Natasha Manouli Welihena

Contact:
natashawelihena9@gmail.com
University/School:
Northumbria University Newcastle
Location:
Newcastle
Specialism:
Heritage & CultureIllustrationInternational FashionKnitwear DesignMenswearTextiles
About Me

Hello! Im Natasha Manouli, Fashion and Textile Design graduate!

Natasha is a Designer who specializes in fashion and textiles. She takes pride in creating one-of-a-kind, conceptual sound, and wearable pieces. Her vision is to create wearable art with high cultural and sustainable values, drawing inspiration from her local craft and inventing novel methods to produce modern textiles and textures.

Throughout my intensive three-year journey in Fashion and Textile Design, I've meticulously cultivated my creative ethos, refining my style and design philosophy. Winning the Textiles Scholarship in my second year fueled my passion for creating unique textiles. Collaborating with local artisans and industrial partners, I gained knowledge to blend generational traditional craft with modern techniques, ensuring my designs resonate culturally and are produced sustainably and ethically. This journey has shaped my identity as a responsible designer dedicated to innovation and cultural preservation.

INSPIRATION

My initial inspiration drew when I self-initiated to question my own spiritual wellbeing.

During my spiritual quest, I wondered if others were similarly intro-perspective. I explored unique spiritual paths: Tibetan monks with tattoos, Indian sadhus with extreme rituals, Zen monks with obedience, and Bohemians' free-spirited lifestyles. Though diverse, their shared goal of spiritual enrichment inspired me to create my final-year menswear collection; BHUMI. In Sinhalese, the word 'BHUMI' conveys a sense of groundedness and humbleness.

BHUMI weaves intricate details from diverse spiritual groups, merging silhouettes, colors, prints, and techniques to create a unique narrative. Drawing inspiration from garment and textile creations of philosophical designers like Issey Miyake and Alexander McQueen harmonized my concept research and fashion approach, resulting in a cohesive collection. Each garment in the collection narrates a distinct story, blending luxury, deconstruction, and earthy designs into a curated ensemble.

MY WORK

PORTFOLIOS

DETAIL

Each detail whispers tales, merging heritage and spirit into wearable poetry.

Crafting the Bhumi collection was a journey of artistic innovation and sustainable elegance. Each garment is a testament to Sri Lanka's rich heritage, blending traditional handloom and batik techniques with modern creativity. Sustainability takes center stage with handlooms crafted from reclaimed yarns, symbolizing a commitment to eco-conscious fashion. Inspired by Indian sadhus and the art of block printing, the collection exudes cultural depth and timeless allure. Industry talent shines through in meticulously crafted knitwear pieces, showcasing six months of dedication and ingenuity. Mud-dyed fabrics and denim experiments, refined with cutting-edge techniques, add a raw yet refined aesthetic to the collection. Bhumi is more than just fashion—it's a harmonious fusion of tradition, innovation, and sustainability, inviting you to step into a world where style meets conscience.

"Garments should be more than fabric; they are canvases that whisper untold tales, paint emotions, and sculpt thoughts, leaving brushstrokes on the canvas of our hearts."- Natasha Manouli
Heritage & CultureIllustrationInternational FashionKnitwear DesignMenswearTextiles
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