By Marianne David
In a significant step forward for Sri Lanka on the global fashion stage, Designer Kamil Hewavitharana showcased a stunning collection under his LIMAK by KAMIL label at Moscow Fashion Week recently, becoming the first Sri Lankan designer to present a collection at the major international fashion event. “It was a dream come true,” said Kamil, speaking to Pulse Line about the experience. “I felt incredibly excited, proud, and emotional, but at the same time, I knew it was a huge responsibility. I wasn’t representing only myself or LIMAK by KAMIL; I was representing Sri Lanka and the talent of our designers.”
After all the intense work that went on behind the scenes, when the big day finally came and he saw his collection featuring Sri Lankan batik coming alive on the runway, Kamil was overcome with emotion: “The most emotional moment was standing backstage, watching the audience and seeing the models walk out wearing my creations. At that moment, I felt that all the hard work, sacrifices, and challenges had been worthwhile. It was a proud moment for me and for Sri Lanka.”
With over two decades of experience in fashion retail before making his runway debut at Colombo Fashion Week in 2019, Kamil has steadily carved out his own creative identity over the years. Yet behind the glamour of the runway lies a journey shaped by sacrifices. “I have learned to keep going, work hard, and never give up on what I believe in. I came a long way from being a humble boy from Ginigathhena and I have never forgotten my struggles or where I started. My faith in God, the people who believe in me, and my passion for fashion have helped me continue this journey,” he shared.
A lover of glamorous evening gowns and sophisticated silhouettes, Kamil believes in creating designs that make women feel extraordinary and is looking ahead to 2027 with a desire to explore bold colours and continue taking Sri Lankan fashion to the international stage. In this interview, he reflects on his Moscow Fashion Week milestone, the value of homegrown designer fashion, the need for greater appreciation of local talent, the inspirations and obstacles that have shaped his journey, and his hopes for the future of LIMAK by KAMIL and Sri Lankan fashion.
Congratulations on showcasing LIMAK by KAMIL at Moscow Fashion Week – the first Sri Lankan designer to do so. What went through your mind when you first realised that you were going to present your collection on an international fashion platform of this scale?
Honestly, it was a dream come true. I felt incredibly excited, proud, and emotional, but at the same time, I knew it was a huge responsibility. I wasn’t representing only myself or LIMAK by KAMIL; I was representing Sri Lanka and the talent of our designers. I wanted to give my very best and make my country proud. I was also grateful to Colombo Fashion Week for opening this door for me and creating an opportunity that could inspire other Sri Lankan designers to follow their dreams.
Take us behind the scenes; what was the experience of preparing for Moscow Fashion Week like, from conceptualising the collection to seeing it come alive on the runway?
I wanted to give my very best, as always. Taking Sri Lankan batik to an international platform was a big responsibility, and I wanted to present it in a fresh, modern, and luxurious way.
I am deeply grateful to my dear friend Sarasi from SKANDA, who supported me throughout this journey. She understands my vision so well, and having her support made a huge difference. My staff and my dear friend Brian Kerkoven also played important roles in helping me bring the collection to life.
There was so much work behind the scenes, from selecting fabrics and developing designs to fittings and final preparations. On the day of the show, I was checking the models, garments, hair and makeup, and accessories. When I finally saw the audience waiting and my collection coming alive on the runway, the feeling was indescribable. It was a mixture of excitement, emotion, and pride.
What was the inspiration behind the collection you presented in Moscow and how did the Moscow audience respond to your work? Was there a particular moment during the show that made you feel that all the hard work had been worth it?
The inspiration behind my collection was Sri Lankan batik and our beautiful cultural heritage. I wanted to show the world how we can transform a traditional art form into contemporary high fashion while preserving its identity. I worked with beautiful colours, abstract interpretations of Sri Lankan floral motifs, and luxurious fabrics to create a collection that reflected the vibrancy and happiness of our country.
The response was very encouraging. Seeing people admire my designs after the show, meeting people from the industry, and receiving opportunities to speak about my work made the experience even more special.
The most emotional moment was standing backstage, watching the audience and seeing the models walk out wearing my creations. At that moment, I felt that all the hard work, sacrifices, and challenges had been worthwhile. It was a proud moment for me and for Sri Lanka.
You had already spent over two decades in the fashion retail industry before making your debut as a designer, with your first major show at Colombo Fashion Week in 2019. What prompted you to make that transition to presenting your own creative vision on the runway and how was that 2019 collection received?
Fashion has always been a big part of my life. Before becoming a designer, I spent over two decades in fashion retail, where I learned so much about garments, fabrics, styling, and understanding people. I also worked as a model, which gave me a different perspective on designers’ work and how clothing should be presented.
My mother was one of my biggest inspirations. She was a teacher, but she also loved sewing dresses for my sisters after school. She would use catalogues for inspiration and ask for my opinion. Looking back, I feel that my creative journey began during those moments.
Colombo Fashion Week in 2019 was a turning point for me. I still remember taking my first sample dress to Fazeena. That collection helped me take my passion more seriously and begin my professional journey as a designer. The inspiration came from beautiful church and chapel windows I had seen while travelling in Spain and Germany.
That first CFW collection remains one of my favourites because of what it represents in my life. It was the beginning of a journey that has brought me to where I am today, and I will always be grateful to the Colombo Fashion Week team for believing in me and giving me that opportunity.
Starting out in fashion is rarely a straightforward journey. What were the biggest obstacles you faced when you were trying to establish yourself in the industry?
For me, one of the biggest challenges has always been wanting to give my very best whenever I present a collection. I have learned that creating fashion is not only about having good ideas; it requires resources, financial support, a strong team, and many sacrifices behind the scenes.
Sometimes, you have a vision of what you want to create, but bringing that vision to life can be difficult when you do not have all the facilities or support you need. You still have to find a way to make it happen.
I have learned to keep going, work hard, and never give up on what I believe in. I came a long way from being a humble boy from Ginigathhena and I have never forgotten my struggles or where I started. My faith in God, the people who believe in me, and my passion for fashion have helped me continue this journey.
Designer Brian Kerkoven’s tribute to you following Moscow Fashion Week was particularly moving. He spoke about watching you put your heart and soul into every collection and witnessing the struggles behind making them happen. What role has Brian played in your journey as a designer? Has his guidance and feedback influenced the way you approach your career?
Brian is a very special person in my life and someone who genuinely wants to see me succeed and be happy. He has supported me in so many ways, emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially. He understands how much of my heart and soul I put into every collection and how much work happens behind the glamour people see on the runway.
His support means more to me than words can express. Having someone who believes in you, especially during difficult moments, gives you the strength to keep moving forward. His encouragement reminds me that I am not alone in this journey. I am truly grateful to have him in my life. His support has been a blessing, and I will always appreciate everything he has done for me and for LIMAK by KAMIL.
In an industry where people often only see the glamour, what are the difficult realities about being a designer that you wish more people understood?
People often see the beautiful clothes, the runway, the photographs, and the glamour, but they do not always see the hard work, financial pressure, sleepless nights, and sacrifices behind every collection. Creating a collection takes a tremendous amount of time, creativity, planning, and investment. There are so many details to consider, and as a designer, you want every piece to be perfect. Sometimes, you have to overcome challenges that people never see.
I also believe that local designers need more appreciation and support. We have so much talent in Sri Lanka, but creating high-quality fashion requires investment and resources. I would love people to understand the true value of a designer’s work and recognise the effort and craftsmanship behind every garment.
What kinds of clothing do you love designing the most? Is there a particular garment or category that allows you to express your creativity best?
I love creating couture collections, especially glamorous evening dresses and gowns. I enjoy designing pieces that make women feel beautiful, confident, sophisticated, and classy. For me, a garment is not just about how it looks on a hanger; it is about how a woman feels when she wears it. I love experimenting with silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, textures, and details to create something special.
Couture gives me the freedom to express my creativity, challenge myself, and bring something unique to life. I always want my designs to have their own identity and make the person wearing them feel extraordinary.
Which designers or fashion houses have influenced your aesthetic over the years?
I appreciate designers and fashion houses that understand craftsmanship, elegance, and the art of creating something extraordinary. I am particularly drawn to couture, beautiful silhouettes, sophisticated detailing, and designs that make a statement while remaining timeless.
However, I believe that as a designer, it is important to develop your own identity rather than simply follow someone else’s style. My inspiration comes from many places, including my travels, architecture, colours, culture, people, and the beauty of Sri Lankan heritage.
With LIMAK by KAMIL, I want to continue exploring my creativity and developing a distinctive aesthetic that combines glamour, elegance, and sophistication while showing the world what Sri Lankan design can offer.
Models play a crucial role in bringing a designer’s vision to life. What qualities do you look for when choosing models to present your collections? And who are some of your favourite Sri Lankan models to work with?
I have worked with many models, not only in Sri Lanka but also in Dubai, Spain, Rome, London, and India. I have met so many gorgeous, professional, and friendly models, so it is difficult to mention just a few names.
When selecting a model, I look for confidence, professionalism, a strong runway walk, and the ability to bring my vision to life. For me, it is not only about beauty; it is also about attitude, personality, and how well a model carries the outfit. A great model can truly transform a design and make it unforgettable.
If you could collaborate with any international model for a future collection, who would be your dream choice and why?
My dream choice would be Yasmin Wijnaldum. She is one of my favourite international models. I absolutely love her walk, her unique look, and the confidence she brings to the runway. She has a powerful presence and can bring a designer’s vision to life beautifully. I would love to see her showcase a LIMAK by KAMIL collection one day.
Having now presented your work on a major international platform, how would you assess the current state of Sri Lanka’s fashion and design industry? Where do you think we stand today?
I believe Sri Lanka has incredible talent and creativity in the fashion industry. We have amazing designers with the potential to compete internationally, but we need much stronger support from the government, better facilities, and greater exposure to international markets.
Many talented designers have the vision and passion, but lack the resources and opportunities to take their work to the next level. My experience at Moscow Fashion Week has shown me what is possible when we are given the right platform. With the right support and investment, I truly believe Sri Lankan fashion can go much further and gain the international recognition it deserves.
What is your assessment of the local consumer? Are Sri Lankans becoming more willing to invest in homegrown designer fashion, or do international labels still carry a stronger appeal?
I believe international labels still have a stronger appeal among many Sri Lankan consumers. People are often willing to spend a lot of money on international brands, but when it comes to local designers, they expect the best quality at much lower prices. I think this is unfair to our designers, considering the creativity, craftsmanship, time, and effort that go into each piece.
In my opinion, we need to change this mindset and give local designer fashion the value it deserves. It is not only established designers who should price their work according to its true market value. Even emerging designers, if they create something unique and exceptional, should have the confidence to value their work accordingly. We need to appreciate and support our own talent if we want Sri Lankan fashion to grow.
Moscow Fashion Week is a significant chapter in your story. What does the next chapter look like for you and LIMAK by KAMIL?
The next chapter for me and LIMAK by KAMIL is about pushing my creativity further and challenging myself to create something truly extraordinary – designs that people will remember for a lifetime.
I want to continue taking Sri Lankan fashion and craftsmanship to the international stage, showing the world what our country is capable of. At the same time, I want to help and encourage other talented Sri Lankan designers, especially emerging creatives, to find opportunities, showcase their work, and achieve their dreams.
For me, success is not only about how far I can go, but also about how many others I can help rise along the way.
As we look towards the new year, what design directions do you think will shape fashion in 2027? Which colours do you think will dominate the coming year, and are there any unexpected shades you believe people should pay attention to?
I believe colour will play a big role in fashion in 2027 because colours bring happiness, energy, and personality to our lives. I also see designers exploring different silhouettes, celebrating the natural body shape while experimenting with unusual, sculptural, and creatively constructed forms.
Personally, I would love to work with different shades of green, orange, and purple, which can bring a fresh and unexpected touch to a collection. For me, fashion is about being creative, taking risks, and having the confidence to do something different rather than simply following trends.
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