A charity fashion show providing glamour, talent and fashion, was organised by students of ANC Education, along with the ANC Rotaract Club. The evening event, known as the New Yorker, was held in aid of Ma Sewana, a home for teenage mothers. Renowned designers included Dilly and Carlo, represented by Amila Karunanayake, wedding and evening wear label Imtiaz Designers, represented by Imtiaz himself, Melaché Designer Clothing, represented by Johann, and the creations of Michael Wijesuriya, Sri Lanka’s premier couture designer.
Otara Gunewardene, founder of Odel, and one of Sri Lanka’s leading entrepreneurs, graced the event, along with a ballroom of spectators witnessing the talents of the young ANC students, who paraded in designer outfits, showcasing a range of casual wear, work wear and evening wear outfits. The New Yorker closed with an elegant grand finale with models in luxurious black outfits looking sharp on the runway. During the fashion show, ANC’s Performing Arts Club charmed the crowd while Voice Print entertained the audience with crowd favourites.
Aruni Mahipala, assistant general manager, student affairs office – ANC Education, noted, “The Night at the Gatsby’s and The New Yorker are standard ANC-owned fashion shows, initiated with the objective of supporting charity projects. Every year it is amazing to see the type of students who come forward for auditions. They are academically strong and are involved in extracurricular activities. They are a talented bunch of people, forward and confident.”
Renowned choreographer and creative director of the grand evening, Brian Kerkoven was overwhelmed to see the amateurs he trained walking down the ramp with confidence. He said, “Every year when I work with these students, it is a new experience for me. They are very keen on what they do. I love their personalities. I see real progress in the ANC annual fashion show.”
During the event, a special award of recognition was presented to ANC student Daham Dias, who claimed the title Mr Global Teen 2015 at the very first edition of the Mister Global Teen contest held in Thailand. The Sri Lankan United Nations Friendship Organisation (SUNFO) also appointed Daham as the UN Youth Ambassador for Climate Change for Sri Lanka.
ANC frequently organises events of this nature, to give industry exposure, and to bring out talents and a sense of social responsibility.
The night’s amateur models, Shamika Rajapaksa (final year – international business management), Nikeshi (major – finance) and Glenard Leon (major – international business) said that they saw the event as a daring challenge and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to give back to society. Speaking at the event, Hasini Munasinghe (major – management & marketing), president – the ANC Rotaract Club, revealed that the club’s next venture would include supporting the Jayanthi Male Kids Developing Centre, one of the poorest childcare centres in the island.
