We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: friendships lead to some of the most beautiful things. The thought behind The Design Collective Store began in a similar fashion with a friendship between two fashion-obsessed individuals: Binu Wickramasinghe and Shahili Gomes. Together, they ideated, conceptualized, and materialized a concept store that merged fashion, art, design, and travel seamlessly. Fast forward to today, when this humble store has gained global acclaim.
“It’s been a roller coaster–it’s thrilling, exciting and scary at the same time,” says Binu when asked how she feels about this milestone moment. “The last seven years have been an absolute whirlwind,” says Shahili. “Binu and I have formed incredible friendships and relationships with designers and artists in Sri Lanka and beyond, and it’s been amazing to say the least.” From a small corner store in the heart of Colombo to capturing the hearts of style seekers in London, the journey of TDC has been awe-spiring.
Ahead, let’s talk about the 7 milestones TDC has celebrated over the years.
1. Opening the first store on Stratford Avenue
On 10th August 2017, we opened the doors to our first retail store. This luxurious space is now home to over 100 designers from Sri Lanka and South East Asia.
2. Workshops at TDC and the launch of a second store
Within a year of launching, the retail store had transformed into a place that promoted the creative talent of artists through exclusive workshops and dedicated panel discussions with fashion peers. Soon, we opened a second store in Colombo–Design Collective Edit, with the aim to showcase a thoughtful edit of the designers working with TDC.
Button Masala’s Anuj Sharma hosted a session where he taught the audience how to create beautiful fashion with just a few buttons and fabrics. In 2019, then Fashion Editor for Vogue India, Akanksha Kamath, led an educational yet fun panel discussion with co-founder of eponymous label SUKETDHIR.
3. The launch of a new international website
TDC launched an online portal that helped connect the platform to people from all over the world. This is how we got our first international order!
4. TDC launches The Sustainable Edit
Responding to the rising environmental concerns, we took first step towards sustainability with the launch of The Sustainable Edit, where 27 designers like Kantala, Ethno, Leekoh, Summer House, House of Lonali, and others came together to promote, talk about, and vow to make waves in the world of sustainable fashion. A special installation by designer Lonali Rodrigo from House of Lonali made using pre-consumer textile waste made the event unforgettable.
5. TDC takes over London!
In 2023, we moved forward to tackle the fashion and beauty industry in the UK, with our first-ever international pop-up at the No Filter Clinic in Kensington. From the finest jewelry to exquisite fashion, this pop up showcased emerging and established designers from Sri Lanka and South Asia.
6. Launch of Ceylon Born
Kidswear gets a new home in Colombo with Ceylon Born, a store dedicated to your lil’ rockstars!
7. TDC at the Harrods’ South Asian Heritage Month event
In 2024, Binu and Shahili were invited by luxury store Harrods to curate a special collection to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month. The showcase included three ground-breaking designers from TDC who showcased five complete looks: ITR by Khyati Pande, Amna Chaudhry, and Dimuthu Sahabandu.
“We have embarked on countless new journeys, one of which recently led us to Harrods for a fantastic event that showcased South Asian designers,” says Shahili. “Frankly, I’m humbled and still in awe of how far The Design Collective has come in the past few years. We have crossed boundaries and exceeded our own expectations by taking part in and hosting events in Sri Lanka, India, and The UK, and we’re looking forward to our many upcoming projects.” Binu adds, “I can’t wait to get on the next roller coaster to do even bigger and better things.”