Tradition meets innovation: batik printed algae and peace silk with laser cut pineapple sequins and Swarovski upcycled crystals
Explore the story of designer Darshi Keerthisena (Buddhi Batiks) from Sri Lanka and find out how she came to create her look for The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, 2018.
The Exchange: Sri Lanka
For The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange 2018, designer Buddhi Batiks created a look that highlights new and innovative materials and design techniques. The look was unveiled at Buckingham Palace on February 19, 2018, and later moved to the Australian High Commission, London, where it was open to the public in the run up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit, April 2018.
Sri Lanka: Designer Buddhi Batiks
Designer Darshi Keerthisena was surrounded by fabric from an early age, as her family began Buddhi Batiks back in the 70s. When she took on the company in 2005, her mission was to continue the work that her parents begun, by supporting the local batik artisans, many of whom have worked for the company from the start. The Buddhi Batiks workshop can be found in the village of Koswadiya, in north-western Sri Lanka, and has a reputation for providing some of the most intricate and delicate batik patterns. Darshi has received a ‘Women on Top’ award from ‘Equal Ground’, an organisation promoting equality, and the British Council Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008.
The story behind the look
Darshi created a wrap coat dress using Seacell™ fabric made from algae and silk. The look was complete with Swarovski upcycled crystals and laser cut sequins made from Piñatex.
Buddhi Batik's sketch by Darshi KeerthisenaCommonwealth Fashion Council
Illustration of the dress
Darshi Keerthisena drawing the pattern for her dress by Darshi KeerthisenaCommonwealth Fashion Council
The pattern
Designer Darshi Keerthisena of Buddhi Batiks drew the pattern for the look.
The making of Buddhi Batiks Commonwealth Fashion Exchange look by Darshi KeerthisenaCommonwealth Fashion Council
The pattern was then printed on to fabric.
Material used to create Buddhi Batiks Commonwealth Fashion Exchange look by Darshi KeerthisenaCommonwealth Fashion Council
Seacell™ fabric
Darshi created a wrap coat dress using Seacell™ fabric made from algae and silk, and lined with peace (Ahimsa) silk from India.
The making of Buddhi Batiks Commonwealth Fashion Exchange look by Darshi KeerthisenaCommonwealth Fashion Council
Fabric used for Buddhi Batiks Commonwealth Fashion Exchange look by Darshi KeerthisenaCommonwealth Fashion Council
Hand-pleated fabric
The fabric was hand pleated and batiked by Buddhi Batiks’ team of craft women in the village of Koswadiya.
Buddhi Batiks artisan embellishing the dress with Swarovski upcycled crystals by Darshi KeerthisenaCommonwealth Fashion Council
Swarovski Upcycled Crystals
The look was embellished with laser cut sequins made from Piñatex, and Swarovski upcycled crystals.
Buddhi Batiks artisan embellishing the dress with Swarovski upcycled crystals by Darshi KeerthisenaCommonwealth Fashion Council
Buddhi Batik artisan embellishing the dress with Swarovski upcycled crystals by Darshi KeerthisenaCommonwealth Fashion Council
Swarovski upcycled crystals were carefully placed on the dress.
Buddhi Batiks look at Australian High Commission, London by Darshi KeerthisenaCommonwealth Fashion Council
Versatile dress
The sleeves are detachable for greater versatility.
Piñatex belt
The obi belt is made from Piñatex, a pineapple-based leather alternative.
Buddhi Batiks' look at Buckingham PalaceCommonwealth Fashion Council
Final look on display at Buckingham Palace, 19 February 2018
Buddhi Batiks look at Australian High Commission, London by Darshi KeerthisenaCommonwealth Fashion Council
Final look on display at the Australian High Commission, London, 22 February 2018
Behind the Scenes of The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange 2018Commonwealth Fashion Council
This content has been specifically curated for the Google Arts & Culture platform on behalf of the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange exhibition that launched on the 19th of February at Buckingham Palace in partnership with Swarovski, The Woolmark Company and MATCHESFASHION.COM.
The project, created and managed by Eco-Age, with the support of The Commonwealth Fashion Council and The British Fashion Council.
More information about the images is available by clicking on them.
Read more about the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange at http://eco-age.com/commonwealth-fashion-exchange/
