In an era when fast fashion shifts quicker than the seasons, a group of young innovators at the University of Moratuwa is rewriting the rules of style. Their initiative, Mora Market, is not just an exhibition. It is a movement and an open invitation to walk alongside a new generation of designers determined to change the way we consume and create. At the heart of Mora Market lies a bold philosophy. Waste is not to be discarded but rediscovered. Fashion Design and Product Development students are turning discarded fabric scraps and rejected materials into chic clothing, striking accessories and even handmade toys. Every piece tells a story of reinvention, proof that creativity does not always start with something new but with the courage to reimagine what already exists.
A Market of Purpose
Returning for its second edition in May 2025, Mora Market once again transformed the university campus into a hub of sustainable innovation. Twelve student-led brands, each with its own voice and identity, showcased designs rooted in conscious creativity. The initiative is powered not only by the talent of S4 students but also by a unique model that merges sustainability with entrepreneurship. More than student projects, these brands operated as polished, professional businesses. Students assumed roles as chief executives, creative directors and marketing leads, blurring the line between classroom learning and real-world practice. Visitors could be forgiven for mistaking their polished displays for the work of experienced entrepreneurs. Support from forward-thinking companies and sustainable designers such as Kalathri Guruge, who provide production waste as raw material, is also fueling the project. This collaboration empowers students while giving industrial by-products a renewed purpose.
Voices from the Market
The energy of Mora Market was amplified by the passion of its student designers.
At YAARA, the founders embraced their mission with conviction. “We may not have been born with superpowers,” the brand’s chief executive said. “But through YAARA we have discovered the ability to fight for our planet. By repurposing waste into wearable hope, we are turning fashion into a force for good.”
From the Gethrame booth, the marketing manager described a collection inspired by resort living. “Our bags, pouches, tops and earrings are crafted with natural fabrics like linen and cotton, combined with the textures of crochet and macramé. Upcycling is central to our work, and we breathe new life into leftover materials. At Gethrame we are not just creating products. We are building a movement of slow fashion, ethical production and conscious living.”
At Lustora, jewellery took on a deeper meaning through Kintsugi-inspired designs. “We wanted to celebrate beauty in brokenness,” the creative director explained. “By reimagining imperfect materials, our pieces highlight the cracks rather than hide them. Every scar tells a story and that is the soul of Lustora.”
Finally, Hi Honey brought playfulness into the sustainable spotlight. “Our brand is about Fun-Functional design,” said the promotional manager with a smile. “We blend stress relief tools such as fidgets and puzzles into everyday items, making sustainability guilt-free fun. Our promotional strategy is about interaction and engagement, ensuring people feel part of the journey.”
Redefining the Future of Fashion
Mora Market is more than an academic exercise. It is a glimpse into the future of fashion, a future where creativity, responsibility and commerce intersect seamlessly. By treating waste as a resource and approaching design as both art and enterprise, these students are proving that sustainability is not a side note but the main act. As fast fashion continues its relentless churn, Mora Market stands as a vibrant reminder that another way is possible. It is a revolution stitched together by imagination, purpose and hope for a more conscious tomorrow.
Mentorship Behind the Scenes
Guiding this creative revolution are two quiet but unwavering mentors, Dr. Achini Ranaweera and Dr. Rivini Mataraarachchi. With their steady support, students are encouraged not only to hone their artistic expression but also to discover the personal values that will shape their careers in fashion and beyond.
