CFW Introduces Couture + Trousseau: A New Season in November 2025

Luxury Edit by CFW to focus on expanding its South Asian position

In November 2025, CFW will introduce a new season which focuses on a new aspect of fashion which will open new opportunities for Sri Lankan designers which also includes Bridal and destination weddings. In South Asia this segment of fashion has grown and presents potential for Sri Lankan designers. Each year CFW identifies relevant opportunities before opening the platform to promote and facilitate the new season.

This segment of fashion is experiencing notable growth in the region and offers designers the chance to upgrade their knowledge base and skill sets. The March season of CFW focuses on the versatile summer season, which forms the foundation of fashion in Sri Lanka and South Asia. The fashion industry in the region is currently going through an exciting phase, finding its balance between functionality, wellness, craft, identity, sustainability, and celebration.

Since its inception in 2003, CFW has progressively developed into a South Asian platform by welcoming designers from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to showcase alongside Sri Lankan and European designers, solidifying its position as one of South Asia’s leading fashion weeks for over two decades. CFW is among only four fashion weeks in Asia with a 20-year legacy, alongside Japan, India, and Australia.

“Couture and Trousseau have been on CFW’s agenda for the last few years. I feel the time is right to introduce it in a smaller way and then expand into a full-blown season in 2026. This segment of fashion focuses on Occasion wear, Bridal, and Couture. This is a high-growth segment in South Asia, and we want to encourage Sri Lankan designers to create collections for this market. This also supports the Destination wedding position of Sri Lanka's tourism. Our goal is to expand the fashion design industry of Sri Lanka and give more business opportunities to Sri Lankan designers in Sri Lanka and South Asia,” Says Ajai Vir Singh, Managing Director, CFW Holdings.

Over the last two decades, CFW has successfully built pride in Sri Lankan fashion. Starting with one established Sri Lankan designer in 2003, it has, over the years, encouraged a young generation to take up fashion design as a profession, opening avenues to dream big. Today, over 80% of the designers we see are products of CFW’s design development system. The Emerging Designer segment of CFW encourages designers from across the island to apply for a place to showcase their work and start their careers. CFW continues to lead the fashion ecosystem in Sri Lanka.

“Nations Trust Bank's Chief Marketing Officer, Sanjaya Senarath said, "We’re happy to continue our longstanding partnership with CFW as it enters a new season. At Nations Trust Bank American Express, we’re passionate about offering our Cardmembers experiences that reflect their lifestyle and aspirations. The Luxury Edit by CFW, with its focus on South Asia’s evolving fashion landscape, is a perfect platform to celebrate this shared vision." 

This season focuses on the high-growth bridal segments in India and South Asia. This is also a high-growth segment in Sri Lanka. This will develop into a four-day affair in 2026 in the second half of the year.

“Cinnamon Grand Colombo is proud to continue its partnership with the iconic CFW for the third consecutive year. We recognize the importance of platforms such as CFW in elevating Sri Lanka’s profile and showcasing the dynamic spirit of Colombo as a destination. As Colombo’s landmark hospitality hub, Cinnamon Grand provides the perfect setting to celebrate creativity, culture, and collaboration, offering an elegant stage to market the city to an international audience. We look forward to another successful season with CFW as we continue to celebrate style, innovation, and the vibrant essence of Colombo,” said Nazoomi Azhar, General Manager, Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

This year, three Indian designers will showcase their collections alongside five invited Sri Lankan designers. The Indian designers specialize in this segment and have Bollywood stars among their patrons. One of them also presented at Paris Fashion Week recently. In the past, designers such as Tarun Tahiliani, Suneet Varma, JJ Valaya, and Rohit Bal, who specialize in this category, have showcased at CFW. This year, another crop of high-fashion designers will take the stage for this season. 

“We are pleased to partner Luxury edit by CFW, as CFW leads and defines design in the country. Our brand, Lanka Tiles is on a path of innovative design and draws upon the synergy of this association. There is more planned in this space in coming months. We wish Luxury Edit of CFW a great success.” Mentioned Priyantha Talwatte, Managing Director Lanka Tiles

The Couture + Trousseau season of CFW is proudly presented in partnership with Nations Trust Bank American Express, Cinnamon Grand, Lanka Tiles, IDL, Vision Care, Hameedia, and ITC, Beauty by Rosh, Ramani Fernando Salons, Hardtalk and Acorn whose continued collaboration strengthens CFW’s commitment to celebrating innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship within Sri Lanka’s fashion industry.