Abstract:
Sri Lanka is globally recognized for its wildlife,
creating an increasing opportunity to engage young
female tourists through fashion that respects both
cultural and environmental aspects. As a result, a safari
apparel line has been developed, drawing inspiration
from the Sri Lankan leopard. This study examines the
overlap of fashion and the safari tourism sector in Sri
Lanka, concentrating on designing comfortable and
modest travel garments for young women aged 25–30
from abroad who visit Sri Lanka as a safari location. The
main goal of this project is to create a functional and
visually appealing collection of safari clothing suitable for
the spring and summer months in Sri Lanka while
addressing the needs of sustainable applications for fabric
material modification through setting biodegradable
aurwedic fabric setting. A customer survey with 105
international female participants, including both past and
potential visitors to Sri Lanka, revealed a demand for
lack of a local safari apparel brand. These insights were
instrumental in identifying the target demographic and
guiding the design process. The theme was selected based
on Sri Lanka's prominent position as a popular travel
destination and current initiatives aimed at revitalizing
its tourism sector. By connecting this collection to one of
the nation's most significant natural attractions, the
safari experience seeks to make a meaningful
contribution to both the fashion industry and tourism.
The Sri Lankan leopard, a native and endangered species,
serves as the central influence, with its textures, rosette
patterns, earthy hues, and agility shaping the design's
visual and structural features. The collection
incorporates breathable, skin-friendly materials like
cotton twill to provide comfort in high UV conditions.
Ayurvedic textiles are also included to reduce skin
irritation and ensure sun protection. Moreover, methods
such as screen printing, braiding with reeds, and
separable garment components are utilized. Beyond just
fashion, this project aims to foster environmentally
friendly tourism.
