The Design Collective Brings the Best of South Asian Design to London
London has long been one of the world's great fashion capitals, celebrated for championing emerging talent alongside established luxury houses. This July, the city welcomes a fresh perspective with the arrival of The Design Collective's London Summer Pop Up, a four-day showcase dedicated to the creativity and craftsmanship of South Asian fashion, jewellery and lifestyle brands. Taking place from the 2nd to the 5th of July in Mayfair, the event offers London shoppers a rare opportunity to discover some of the region's most exciting independent designers in one carefully curated destination.
The Summer Pop Up is more than a retail experience. It represents the growing international appetite for contemporary South Asian design, where heritage craftsmanship meets modern aesthetics. Visitors will discover collections that combine traditional techniques with contemporary silhouettes, creating pieces that feel equally at home in London, Colombo, Copenhagen or New York. The event brings together designers who are redefining what South Asian fashion looks like today while remaining deeply connected to their cultural roots.
Behind the event is The Design Collective, a concept that has become synonymous with discovering and supporting independent designers across Sri Lanka and South Asia. Founded in 2017 by friends Binu Wickramasinghe and Shahili Gomes, the business began as a multi brand concept store in Colombo with a simple ambition to create a platform where emerging creative talent could flourish. Since then, it has evolved into one of Sri Lanka's leading fashion destinations, representing more than one hundred fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands while expanding its reach through international activations and ecommerce.
The founders each brought a distinctive perspective to the business. Shahili Gomes developed her passion for fashion while studying at Imperial College Business School and spending time in London and Copenhagen, where she became inspired by the way independent designers were supported through concept stores and curated retail spaces. Binu Wickramasinghe gained valuable experience working within the fashion industries of both Delhi and London before returning to Sri Lanka with the ambition of creating a similar platform for local designers. Together they recognised that talented creatives across South Asia deserved greater international visibility and access to new markets.
That vision has continued to shape every aspect of The Design Collective. Rather than focusing solely on established luxury labels, the platform champions independent designers whose work reflects originality, craftsmanship and authenticity. It has become a place where emerging brands can showcase their collections, collaborate with fellow creatives and connect directly with customers seeking something different from mass produced fashion.
The London Summer Pop Up continues this mission on an international stage. Over four days, visitors will have the opportunity to browse fashion, jewellery, accessories and lifestyle collections from designers representing Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region. Each brand has been selected for its individual point of view while contributing to a broader story about contemporary design from the region.
Among the participating designers are fashion labels Oga, Swanee, Yam, Pranay, Print Code, Hala, Echchampulle, NÅD, Jodi, Mevii and Colombana, alongside jewellery specialists including Misho Jewellery. Together they present a diverse mix of ready to wear fashion, statement accessories, handcrafted jewellery and lifestyle pieces that celebrate innovation while honouring traditional craftsmanship.
What makes the event particularly compelling is the diversity of creative voices represented under one roof. Some designers reinterpret centuries old textile traditions through modern tailoring. Others explore contemporary silhouettes inspired by architecture, travel or art. Jewellery designers blend sculptural forms with artisanal techniques, while lifestyle brands introduce products that reflect both functionality and cultural identity. The result is a showcase that feels cohesive while highlighting the individuality of each participating designer.
For London consumers, the event provides access to collections that are often unavailable through traditional retail channels. Rather than shopping established global brands, visitors can discover limited edition pieces and emerging labels that are only beginning to gain international recognition. It also creates opportunities for meaningful conversations between designers and customers, allowing visitors to understand the stories, techniques and inspirations behind each collection.
The rise of concept stores and curated retail has transformed the way consumers discover fashion. Increasingly, shoppers are seeking authenticity, craftsmanship and originality rather than simply following seasonal trends. The Design Collective reflects this shift by carefully selecting brands that share a commitment to quality, creativity and thoughtful design. Its success demonstrates the growing demand for independent fashion businesses that prioritise storytelling alongside style.
London provides the ideal setting for this international showcase. As one of the world's most multicultural cities, it has long embraced creative influences from across the globe. South Asian fashion has become an increasingly visible part of London's cultural landscape, moving beyond traditional occasion wear to influence contemporary ready to wear, jewellery and lifestyle design. Events such as The Design Collective Summer Pop Up highlight how these creative industries continue to evolve while celebrating the diversity of the region.
The location further reinforces the event's ambition. Situated at 14A Hay Hill in Mayfair, the pop-up places South Asian independent design within one of London's most prestigious shopping districts. From the 2nd of July through to the 5th of July, visitors can explore the collections between 1:00pm and 6:00pm on the opening day and from 10am until 6pm for the remainder of the event.
Beyond retail, the Summer Pop Up also reflects broader conversations about representation within the global fashion industry. Independent designers from South Asia have increasingly attracted international attention for their ability to balance cultural authenticity with contemporary relevance. Their work demonstrates that fashion from the region cannot be defined by a single aesthetic but instead encompasses a rich diversity of perspectives, materials and creative approaches.
For The Design Collective, international events such as this represent another step in building stronger connections between South Asian designers and global audiences. By creating opportunities for designers to present their work beyond their home markets, the organisation continues to strengthen its role as a bridge between creative communities and international consumers.
As London enters another busy summer season filled with exhibitions, festivals and cultural events, The Design Collective offers something distinctive. It is an opportunity to discover exceptional independent talent, support emerging designers and experience contemporary South Asian creativity through fashion, jewellery and design. Whether visitors are searching for unique wardrobe additions, handcrafted jewellery or simply inspiration from a new generation of designers, the London Summer Pop Up promises a carefully curated celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and cultural exchange.
