Rashmi, Givanthi and Darshi
- With Nostalgia, we honoured time-tested wax-resist dyeing methods but experimented with modern applications.
- The colour palette plays a crucial role; deep, nostalgic blues, rich burgundies, warm mustard yellows, and pops of playful pinks evoke a bygone era yet feel fresh and modern.
- These women are not just faces for the campaign; they are the embodiment of the Nostalgia spirit
- Designing this collection felt like opening a childhood diary and letting my memories shape the creative journey.
QWhat was the inspiration behind the Nostalgia collection? Is there a particular era, personal memory, or artistic influence that shaped its aesthetic?
The Nostalgia collection is deeply personal, it all began with my childhood love for Sri Lankan comic papers. When I was around ten years old, I would secretly read these colourful, expressive comics, filled with dramatic storytelling, romance, and action. My parents often disapproved, believing they contained either too much fighting or overly sentimental love stories. But I was captivated. Last year, while going through old belongings, I stumbled upon a stack of these comics, and instantly, all those childhood emotions came flooding back. That moment was the catalyst for Nostalgia. I wanted to create a collection that could transport people to a place of warmth, comfort, and happy memories. It’s about reliving the joy and wonder of youth, capturing the essence of childhood in a wearable form.
QHow did you translate the theme of nostalgia into fabric, colour palettes, and silhouettes?
The design process was exhilarating. My team and I spread out the old comics, flipping through their vibrant pages, soaking in the artistry, typography, and expressive storytelling. We examined not only the comic illustrations but also handwritten notes, vintage floral motifs, and the textures of aged paper. We translated these visual cues into fabric prints, incorporating handwritten-style calligraphy, abstract comic sketches, and bold floral designs reminiscent of vintage Sri Lankan romance novels. The colour palette plays a crucial role; deep, nostalgic blues, rich burgundies, warm mustard yellows, and pops of playful pinks evoke a bygone era yet feel fresh and modern. In terms of silhouettes, we focused on comfort and movement, flowing dresses, structured jackets with hand-detailed batik, and easy-to-wear separates that blend traditional artistry with contemporary flair. Each piece tells a story, making it a piece of wearable nostalgia.
QYou've chosen some of Colombo's most influential women; socialites, powerhouses, and creatives, to front the campaign. What led you to this decision, and what do they represent for Nostalgia?
These women are not just faces for the campaign; they are the embodiment of the Nostalgia spirit. Many of them are my friends from school and the fashion industry, women I’ve admired for their strength, creativity, and resilience. When brainstorming the campaign with the incredibly talented Buzz.hq team, we knew we wanted authenticity. Instead of professional models, we reached out to real women who wear our batiks in their daily lives, mothers, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes. Their presence in this campaign adds a layer of depth and relatability. The essence of Nostalgia isn’t just about looking back at the past; it’s about carrying those experiences forward with strength and grace. And of course, working with friends meant every photoshoot was filled with laughter and genuine connection.
QBuddhi Batiks has always celebrated Sri Lankan craftsmanship. How does this collection push the boundaries of traditional batik while staying true to its heritage?
Batik is in my blood, my father taught me the art when I was just a girl at our Koswadiya workshop. Those traditional techniques are sacred, but innovation is essential to keeping the craft alive. With Nostalgia, we honoured time-tested wax-resist dyeing methods but experimented with modern applications. We played with unconventional colour combinations, contemporary silhouettes, and layering techniques that add depth and texture to traditional motifs. It’s a delicate balance, staying true to Sri Lankan heritage while embracing the limitless possibilities of contemporary fashion. Think of it like cooking a treasured family recipe but adding a new twist that makes it your own.
QWhat was the creative process like for Nostalgia? Were there any unexpected challenges or breakthroughs along the way?
Designing this collection felt like opening a childhood diary and letting my memories shape the creative journey. My team brought their own nostalgic moments into the mix, and together, we wove those stories into every design choice. The biggest challenge? Capturing the intangible feeling of nostalgia in tangible form. How do you translate childhood wonder into fabric? It took multiple iterations, some ideas felt too modern, others too literal. But then, someone would suggest a fresh perspective, and suddenly, the pieces would fall into place. The best ideas came from moments of playfulness, proving that creativity thrives when we allow ourselves to experiment and have fun.
QDo you see this collection as a tribute to Sri Lankan fashion history, or is it more of a personal reflection on the past?
For me, Nostalgia is deeply personal. While some may view it as a nod to Sri Lankan fashion history, it’s primarily a reflection of my own childhood, lazy afternoons in Koswadiya, sneaking comics under a guava tree, and the textures of life that shaped my aesthetic sensibilities. Each pattern and design carries a piece of my past. I think that’s why people connect with this collection, it reminds them of their own cherished memories, their own version of nostalgia.
QThe campaign exudes elegance, strength, and authenticity. How did you work with the models to bring out the essence of Nostalgia?
We didn’t direct them in the traditional sense. Instead, we created an atmosphere of storytelling and playfulness. I shared memories from my childhood, and in turn, the women in the campaign shared theirs. The result? Genuine joy, spontaneous laughter, and natural elegance that radiated through the lens. These women embody the strength and beauty of Nostalgia, and all we had to do was capture them being themselves.
QSustainability is a key conversation in fashion. How does Nostalgia align with Buddhi Batiks' sustainability ethos?
Sustainability has always been a way of life for us, long before it became a buzzword in fashion. At our Koswadiya workshop, we use eco-friendly dyes to protect our waters, source fabrics locally, and ensure nothing goes to waste. Leftover scraps are repurposed into accessories, and our garments are designed for longevity, not trends.
For us, sustainability isn’t just about materials; it’s about creating pieces with meaning and emotional durability; clothing people will cherish and wear for years.
QYou have been a trailblazer in contemporary batik. How do you see the future of Sri Lankan batik evolving in the global fashion scene?
It’s already happening, and it’s thrilling to see! Young Sri Lankan designers are redefining batik with bold new interpretations, and international runways are starting to take notice. With social media, our artisans can now connect with a global audience. Sri Lankan batik is no longer confined to local markets, it has the potential to stand alongside other globally recognized artisanal crafts. The world is discovering what we’ve known all along, Sri Lankan batik is magic.
QIf you could describe the Nostalgia collection in just three words, what would they be, and why?
Playful: Because every piece is designed to bring joy, much like a childhood memory.
Heart-made: Not just handmade, but infused with love, history, and personal stories.
Free-spirited: Like running barefoot through Koswadiya fields, these clothes celebrate movement, comfort, and self-expression.
When you wear something from Nostalgia, you’re not just wearing batik, you’re wearing a little piece of joy from a childhood memory. And that, to me, is the most beautiful thing of all.
