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FIVE DAYS OF FASHION, FLAIR AND GLAMOUR AT MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK SRI LANKA 2026

BY RISHINI WEERARATNE October 12, 2026

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Five days of spectacular runway shows, fabulous fashion and glamorous after parties brought Colombo to life as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka 2026 took centre stage at Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, from the 7th to the 11^th of October 2026. Presented by AOD and powered by DIMO, the ninth edition was brought to life under the visionary leadership of Linda Speldewinde, Founder and Chairperson of AOD, and her dedicated team. Their ambition extends far beyond the runway, positioning Colombo as a regional fashion destination while creating international opportunities for Sri Lankan designers.

The excitement began on Wednesday with emerging designers taking centre stage, offering a glimpse into the future of Sri Lankan fashion. Fresh perspectives, experimental silhouettes and innovative interpretations of traditional craftsmanship highlighted the remarkable creativity of the next generation. Over the following days, the runway welcomed an exciting mix of established Sri Lankan labels and international designers, celebrating cultural heritage, contemporary design and creative individuality. Fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, socialites and Colombo's stylish crowd gathered each evening, transforming Cinnamon Life into a vibrant hub of fashion and glamour.

Among my standout collections were two of Colombo's favourites, Buddhi Batiks by Darshi Keerthisena and Charini by Charini Suriyage. Buddhi Batiks presented a whimsical exploration of nature, inspired by childhood memories of mushrooms and woodland discoveries, while Charini's ‘Chapters from the Coast’ celebrated Sri Lanka's beautiful coastline through vibrant colours, playful prints and contemporary silhouettes. King + Lois by Rob Hernandez and Radhika Perera Hernandez impressed with romantic silhouettes, fluid fabrics and an intriguing interplay of structure and softness. Onali Silva, T.S.S by Thilini Silva, Natharlea by Natharlea Yahampath and Swanee by Yathra Jayawardene were also among the designers who caught my attention, each bringing a distinctive creative perspective to the runway.

Another highlight was Saturday morning's exclusive Sri Lankan launch of She's Mercedes, conceptualised by AOD and powered by DIMO. Hosted at the Mercedes Benz Lounge at Cinnamon Life, the invitation only gathering brought together inspiring women for an elegant daytime occasion and meaningful conversations around leadership, resilience, reinvention and empowerment. Guests arrived in sophisticated morning ensembles, offering a refreshing contrast to the evening runway glamour. Beyond the catwalk, the celebrations continued with lively after parties, where designers, models, fashion insiders and guests mingled well into the night. Statement outfits, striking accessories and effortlessly chic ensembles made the social scene every bit as captivating as the runway. As Fashion Week builds towards its tenth anniversary in 2027, Linda Speldewinde and her team at AOD continue to champion Sri Lankan creativity, connecting emerging talent with international designers, buyers and industry professionals. The grand finale on Sunday brought five extraordinary days to a glamorous close, leaving behind memorable collections, exciting discoveries and unforgettable fashion moments.