With ground-breaking concepts, hues of colours and novel fragrances, the world of fashion and design glistens day by day.
Adorning this vibrant industry with fascinating patterns and colours designers elevate the glory of the fashion industry up to a surrealistic beauty. Stories embedded in their creations breathe in our hearts and change our lives little by little.
The deeper we delve into the lives of designers, the more beautifully we can see the world. Today’s Youth Observer caught up with such a talented Fashion Designer named Ashera de Silva.
Ashera’s new collection titled “Head in the clouds” haute couture collection was the cynosure of all eyes at an exhibition. Inspired by the character Alice in the movie Alice in wonderland, Ashera has created her mind-blowing designs, adding a new dimension to the art. Ashera unfolded the story behind her designs.
Ashera De Silva
“I learned that most Disney characters represent mental disorders in our society. So, it is clear that these mental disorders are not alien to our society. With no understanding of those salient elements, children get exposed to those characters through movies.” When running our eyes over her creations, it is crystal-clear that her creations serve as a testament to her sensitivity and broad perspective.
“From my perspective, we should treat those with mental disorders and illnesses equally and refrain from discriminating against them. We need to make them feel safe and accepted by society. Through my new collection I need to make people aware of schizophrenia. We might encounter individuals with such disorders daily. However, regrettably they don’t have a good understanding of mental illnesses,” she said.
Childhood
Growing up in a family that appreciates arts and creativity Ashera spent her childhood sketching clothes and experimenting with fabric scraps. Most girls spend their childhood playfully, dressing, cradling, feeding and talking with dolls. Ashera stands out because she used to dress up dolls, using her own designs with old scarves, fabric scraps and buttons. Going down the memory lane, she recalled her school memories.
“I did aesthetic subjects at the school and aesthetic subjects allowed me to explore my creative side and develop a keen eye for detail. I participated in school art competitions, which fuelled my ambition to pursue a career in the creative industry. I also loved learning about different cultures.”
Both her parents and school fostered her inborn skills as if taking care of a blossom with much love. Her parents were the source of motivation and inspiration for her journey. When asked about her parents, she took me down the memory lane.
“My parents have been incredibly supportive to my creative pursuits. My mother, who has a keen eye for style, always encouraged me to express myself through clothing and my father taught me the importance of hard work and balancing creativity with practicality while helping me understand that fashion is not just an art form but also an industry. Their combined influence has shaped me into a designer who is not only imaginative but also determined to leave an indelible mark in the fashion industry.”
As an energetic individual Ashera ventured into the field of fashion and designs with a deep-rooted passion for creativity and self-expression. She studied the field of fashion and design without fumbling in the darkness. As noted by Ashera, she had grabbed every opportunity to enhance her skills by attending sewing lessons and studying fashion history and new trends. Moreover, she was particularly inspired by prominent designers in the international arena.
Education
Only what we learn, our inborn skills and creativity will endure in the future and brighten our future life. Ashera already knows this gospel truth. She has successfully completed both the Pearson BTEC HND in Fashion Design (2020-2022) and the BA (Hons) in Fashion Design, awarded by Falmouth University, UK (2022-2023) at AMDT School of Creativity. With a strong foundation in design principles, textile science, and fashion history, she has studied the field in depth.
It is evident that AMDT has served as a fertile ground for her studies. ”AMDT, coupled with the international perspective provided by Falmouth University, has broadened my understanding of global fashion trends and industry practices. In addition to my academic achievements, I implemented subject-related projects with peers and engaged in workshops that enhanced my technical and creative skills. These experiences have not only strengthened my portfolio but also deepened my passion for fashion design,” Ashera stressed.
Goal
Ashera’s designs depict a plethora of meanings by touching the hearts of design lovers. Lines she brings, pieces she creates, patterns she designs unfold a story.
“I narrate a story through my innovative designs. Each piece I create is more than just a garment. it’s a narrative that reflects a specific emotion, cultural influence, or social statement,” she said.
Ashera strives to design clothing that bridges the chasm between the wearer and the story behind the piece. Her designs often incorporate unexpected combinations of materials, textures, and silhouettes, which challenge conventional fashion norms. Significantly, she ensures the wearability and elegance.
“Firstly, I try to make people feel confident and a sense of identity. Each piece I design makes the wearer feel unique and confident. I believe that fashion has the power to transform people’s minds and moods into cheerful moods.”
Needless to mention that fashion designers contribute to the development and enrichment of society through their creations. Ashera creates designs not only to attract people’s eyes but also to empower the whole society.
“I entered the field of fashion design because I believe that clothing is a powerful form of communication. It permits us to narrate stories and convey emotions without a single word. My goal is to create designs that not only capture the eye but also inspire and empower those who wear them.” Her thoughts turned to words.
Design process
“My design process is a blend of creativity, research, experimentation, and refinement. It usually starts with inspiration. I find inspiration in many areas such as art, nature, architecture, culture, or even a particular emotion or mood. When something sparks my interest, I begin brainstorming and gathering references. I create mood boards that help me visualize the overall theme, color palette, and textures I want to explore. My new collection “Head in the clouds” depicts my inspiration towards raising awareness of schizophrenia disorder through the character Alice from the Disney movie ‘’Alice in Wonderland”, she said.
Message
“Never stop broadening the boundaries of your creativity. Fashion is an ever-evolving art form. It is our responsibility to keep it fresh, meaningful, and relevant. Embrace your unique perspective and let it shine through your designs. The world needs diverse voices and innovative ideas. So don’t be afraid to take risks, experiment with new concepts, and challenge the status quo,” de Silva said.
