Lankan handloom manufacturer Selyn pioneers block chain technology with College of Fashion in London
Selyn Director, Selyna Peiris presenting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the UK Saroja Sirisena a vision of handloom to the world Image 4: (L-R) Selyna Peiris, Hannah Middleton Knowledge Exchange Lead at Fashion Business School, Liz Gee Dean Fashion Business School, Professor Andrea Teverson Pro Vice Chancellor Head of College UAL, Dr. Emmanuel Sirimal Silva in London
The London College of Fashion (LCF), University of the Arts London (UAL) students recently presented their groundbreaking use of blockchain technology in a handloom craft showcase in collaboration with Selyn, Sri Lanka’s pioneer in fair trade handloom manufacture.
The launch event, held at the exclusive SOOK 42 South Molton Street in London, aimed to celebrate the immense potential of global crafts and the innovative role of future creatives. The showcase featured a modern and stylish bag designed in a collaborative project between London College of Fashion and Selyn called the “Sandra” Clapping Bag.
Over 25 LCF students were tasked with redefining the use and potential of handloom textiles to create a product that appeals to a global consumer with blockchain technology. Dr Emmanuel Sirimal Silva, Interim Director Fashion Business Research at London College of Fashion, UAL, stated, “Such unique and collaborative experiences are core to the development of our students; it allows them to challenge the industry and prove that better ways to create and manufacture are possible.”
The partnership between UAL, Selyn, and PaperTale Sweden is a “first” on multiple levels. “A first for LCF/UAL to engage directly with the value chain and blockchain technology, a first for Sri Lanka and the handloom sector to collaborate directly with these talented students, and a first for a model of equal partnership and collaboration – a way forward to rewrite how we work between the global North and South,” said Selyna Peiris, Selyn Director.
The exhibition showcased unique and exclusive textiles ideal for home, lifestyle, and fashion products for the conscious creative. Paper Tale’s founder Bilal Bhatti said, “Our technology ensures environmental, social, and material transparency from the beginning to the end of a product’s life cycle, promoting ethical and sustainable practices and helping consumers make more informed decisions.”
The launch event also featured other exhibits, including UAL’s Central Saint Martin’s alumni RanuraEdirisinghe’s first Home Collection in collaboration with Selyn and “The Unfolding Tesseract” NFT by Kesara Ratnavibhushana, a tactile, audio, and visual experience showcasing the essence of the hand looming process in high definition. The event celebrated craft and collaboration, representing an exciting milestone in UAL’s and Selyn’s partnership. “This partnership is a way forward to rewrite how we work between the global north and south,” said Selyna Peiris, Selyn Director.