Fashion Designer Minnelli Abayaratna on The Importance of Supporting Local Brands

As a fashion designer, I strongly believe we have to be aware of the story behind products and the people who are involved in the process of its production.

Having been involved in the fashion industry for a number of years, I’ve gathered experience in a start-up and a few of the more recognised labels in Sri Lanka. Since we are now facing a pandemic on a scale that we haven’t seen the likes of for more than a century I thought it was important for me to talk about the importance of supporting local brands.

I want to share the story behind my favourite type of fabric to work with. It is that of the handloom textile.

The history behind traditional handloom weaving in Sri Lanka dates back to the times of the Indian Prince Vijaya and quite possibly before that. It is said that upon his arrival on the island in 543 BC, he witnessed a woman called Kuveni from the indigenous race “Yaksha Gothra” spinning yarn - she would go on to be his wife. The local handloom industry acquired its own identity through the influence of migrant weavers from India and multicultural trading that took place at the time.

Sri Lankan Handloom Machine

It's A Lifeline to Some

There are entire villages in Sri Lanka that depends on the production of this particular fabric to be able to afford their daily sustenance. They are hired by local brands or may even produce fabric on their own accord. The raw cotton yarn is sourced directly from India or from our own markets in Pettah. The raw yarn is then dyed - in factories or by the weavers themselves.

Behind The Scenes Of A Beautiful Design

The methodology employed by weavers in the preparation of the handloom to produce the textile involves a lot of communication between the designer and their unique understanding of this machine. Normally I would study and explore various samples, understand what customers may like, and come up with a design for a textile that can eventually be used to produce a wide array of products. Once the design is finalized, I spend a day or two with the weaver to create the textile - which I must admit is my favourite part. 

The spinning wheel 

This is an essential part of the traditional weaving method, a way to transfer the yarn into the loom to start weaving.

It's A Lot Of Hardwork 

Watching our weavers work truly reinforces the need to buy local. It is as though they are magicians, at one with this complicated mass of interconnected wood, ropes and fabric. It is a unique manner of production that requires the use of all four limbs to work simultaneously and in an arrangement only the weaver really understands as it takes a lifetime of dedication to perfect.

Pirns 

are used to wound weft yarn for weaving, it is a rod mainly used to fix in the shuttle on a loom.

Transformation

After the textile is produced, designers such as myself will determine what it will be transformed into and the choice ranges from cushion covers to clothing. What we envision is made a reality through the hard work and perseverance of seamstresses who are usually the last people to augment the textile until it is sold but they are not the last people to interact with it until a customer buys it. There are those who are involved in transportation, sales, and advertising. By the time a locally made product is bought by you - there was a legion of people and multiple communities that contributed to its birth. 

Handloom Jacket Designed by Minnelli

Handloom Cushion Cover

Call To Action

When you buy local products, you are supporting your people, your community and country. You are helping people you don’t even know or interact with directly see hope in livelihoods they otherwise might not. You are helping Sri Lanka preserve her culture and traditions. You are helping her be more independent and sustainable. So go local, strive to own goods that are made in Sri Lanka.

This article has been written by Minnelli Abayaratna and you may check out her Blog on Instagram via the following Link;

Minnelli's Instagram Blog