Fashion plays a big role in South Asia's emerging creative economies. With a centuries old textile heritage carrying influences from the subcontinent and an apparel industry that boldly combines young talent and sustainability with state of the art manufacturing capabilities, Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned to take South Asia’s fashion future to the world. 

 

Sri Lanka itself is emerging as a little-known fashion gem where global styles meet regional heritage, and where the old-world philosophies merge with cutting-edge ideas around sustainability and material innovation. Since 2001, Sri Lanka’s leading design and fashion educator AOD has championed fresh perspectives of young talent and influenced new ways of combining low-tech traditional crafts with high-tech manufacturing powered by the apparel industry. This unique take on fashion is what paved the way for Sri Lanka’s emerging fashion signature, and the world took notice. Enter Mercedes-Benz—a global name synonymous with style.  Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka was born in collaboration with AOD and DiMo—the Mercedes-Benz brand custodians in Sri Lanka.

 

This year, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is held parallel to Sri Lanka Design Festival 2024, connecting local talent to a global network of opportunities. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka, the country’s first international fashion week, continues to be the platform that showcases the best of Sri Lankan and South Asian fashion, while opening doors for designers to reach new heights on the world stage.

 

The 2024 edition held parallel to SLDF is a must-visit event in the regional fashion calendar, bringing innovation-led fashion experiences that embody the spirit of the island, with influences flowing in from around the world.