interest in material innovation and my desire to bridge traditional Sri Lankan clay craftsmanship with modern fashion. This experimental project explored how local clay could be used not just as an artistic medium but as a sustainable and therapeutic material within textile and garment creation. Through rigorous research and experimentation, I developed prototypes that embody this integration, highlighting both environmental consciousness and functional design. Looking ahead, my goal is to pursue a PhD in the area of fashion and therapeutic design. I strongly believe in the potential of fashion to influence mental and physical well-being, and I want to contribute to academic knowledge while also impacting the global fashion industry. My dream is to become a world-renowned lecturer or professor who not only shares expertise with future designers but also uplifts the identity of Sri Lankan heritage through fashion and design. I want to help overcome the challenges faced by traditional crafts and reimagine them for future markets. In addition to my design work, I have also published several research papers, which have been presented at prestigious international conferences, including those organized by the Open University of Sri Lanka, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and others. I have also co-authored two research studies during my time as a temporary lecturer, contributing to both academia and student development. Through every step of my journey, from hands-on craft and sustainable design to academic research and global recognition, I am committed to creating a meaningful impact in the fashion world. I aim to inspire future generations by showing how innovation rooted in culture can lead to sustainable and therapeutic solutions for both people and the planet.

Clay's Journey from Pottery to Fashion - Expanding the Local Clay Industry's Creative Potential to influence Fashion Study

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2025

This collection offers a daring and modern reinterpretation of Sri Lanka’s rich clay heritage, transforming its traditional role in pottery into a new avenue of fashion and textile design. Drawing inspiration from the enduring artistry of the Sri Lankan clay industry, the project reimagines how local clay craftsmanship can transcend ceramics to become a dynamic and expressive element in clothing design and material development. Entitled "Remembering the Roots," the collection embodies the theme "Timeless, Bold, and Statement-Making." It functions as an artistic exploration of responsive textiles, blending the earthy qualities of clay with contemporary fashion forms. Each piece echoes the textures, patterns, and aesthetics of traditional clay pottery, showcasing native lines, intentional placements, and an organic color palette that resonates with Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage. What sets this collection apart is its inventive use of an age-old integration technique reminiscent of traditional Sri Lankan clay-weaving, reimagined in a textile framework. This technique elevates clay beyond its material function, transforming it into a storytelling medium , one that interlaces cultural heritage, environmental awareness, and modern fashion sensibilities. Ultimately, the collection serves as a tribute to ancestral craftsmanship while pushing the boundaries of sustainable design. It creates a dialogue between the past and the future, rooting innovation in tradition and presenting Sri Lankan clay as a symbol of strength, sophistication, and cultural identity on the global fashion stage.

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.