Methulie Jayawickrama
Contact:: methulie@gmail.com
University/School: Northumbria University
Location: Newcastle
About me
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About me _____
A designer, creative thinker, and cultural advocate.
Methulie Jayawickrama is a final-year Fashion Design student at Northumbria University. Passionate about Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, she is committed to reviving the endangered handloom industry. Her work focuses on empowering artisan communities and translating traditional craftsmanship into sustainable, contemporary fashion.
After completing my internship in Sri Lanka, I witnessed firsthand how the local handloom industry and other traditional crafts are at risk of disappearing. This inspired me to bring recognition and the platform these crafts deserve. In my final year, I returned to Sri Lanka to collaborate with master artisans, blending their timeless skills with my design vision to create a collection that honors heritage and promotes sustainable, contemporary fashion.
Inspiration
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Inspiration _____
My journey began with a handloom saree, gifted to me at 18 and treasured by three generations before
My greatest inspiration was born from a handloom saree gifted to me, worn by my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Three generations of love and history. The saree, still in perfect condition, amazed me with its quality and the delicate, intricate weaving done entirely by hand. It told a story of care, patience, and heritage, igniting in me a deep passion to honor and preserve the timeless art of traditional handloom craftsmanship.
This under-recognized, sustainable craft is exactly what the fashion industry needs. It represents care, dedication, and preservation. It’s about creating a platform to honor these artisans and secure their legacy for future generations. Feeling this deep responsibility, I’ve taken a step forward to amplify their voices, protect their heritage, and ensure their craftsmanship thrives in a world that often overlooks its true value.
My work
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My work _____
Detail
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Detail _____
“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”
