Meet Nithya: the Sri Lankan fashion label that’s turning ancient crafts into lust-worthy fashion. Launched by the visionary fashion designer Nithya Lamahewa in 2012, the brand has been shaking up the Sri Lankan fashion world with its unique fusion of traditional handloom and batik techniques as well as cutting-edge design. From handloom denim sarees to chic tartan check shirts, their collection of stylish and contemporary pieces are designed for the modern woman and man. Nithya’s collections don’t just make you look good, but they also celebrate heritage and empower rural artisans.
In an exclusive interview, we connect with the label’s trailblazer founder Nithya Lamahewa. We dive into her creative inspirations, uncover the brand’s core values, and discover her exciting plans for the future.
What was your biggest motivation behind starting your own brand?
I studied fashion design and learned about the traditional crafts of batik and handloom. While studying the craft industry, I realized it needed creative solutions to survive as an industry. It required innovation and modern design knowledge. Through my brand, I aim to provide that by connecting the low-tech traditional handloom and batik industry with the modern fashion industry. We work with different craft communities and artisans to create our products. Our aim is to elevate the Sri Lankan craft industry to the next highest level through our efforts.
Where do you find inspiration for your prints?
We create at least three collections a year, drawing most of our inspiration from within the country. Each of our prints has a unique story behind it. We strive to blend our inspiration with modern, innovative, and sometimes trendy elements, ensuring that our products are always unique and different. We love introducing new ways to style our craft products. It doesn’t always have to be traditional; it can be something modern while retaining that traditional uniqueness. We hope that customers who interact with our brand will wear innovative and trendy clothing that makes a statement while looking good.
Tell us more about your products.
All of our products carry their own distinct personality with undertones of our brand values, while exuding characteristics of elegance, contemporary influence, and carefreeness. Nithya products are not the usual handloom or batik items you often see, they are known for their innovative designs. We strive to set trends through our products, such as handloom denim/jeans sarees and glow-in-the-dark handloom textiles.
What are Nithya’s brand values? How do you reflect them in your products?
Nithya aims to connect the low-tech cottage craft industry with the high-tech modern fashion industry through our products. Our brand values include inclusivity, authenticity, love for the country, giving back to society and the earth, and inspiring our clients, suppliers, and communities. We strive to reflect these values through our products, promotions, and photoshoots. Most of the inspirations for our collections come from within the country, and we aim to incorporate these inspirations with technology and international trends to make our products more contemporary and modern.
Tell us about your upcoming collection.
We are launching our newest saree range with the aim of introducing craft sarees as everyday products. These sarees can be styled for both special occasions and day-to-day events. We are excited to share our styling tips for these pieces. Additionally, we are presenting our handloom bridal saree collection for customers who want to wear something unique and minimal on their special day.
You have a keen eye for color. Does the brand’s color palette reflect your personal style?
Each collection features a unique color palette that aligns with its inspiration. We also consider trend colors. Despite the limited color options in the traditional industry, our goal is to present them to our customers in a different way. We always strive to create new trends through our work.
What’s your vision for Nithya’s future? Where can we expect to see the brand in the next few years?
Our aim is to make a bigger impact on the craft industry in Sri Lanka. We strive to work with more artisans, improve their livelihoods, and sustain the industry as a profitable venture for them. Additionally, we aspire to see Sri Lankan crafts and the Nithya brand in international markets, helping our local crafts grow internationally in a beautiful way.