Colombo Fashion Week (CFW), is a semiannual fashion show held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with spring/summer (February – March) and Swim Wear in autumn (September – October); Swim Week Colombo. It was created in 2003 by Ajai Vir Singh.[1] It is organised by CFW Holdings and sponsored by HSBC.[2][3][4][5][6]
It is known for being one of the few fashion weeks in Asia that has lasted over ten years. It aims to serve as a hub for South Asian fashion. Where designers from neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and India take part.
CFW has been held at the Hilton Colombo for most of its lifespan.[7][8][9] More recently it was held at Shangri-La Colombo,[10] and also Port City Colombo.[citation needed]
Swim Week Colombo is the first and most premiere platform in Asia for swimwear fashion, facilitating a responsible ecosystem from Manufacturing, to Designing to Retail. Presenting Sri Lanka's best swimwear designers; regional and international, and promoting fusion with local crafts. It is sponsored by OLU Water.[11][12][13]
It also seeks to facilitate a global platform for swimwear, thereby positioning Sri Lanka as swimwear capital of the world. Promoting Sri Lanka as a high-quality production destination, as Sri Lanka has some of the world's best production facilities.[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]
Admission to shows at Colombo Fashion week is by invitation only, with specific events included.
CFW gives three awards; Lifetime Achievement Award, Gen-Next award and the Face of CFW award to deserving individuals.[22]