The inaugural South Asian edition of the BRICS Fashion Summit is set to occur in Colombo from April 1 to April 4, coinciding with Colombo Fashion Week (CFW). This event, organized by the BRICS International Fashion Federation in partnership with CFW, highlights Sri Lanka’s strategic geopolitical position as a bridge between South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean, reinforcing the Federation’s aim to enhance its global footprint in emerging markets.
Since its establishment, the BRICS International Fashion Federation has played a crucial role in connecting fashion industries within some of the world’s most rapidly developing economies. By fostering collaborations among creative groups, policymakers, and industry leaders, the Federation has established a collaborative framework that transcends national boundaries, thus facilitating opportunities for designers, manufacturers, and fashion entrepreneurs across member countries.
As a founding member of the Federation, Colombo Fashion Week has been instrumental in connecting Sri Lanka’s diverse fashion landscape and promoting creative exchanges throughout South Asia. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of CFW, making it one of only four fashion weeks in South Asia to reach this milestone. This edition represents a key moment in CFW’s evolution as it solidifies its role as a significant regional and global platform.
The BRICS Fashion Summit will take place during CFW on April 3 at 11:00 AM at the City of Dreams Sri Lanka. This gathering will assemble a distinguished audience of global fashion leaders, industry experts, and creative entrepreneurs, who will engage in high-level discussions about the interplay between fashion, culture, and commerce within emerging economies. The discussions will be moderated by Mr. Shamindra Kulamannage, a respected business journalist and Editor of Echelon and Economy Next. The panel will feature prominent figures, including Mr. Alexander Shumsky, President of the Russian Fashion Council; Mr. Rajesh Pratap Singh, a prominent Indian designer; Mr. Kuan Kevin Feng from Beijing Fashion Week; Mr. Hasitha Premaratne, Managing Director of Brandix Group; and Mr. Rizwan Beyg, a notable Pakistani designer.
The panel will explore the potential opportunities within the BRICS bloc for both designers and apparel supply chains, how cultural heritage can enhance global fashion relevance, and the role South Asia may play in the broader BRICS creative and commercial landscape. This summit is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for positioning Colombo and the surrounding region at the forefront of global fashion discourse.
CFW Summer 2026, sponsored by Mastercard, will run from April 1 to April 4 at the City of Dreams Sri Lanka. This year, the BRICS Federation’s designer exchange program will continue, creating new opportunities for Sri Lankan talent on the international stage. Notably, this edition will feature the runway debut of designers from South Africa and China in Sri Lanka, showcasing an impressive array of over 30 designers from BRICS nations, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and beyond, alongside renowned Sri Lankan designers, making this one of the most internationally diverse events in CFW’s history. CFW’s Emerging Designer initiative will also continue to be a vital part of the platform, enabling eleven emerging designers to showcase their collections, each benefiting from CFW’s comprehensive mentorship program.
The BRICS Fashion Summit at CFW Summer 2026 signifies Colombo’s rising importance in global fashion conversations. With South Asia’s rich cultural heritage, burgeoning market potential, and creative talent gaining recognition worldwide, the summit presents a crucial opportunity for stakeholders from BRICS nations to influence the future of fashion.
