Haute Couture From Deepthika Jayakody
Spectators and equine enthusiasts can watch enthralled when Deepthika Jayakody unveils her first collection on 11 December up at the race track in Nuwara Eliya . Irrespective of whether it is on or off the race track, Deepthika is determined to make her mark and fashion conscious Sri Lankans are assured of a dazzling display of luxury designer wear from her drawing board.
The RTC fashion collection designed by their newly appointed fashion consultant and animal rights campaigner Deepthika Jayakody, will give spectators a taste of what this talented lady has to offer, whilst raising the bar in terms of both equine as well as standard fashion.
Have you always wanted to be a fashion designer?
My early interest in life was to become an Investment Banker and to try and create projects that could alleviate poverty via job creation. However, after winning the Runner up in Miss Sri Lanka in 2005 I received many modelling requests. My modeling background taught me that the current fashion design industry could be improved greatly which inspired me to go into fashion design.
Where did you train?
I passed my BTEC Higher National Diploma in Fashion and Textiles in 2008 at the Academy of Design. Colombo, Sri Lanka. I graduated from The London College of Fashion with an MA in Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation and a BA in Fashion Textiles & Design Technology and I hope to commence my PHD in Crafts & Textiles in 2018, with my thesis on ‘The Impact of Fashion on Animal Welfare’
What was the course / programme you followed?
During my time in London I interned for the world-renowned designers Erdem Moralioglu, Giles Deacon and Peter Pilotto, an experience that has given me tremendous inspiration and a fantastic base of knowledge.
Did you specialize in any particular type of design?
Having specialized in Fashion Textiles, Print, Embroidery and Knit, I now plan to use my experience to create bold and inspiring fashion collections. My label will be housed in Milan, Italy and will have an International palette with an ethnic influence in honour of my country, Sri Lanka.
What are your future plans?
My aim now is to finance a free medical treatment program to ensure the good health of the poor ponies surrounding the Nuwara Eliya Race Course and also to build a shelter for them through the sale of my fashion products.
Which designer has been your inspiration?
I have drawn inspiration from a wide range of labels but the designers who have inspired me the most are Christopher Kane and Peter Pilotto.
What is the link between horse racing and fashion?
Though the association between fashion and horse racing goes back to 1727, very rarely have the benefits of such an association ever trickled down to benefit animal welfare. My aim is to tie in Animal Welfare with the already intertwined worlds of Fashion and Horse Racing.
What made you go in for a ‘Horse Racing’ influenced fashion label as it were?
People are constantly asking me where they could buy clothing and fascinators to wear at the races. That’s when I felt the need to create a luxury fashion line that directly appeals to the horse racing culture and also benefits the welfare of the animals on the racecourse.
What are your plans to uplift the standards of animal welfare in Sri Lanka ?
On the animal rights front I pioneered the anti-doping campaign in Sri Lanka in 2014 which resulted in doping laws being enforced in Sri Lanka. I have also created a sanctuary for 300 stray dogs in Kurunegala . I have succeeded in raising public awareness to such an extent with regards to cattle slaughter that a slaughter house in Kandy was shut down permanently. I have also saved numerous innocent animals from death. I contributed my entire winnings in the 2015 Horse Racing Season towards building the first ever equine hospital in Sri Lanka which is now nearly completed.
What do you think of the local fashion, garment and couture industry in Sri Lanka ?
Sri Lanka has some great fashion designers who can reach international standards very easily. Also generally speaking Sri Lankans have been traditionally talented in creating works of art, whether it is paintings, clothing and sculpture or in any other field of Art. However, I often see that the level of exposure that’s given to local designed is very scarce compared to that of other countries. It is this gap that we at RTC seek to bridge by giving local designers an opportunity to promote their products, keeping in mind that the garment industry is nearly the No 1 job provider in Sri Lanka and the development of fashion and the local clothing Industry will result in the increase of local employment opportunities.
How do you think it can improve?
Improvement is in the hands of individual designers. The main thing is to think Big and think international.
Can Sri Lanka one day become a Fashion Capital like Paris or Milan?
Why Not? As I said before it’s in the hands of individual designs and their realization that Art is not and cannot be limited by human borders. What’s needed is our will to do so.
What needs to be done further to improve the local fashion industry – both by the private as well as government sectors?
Firstly these 3 sectors have to work together in an open minded way. The thought process has to be widened and it has to be long term.
What is your preference when it comes to designing – Evening Wear, Casual or Resort Wear?
My Brand Identity is Feminine, Elegant, Bold, Sophisticated and Luxurious international clothing styles.
This will spread across the spectrum of Evening wear, Casual or Resort wear.
