The Modern Sari Movement in Sri Lanka: Tradition, Identity & Style
By Dee Gibson | Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
When you think of the Sri Lankan sari, visions of elegance, cultural pride, and centuries-old craftsmanship come to mind. But today’s sari tells a new story—one of modern identity, creative activism, and fashion with purpose. In this week’s episode of Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mehala Ford, a seasoned fashion PR expert and cultural curator, about the shifting landscape of sari culture in Sri Lanka and beyond. Links to the podcast episode are at the end of the blog.
Kalukanda House uncovering Sari as a Living, Breathing Canvas of Identity
For many women across Sri Lanka, the sari is more than attire—it’s a symbol of identity. And now, younger generations are reclaiming it, reshaping it, and wearing it with a new kind of purpose. “We’re seeing women use the sari as a form of self-expression,” Mahala says. “It’s becoming less about tradition for tradition’s sake and more about aligning with modern identity.”
This evolution is part of a larger conversation taking place among Sri Lankan creatives and diaspora communities, who are finding new ways to reinterpret heritage textiles for modern lifestyles.
The Rise of Modern Drape Workshops
One exciting development is the growing popularity of drape workshops—interactive sessions where women learn both traditional and contemporary ways to wear the sari. At the recent Sri Lankan Culture Collective event in London, Mahala hosted one such workshop, offering attendees a fresh, hands-on experience with sari styling.
These workshops are more than a trend—they are spaces of empowerment where fashion intersects with heritage. They teach women how to blend personal style with cultural pride, while supporting sustainable fashion and slow clothing practices.
Sri Lankan Culture Collective: A Diaspora-Driven Platform
The Sri Lankan Culture Collective, founded through community-driven initiatives like the Creative Women Sri Lanka group, is carving out a vital space for Sri Lankan narratives in the global arena. In 2024 this collective held an event in London featuring curated fashion, storytelling, workshops, and panels designed to highlight Sri Lanka’s creative renaissance.
From ethically made saris to reinterpretations using reclaimed fabric, the event was a showcase of modern Sri Lankan creativity.
The Future: An Online Store for Sri Lankan Design
Looking ahead, Mehala is helping spearhead a new online store that will spotlight emerging Sri Lankan designers and makers. “It’s about giving people in the UK and beyond access to these incredible pieces,” she says. Expect carefully curated edits of handwoven saris, upcycled fashion, and contemporary accessories—all grounded in authenticity.
The store will reflect not just the style of modern Sri Lanka, but also the values of community, sustainability, and cultural pride.
Why the Sari Still Matters
In an age of fast fashion, the Sri Lankan sari stands as a timeless, sustainable, and deeply personal garment. Whether passed down through generations or newly bought from an independent designer, a sari holds stories—of family, rebellion, grace, and grit.
And today, thanks to creatives like Mahala and the passionate network of Sri Lankan women artists and designers, the sari is being reborn—not as relic, but as revolution.
LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE
Listen to the full episode on Spotify here / Apple here
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