Behind the structured silhouettes and statement glamour lies a remarkably quiet designer - for Dimuthu Sahabandu, the designer and person are one. He never imagined “fashion designer” could be a career. Art was something he enjoyed; a hobby never taken seriously. Those early years taught him to take life one thing at a time, a mindset that still shapes his work and approach. He keeps a quiet life, built on balance, never too high, never too low, a rhythm reflected in his designs. In the studio, he gives everything to the process: focused, precise, patient. But once the day ends, he leaves the glitter of fashion behind and returns quietly to himself.
Finding His Way
As a student at LaSalle, Dimuthu was drawn to the fantasy of fashion, designing avant-garde looks for models far removed from everyday life. But stepping into the professional world brought a new perspective. He began to see the end consumer differently, learning what people actually look for, how they shop, and why they make certain choices. Over time, that awareness made him not only more commercially conscious but also more responsible and realistic. In the studio, ideas come to life in a mix of planning and chaos, with the mind constantly running. A sketchbook is always at hand - inspiration can strike anytime. Some days are full of trial and error until everything clicks. Ideas for the next look often form while finishing one, keeping the process evolving. Each sketch moves to a mannequin or pattern draft, slowly transforming into a three-dimensional garment. Each step is a lesson - sometimes frustrating, often rewarding, shaping both the piece and the designer. His signature style, glamorous, bold, and statement-making, didn’t come from a conscious decision but from a natural evolution. What draws him in, what inspires him, reflects who he is. Art was his first canvas, and that same instinct for fantasy and imagination now translates into fabric, form, and movement. Each collection extends that identity, growing stronger and more defined with every piece.
Meaning in the Making
For Dimuthu, creating a collection is a balance between artistry and reality. The runway brings ideas to their boldest, most expressive form, while beyond the spotlight, they evolve into pieces for real women juggling work, motherhood, and life. It’s a process that blends creativity with empathy, where fashion moves beautifully and lives comfortably. He’s meticulous about detail, almost to a fault. Fabric, surface, texture, nothing is untouched. Every textile is an opportunity to transform, to add depth. Yet he balances intricacy with restraint; not every piece needs to dazzle. Craftsmanship includes construction, finishing, and how a garment hangs as much as embellishment. Each stage shapes the piece’s story. And then there are the moments that remind him why he does it all. Like the Sri Lankan bride from France who burst into tears during her final fitting, tears not of distress but of joy as her dream gown came to life. It was one of the first times Dimuthu realised fashion could hold emotion, memory, and meaning. Years later, that memory still grounds him, showing that every stitch and detail can touch someone far deeper than the surface.
The Feel of His Work
If Dimuthu’s designs could be distilled into a feeling, it would be contentment, that quiet, grounded sense of balance when everything feels just right. It’s not excitement or extravagance that drives him, but calm, the kind that comes from harmony, gratitude, and ease. For him, the true success of a design lies in that feeling of effortless beauty, when something simply feels right, both to create and to wear.
A Love-Hate with Fashion
For someone so deeply rooted in the industry, Dimuthu’s view of fashion is both honest and conflicted, a balance between admiration for its artistry and discomfort with its excess. “I love the freedom fashion offers. It’s a space where creativity thrives, where you can bring your vision to life and allow others to express themselves in unique ways. There’s real magic in fashion, the fantasy it unleashes, the way it can make people feel transformed or powerful. I’m deeply drawn to that. On the other hand, I dislike the cruelty that often accompanies fashion. The luxury world, for all its glamour, can be heartless. The fact that animals are sacrificed for their skin or feathers to create the most sought-after items, sold at exorbitant prices and paraded as symbols of wealth and power. I've never agreed with this side of luxury fashion. The industry is also incredibly wasteful and harmful to our planet, yet it feeds an insatiable thirst. Sadly, few are working against this, and they remain the minority. And then there’s the cold, unforgiving side of the industry itself. It’s no secret that fashion can be judgmental and elitist, where people are ridiculed for what they wear, while others are crowned ‘best dressed,’ all based on subjective opinions. It’s a game with no rules, and it can be brutal. I often find myself at odds with the very industry I’m a part of, but I remind myself of why I’m here, the lives I’ve touched, the small changes I’ve made, and the impact I’ve had on others. Ultimately, those are the reasons I stay.”
Lessons in Resilience
Fashion has taught Dimuthu more than he expected. Starting at twenty-five, he thought he understood life, but time proved otherwise. He discovered resilience, keeping his business running and his team employed despite challenges, learning patience, grit, and the strength to keep moving forward. Success, he’s realised, isn’t just numbers; it’s about how fulfilled and happy you feel doing what you love. Ambition isn’t about being number one, it’s about being a better version of yourself. The hardest lesson came from the industry itself: not everyone wants to see you do well, and sometimes protecting your peace matters more than winning. As for his work, there’s no fixed message, everyone interprets it differently. But if anything shines through, it’s his commitment to quality and detail, the values guiding both his craft and the steady growth of his brand, Dimuthu Sahabandu.
