Sujitha Shivajothi created and showed her gender inclusive collection at @vancouverfashionweek, this season. Intrigued by the intricate details of her jackets, especially, I looked back at her award winning menswear designs for her school, Blanche Macdonald's Grad Fashion Show of 2020 here.

Sujitha is a great representative for the Fashion Program at Blanche Macdonald, as well as for her own label. She is passionate about designing for everyone and her interview tells more about her strong vision and determination to produce a line that is both ECO and local.

Q: In your design process, which comes first - the outfit or the fabric?

A: When sketching ideas I tend to assemble the outfit then think of fabric but when fabric shopping I will see something and visualize it as a piece so I find it is a bit of both. You can never really know where the design process takes you when you begin and that is what I love about it.

Q: Where does ECO Fashion come into your practice?

A: The new generation of designers have a clear responsibility to make their clothing environmentally sustainable. Not only for the obvious ethical reasons but to garner a better future for the artistic medium itself. Fast fashion does not only pose an enormous threat to the future of our environment but it also poses a direct threat to the creativity and growth within the art form.

Q: Does Sri Lanka, your country and culture have a role in your creations?

A: Fashion is always a reflection of the culture and politics the designer is steeped in. I find that even when designers draw from previous eras their decision to do so is a direct reaction to the pervasive culture of the era they currently find themselves in.

Q: How about recycling and upcycling?

A: Upcycling garments is a great way of bringing new life to a piece most people would dismiss. One of my recent designs was comprised entirely of scrap fabrics that I have saved over the past year. It was such a great way to create a one of a kind garment.

Q: Where in Vancouver is your favorite place to source fabric?

A: In Vancouver one of my favourite places to shop for fabric is Atex Designer Fabrics. There are always great hidden gems and I never walk away empty handed. The staff is wonderfully knowledgeable and always willing to help you find the perfect fabric for your project.  

Q:What has been your favorite design from your own collection this season?

A: I would have to say my favorite design so far is the Button Trousers. It was a complex design that involved a great deal of pattern drafting and multiple toiles to perfectly execute the design.  

Thanks for your interview and for an excellent runway show at VFW, Sujitha. I hope to see more of your work, at VFW this Fall, and would love to see those jackets and pants in our local stores. Congratulations and I look forward to your next steps.

More information about Blanche Macdonald programs and Sujitha's collection at VFW, here.