Step into a space where the bold and brave converge. On Day 2 of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka 2025, presented by the Academy of Design (AOD) and powered by DIMO, the authorised distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka, at Cinnamon Life: City of Dreams in Colombo, the Emerging Designer Runway will spotlight Sri Lanka’s emerging talent - designers whose collections are energetic, futuristic, and diverse in inspiration.
As preparations unfold for MBFWSL 2025’s second day, the team is focused on shaping what will become a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s next wave of talent. The concept for this day grew out of highlighting entrepreneurial, forward-looking designers - those ready to enter the industry with both creative and market-ready collections. Their work ranges from sports-influenced tailoring to technology-inspired constructions and heritage craft rooted in sustainability, reflecting the variety of ideas young designers are exploring.
With the selection of designers finalised, support continues steadily in the weeks leading up to the show. Designers check in regularly for feedback as their ideas develop, bringing in early samples-often their first few looks-for the team to review and assess how each concept is taking shape. If something needs improvement, they receive guidance on how to refine it, whether through construction, fit, or clarifying the overall direction. This ongoing cycle of practical and creative feedback helps each designer strengthen their work before it reaches the runway.
Each young designer is shaping a distinct point of view, and collaborations with Sri Lanka’s apparel industry are helping translate their ideas into more professionally aligned, production-ready outcomes. Behind the scenes, mentorship continues to play a consistent role - refining edits, clarifying storytelling, and strengthening visual direction, especially for those stepping onto a professional runway for the first time. Designers are encouraged to question every choice they make - why a fabric, why a cut, why a detail - and to explore all ideas before editing their collections with intention. With that same intention, the collections featured in this showcase naturally centre on experimentation, textile innovation, and sustainability.
The set design for Day 2 mirrors the forward-looking energy of the designers themselves. The space is built around black columns, giving the runway a clean, futuristic structure that keeps the focus on the garments. It creates a sharp environment - almost like a stripped-back framework - where silhouettes, textures, and construction details can stand out clearly.
The team’s overarching goal is simple: to present the potential of young designers with confidence and clarity, through collections that feel creative, relevant, and ready for a global audience. Every fitting, adjustment and detail of the show’s environment is shaped to reflect months of thought and refinement. When MBFWSL 2025 opens its doors on the 20th of November, the Emerging Designer Runway will offer not just a presentation of fashion but a clear view into the dedication and creativity shaping Sri Lanka’s rising talent.
