Chethana Janith & Thiloththama Jayasinghe | Jadetimes Staff & Contributor
C. Janith is a Jadetimes news reporter covering science and geopolitics.
Sri Lanka is witnessing the rise of a new wave in fashion, led by a visionary young designer who's redefining boundaries and pushing the limits of art and technology. Meet Nichola is not only making waves with her innovative clothing designs but is also championing a message of perseverance, courage, and breaking barriers.
Who is Nichola Costa?
Nichola Costa is a young fashion expert from Sri Lanka who can challenge the universe of fashion world. Her Education starts with successfully completing Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion Design at NIBM (National Institute of Business Management). Shes currently Working as a Junior fashion designer at Brandix(Leading Fashion Company at Sri Lanka). Nichola's journey into the world of fashion was shaped by a childhood full of dreams and a relentless spirit. Growing up in Colombo, attending Good Shepherd Convent, she faced numerous challenges that many young Sri Lankan women know all too well. Pursuing fashion design in a society where traditional careers like medicine, engineering, and teaching are more esteemed took immense bravery. Yet Nichola dared to dream differently, finding her passion in creating garments that are more than just clothing; they are artistic statements.
Pioneering the Use of 3D Printing in Fashion
One of Nichola's most groundbreaking projects was inspired by her fascination with digital art and memorials - an art form that pays tribute to those who have passed away but left a lasting impact.
"This collection is inspired by the idea of remembering and honoring those who made us who we are, even though they are no longer with us,"
she explained during a conversation. Her creations reflect this concept with intricate details, unique shapes, and a palette that captures the essence of life and legacy.
What sets her collection apart is her innovative use of 3D printing, a technology still relatively new in the fashion industry. "After a lot of research, I realized that while 3D printing has been widely used in industries like metalwork, it hasn't been fully explored in fashion," Nichola shared. "I thought, why not bring this technology into the realm of design and make something truly original?"
Working closely with a 3D artist and even involving her cousin, who had experience in 3D printing, Nichola brought her vision to life. Using specialized plastic material, she created stunning skeletal structures, flowers, and butterflies, all 3D printed with precision and elegance. The attention to detail is evident in the lifelike floral designs and butterfly wings, which add an otherworldly beauty to her garments.
The Role of Technology: Bringing Designs to Life
But Nichola's creations don't just stop at visual appeal. She has ingeniously integrated small electronic components into her designs to make them come alive. Tiny, energy-efficient motors are embedded within the garments, causing butterflies to flap their wings gently and flowers to bloom with rhythmic grace. Batteries are subtly hidden to ensure that the designs remain wearable and practical. "It was a challenge to blend technology seamlessly with fabric, but seeing the designs move and breathe was worth every effort," Nichola said.
This fusion of technology and fashion isn't just about aesthetics. It signifies a new era of wearable art that is interactive, engaging, and full of life. Nichola's work proves that fashion can be as innovative and forward-thinking as any tech industry, paving the way for future designers to explore uncharted territories.
Overcoming Technical Challenges
Creating this groundbreaking collection wasn't without its challenges. "The biggest hurdle was finding the right balance between the weight of the 3D printed elements and the fabric's drape," Nichola reveals. "We went through countless iterations to ensure the electronic components wouldn't compromise the garment's wearability." This dedication to perfection resulted in pieces that are not just visually stunning but also comfortable and practical.
A Symphony of Colors and Meaning
Nichola’s collection isn’t just a showcase of technological prowess; it’s also a celebration of color and cultural symbolism. She carefully selected a palette inspired by the Borassus flabellifer tree, a species native to Sri Lanka. The soft hues, reminiscent of dried leaves, add a natural elegance to her pieces. Each shade was chosen thoughtfully, creating a visual narrative that connects her designs to her roots.
The Power of 3D Printing in Fashion Design
In the rapidly evolving world of fashion, innovation knows no bounds, and Sri Lankan designer Nichola has taken a bold leap forward, merging technology and aesthetics in a remarkable way. 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a revolutionary technology that has the ability to construct three-dimensional objects layer by layer, using a variety of materials. The floral and butterfly embellishments seen in her creations are not traditional fabric cutouts; instead, they are meticulously 3D-printed structures, bringing a new dimension to fashion aesthetics.
The choice of material was crucial. Nichola used a type of plastic specifically designed for 3D printing, ensuring both durability and flexibility. These materials allow the designs to be lightweight and wearable while capturing every delicate detail of her artistic vision.
Nichola’s Vision for the Future
When we asked Nichola about her long-term goals and aspirations, her passion and determination shone through. “I want to be the first avant-garde fashion designer from Sri Lanka with a brand that’s entirely made in Sri Lanka,” she shared, referring to her brand, Evoq.
Her vision goes beyond just creating stunning garments.
“My dream is to market Sri Lanka to the world through fashion,” she explained. “I want to present deep, artistic, and meaningful fashion that represents our culture and heritage. My designs should speak for Sri Lanka, showcasing our unique beauty and creativity on a global scale.”
Nichola’s ambition is clear: to elevate Sri Lankan fashion to international heights, using her art as a medium to tell stories and captivate audiences worldwide.
A Message to Young Women and Aspiring Designers
Nichola has an empowering message for young women and aspiring designers.
"Never stop dreaming. Pursue your passions wholeheartedly, and don't let anything hold you back from doing what you love. In life, we may encounter people whose jealousy or negativity can weigh us down, especially during our struggles. But rather than being discouraged, choose to rise above and become someone who uplifts others. Be a source of guidance and encouragement, showing others the way forward when they stumble. By lifting others up, you create a positive path, inspiring those around you to persevere through their own challenges.”
she advised. Her journey is a testament to the fact that with perseverance and a strong will, anything is possible.
She emphasizes that your background or the obstacles you face shouldn’t deter you from pursuing your dreams. “If you have a goal and the will to pursue it, you will succeed. Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she said, her words carrying a sense of hope and motivation.
Her advice is simple yet profound: “Just try. Take that first step, because without trying, you’ll never know what you’re capable of. You have the strength within you to make it happen.” Nichola’s words are a call to action for the next generation, encouraging them to embrace their potential and never give up.
The Inspiration Behind the Creation
The heart of Nichola’s latest collection lies in a powerful and emotional inspiration.
“This creation is inspired by the concept of digital memorial art, a tribute to the people who have passed away but left an indelible impact on our lives,” she explained. Every shape, color, and detail in her designs carries meaning, a testament to those who have shaped us and whose legacy lives on through us.
“It’s a token of appreciation, a way of remembering and celebrating the people who made us who we are,” she said, her voice filled with reverence. The intricate designs honor the memories of those who gave us strength and inspired us, even from beyond. This emotional depth adds layers of significance to her work, transforming fashion into a medium of remembrance and celebration.
More Than Just Fashion
Nichola Costa’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of innovation. From her childhood dreams to her trailblazing designs that blend technology and artistry, she is a beacon of hope and inspiration. Through "Evoq", she isn’t just designing clothes - she’s crafting a narrative that celebrates Sri Lankan heritage and embraces a future of limitless possibilities.
Her work demonstrates that fashion can be a profound and meaningful form of expression. By integrating 3D printing, small electronics, and heartfelt inspiration, Nichola is leading a revolution in wearable art, proving that creativity knows no boundaries. With her unwavering ambition and passion, she is not only changing the landscape of Sri Lankan fashion but also inspiring a new generation to dream bigger, push boundaries, and never give up on their vision.
