News, Business

MDFD Shapes Sri Lanka’s Fashion Future Beyond the Runway

12 Mar, 2026

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The Chokolaate Mother Daughter Fashion Designer Contest (MDFD) has evolved beyond a runway event to become a platform for confidence, collaboration, and craft revival in Sri Lanka’s fashion industry. By challenging designers to create for both mother and daughter, MDFD encourages storytelling, generational harmony, and functional design, nurturing creatives who are intentional and skilled.

For Samali Senevirathne, 2025 winner, MDFD provided national recognition for heritage handloom and beeralu techniques, leading to her boutique in Rathmalana, international projects, and roles as lecturer and judge. Hasna Enaya, Evening Wear winner, transformed self-doubt into a clear design identity, building her own brand and collections with renewed confidence.

The competition fosters collaboration over rivalry, as noted by Sanjalee Abeysinghe, who now pursues fashion photography and design while exploring storytelling through multiple creative lenses. Kavindya Nethmini, Casual Wear winner, integrated emotional cohesion into her work and now designs at Orange Sewing Solutions while developing her sustainable brand, Vanora, blending art and resort wear aesthetics.

MDFD goes beyond producing winners; it shapes entrepreneurs, educators, and cultural custodians. By spotlighting heritage craft, promoting entrepreneurship, and integrating young designers into industry spaces, the contest is redefining success in Sri Lanka’s fashion ecosystem. Its influence continues long after the runway lights fade.

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