On the 7th of November, the Galle Face Hotel transformed into a space of light, creativity, and care as Threads of Hope unfolded - a charity fashion showcase that brought together Sri Lanka’s design community, local artisans, and changemakers under one purpose - in aid of the Women’s Development Centre (WDC) in Kandy, which provides shelter, education, and rehabilitation for young girls rescued from abuse.
Presented by The Annie Prana Foundation (TAPF) - founded by Terri Attygalle in memory of Annie De Silva and her work with Prana Lounge and the WDC and co-founded by Joanne Stoker - the evening honoured Annie’s lasting spirit of compassion and creativity - a reflection of her belief in community and care. Though Threads of Hope carried the sparkle of a festive runway - from glamour to craftsmanship - its deeper aim was clear: to use design as a way to empower and inspire.
A Stage for Courage
The evening began with a graceful performance by Julia Fernando and the Vibe Dance School - a mix of movement, rhythm, and emotion that set a distinctly Sri Lankan tone. It was a fitting prelude: grounded in culture, yet full of quiet strength. When the runway came to life, it wasn’t the designers who took centre stage, but the girls from the Women’s Development Centre. Their handmade collection, modelled by the girls themselves, told a story beyond fabric and form. Each piece carried pride, courage, and the marks of effort stitched into every seam. It was a moment that showed what determination can look like - brought to life gently, one thread, one story at a time.
Fashion with Feeling
Nåd Store, founded by Joanne Stoker, brought creative direction to the show, combining styling, storytelling, and design in a way that reflected the island’s collaborative spirit. The runway then flowed into festive, resort-ready looks from Sri Lanka’s leading homegrown labels, including Nåd Store Kids, FrokMe, Orando, Tropikai, Kaze, RamiyaM, Leena, and the Nåd Store Festive Collection. From breezy silhouettes to tropical prints and handworked details, each designer offered a fresh take on island style. Together, they presented a portrait of contemporary Sri Lankan fashion - imaginative, thoughtful, and grounded in community.
The Spirit of Giving
Beyond the runway, Threads of Hope celebrated mindful shopping and local craft. The Retail Fair featured the participating designers alongside a curated line-up of artisans and sustainable brands - from Aize and Boxes by Ethnicity to Curretto Colombo, Cher by Grace, and Filigree & Facets by Majä - each offering pieces that reflected their own stories and craft. Visitors moved between stalls, pausing to admire handwoven textiles, artisanal jewellery, and festive wear. With proceeds supporting the Women’s Development Centre, each purchase carried quiet meaning - a small but tangible step toward change.
Behind the Scenes: Collaboration and Care
True to its name, Threads of Hope was a collective effort, shaped by the many hands that brought it to life. Hair and makeup, sponsored by Aloka Salon, highlighted natural, effortless beauty, matching the relaxed island energy of the evening. Models and production were coordinated by The Model Atelier and Nåd Store, with guidance from Jacquie Mai, whose supportive approach ensured that everyone - from professional models to the girls of the WDC - felt seen and celebrated.
Tash Goonetilleke, a board member of The Annie Prana Foundation, played a key role in shaping the flow and energy of the show, lending her time and expertise to keep the evening seamless. Behind the warmth and success of the event was the generosity of Volmec, Prime Residencies, Singer, CMG, JAF Tea, Aitken Spence, Hirdaramani, CLSynergy, Yes FM, Secrets ICL, and Linen & Life - partners whose support helped bring Threads of Hope from vision to reality.
Purpose Over Perfection
Unlike most fashion events built on spectacle, Threads of Hope found its strength in sincerity - in the people who showed up, the stories shared, and the atmosphere of togetherness. It was fashion stripped of ego, where the runway became a bridge between worlds.
“The generosity and unity we witnessed will go a long way in supporting the girls’ futures,” said Terri Attygalle, Founder of The Annie Prana Foundation. “It’s proof that fashion can create not just beauty, but real impact.”
Joanne Stoker reflected on the evening as “a story of resilience, empowerment, and community spirit” - a quiet reminder of what can happen when creativity and compassion meet.
Continuing the Legacy
As the evening drew to a close, guests left with more than memories of a beautiful show - they left reminded of what care and collaboration can achieve. Threads of Hope stood as a tribute to Annie De Silva - honouring the compassion and spirit that continue to guide The Annie Prana Foundation’s work today. By bringing together designers, brands, and supporters in the name of empathy, TAPF continues to turn that vision into action - helping women and children across Sri Lanka rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence. In a space often defined by trends, Threads of Hope offered a lasting reminder: fashion’s truest impact is measured not by what we wear, but by what we stand for.
