Themed around “Showcasing Global Fashion Excellence and Academic Brilliance”, this year’s edition transformed the campus into a stunning celebration of style, intellect, and artistry, reaffirming SLIIT’s reputation as a trailblazer in uniting academia with industry through world-class experiential learning.
Far more than a fashion show, VogueFest has become a cultural phenomenon that bridges academic brilliance and creative expression.
The event was organized to promote the BSc (Hons) Fashion Business and Management program, offered in collaboration with the Manchester Fashion Institute which is part of Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, showcasing how education at SLIIT goes beyond traditional learning by blending strategy with style and theory with creativity.
The evening unfolded in true SLIIT grandeur, featuring captivating runway presentations, innovative designs, and performances that reflected the global energy of the modern fashion industry.
Students, alumni, and industry professionals came together in a celebration that not only showcased the next generation of fashion leaders but also highlighted SLIIT’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded graduates capable of shaping tomorrow’s creative economy.
The event featured prestigious categories such as Best Designer, Best Male Model, Best Female Model, Most Popular Model, with the “Most Popular” titles decided through an exciting combination of audience voting and social media engagement, ensuring that the voice of the public played a defining role in recognizing emerging talent.
Adding sophistication and star power to the evening, the show was choreographed by Ms. Rozanne Diasz, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic figures in the fashion industry.
Her artistic direction and signature elegance brought a touch of international glamour to the runway, elevating the event to an unforgettable spectacle.
Further underscoring SLIIT’s vision of empowering young talent, VogueFest’25 introduced four open competition categories : Upcoming Designer, Upcoming Model and Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year, offering aspiring creatives a vibrant stage to shine and connect with industry leaders.
The distinguished judging panel brought together some of Sri Lanka’s most respected and accomplished professionals in the fields of fashion, design, and beauty, including Michael Wijesooriya, Couture Designer, Bridal Designer, and Hair & Makeup Artist; Prabath Samarasooriya, Professional Artist, Textile Designer, and Senior Lecturer in Design; Thimani Rodrigo, Designer and Head of Design at Tanash Studios & Atelier; Piyumal Sithum, Sri Lankan model, fitness coach, and entrepreneur, and 1st Runner-Up at Manhunt International 2025; Hasini Gunasekara, Director of the Naturals salon chain and Founder of the International Academy of Beauticians in Sri Lanka; and Romiane Alweis, former Miss Earth Sri Lanka 2020, Miss Environmental Sri Lanka 2023, and 2nd Runner-Up at the Miss International Environmental Pageant.
From breathtaking collections to bold ideas, VogueFest’25 embodied the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines SLIIT. It was not merely an evening of fashion but a celebration of creativity as a form of learning, leadership, and limitless possibility.
With its seamless blend of glamour and academic vision, VogueFest’25 once again proved that SLIIT is not just shaping graduates but shaping the future of global fashion.