• Anjaleeka Aryaratne on her ‘Euphoria’ collection and the soon-to-be launched ANJ

When it comes to fashion, creativity knows no bounds, and designer Anjaleeka Aryaratne proves this with her bold and imaginative designs. Known for her innovative approach, Anjaleeka is the creative force behind ‘Euphoria’, a collection that blends futuristic elements with digital innovation.

As she prepares to launch her own brand, ANJ, she continues to push boundaries, creating fashion that empowers individuals to feel confident, unique, and ready to take on the world. The Daily Morning Brunch sat down with Anjaleeka as she shared her journey, challenges, and the inspiration that fuels her groundbreaking work.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in fashion design, and how did your journey lead to creating a collection as unique as ‘Euphoria’?

From a young age, I was passionate about fashion. I loved styling my clothes and imagined the world as my own fashion runway. I always gravitated toward bright colours and unique styles. My mother is a dressmaker, so I grew up wearing customised clothes, which sparked my interest in creating something of my own. I often found it difficult to find clothes that matched my style – westernised with a hint of South Korean influence – so I dreamed of starting my own brand. Pursuing a career in fashion design felt like the perfect foundation to make that dream a reality.

As for ‘Euphoria’, my journey has always been driven by a desire to stand out. I live by the motto, ‘Be extraordinary’. I constantly research trends, keeping up with fashion shows and seasonal styles. I wanted to create something that would capture attention and be truly unique. I was inspired by BTS and Blackpink, whose bold silhouettes and eye-catching outfits stood out to me. Combining this with my talent for prints and fabric manipulation, I envisioned ‘Euphoria’ as a collection that would push boundaries and inspire others.

Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced in your journey as a designer, and how they’ve shaped your creative process and career?

The challenges I’ve faced have been largely personal, but they’ve had a significant impact on my journey as a designer. There were times when I wanted to give up, not because fashion was hard, but because of personal struggles. However, I had a clear goal – a long-term target that kept me going. I’m the kind of person who needs goals to stay motivated, and once I set my mind on something, I won’t stop until I achieve it. This resilience has helped me push through difficult times.

Creatively, I’ve learned that staying updated and constantly learning is key. University can only teach you so much; the rest comes from self-learning and exploring new ideas. If you don’t find that creative spark within yourself, no one else can give it to you.

With ‘Euphoria’ being such a significant project, what can you tell us about your upcoming collections? Are there any new themes or inspirations you’re exploring?

‘Euphoria’ was definitely a landmark project for me because it incorporated digital and futuristic elements. Moving forward, my goal is to continue creating collections that make people feel confident, proud of themselves, and ready to stand out. The models who wore the ‘Euphoria’ outfits told me they felt beautiful and empowered, and that’s the feeling I want to evoke in future collections as well.

In terms of new themes, I’m looking to explore men’s fashion more deeply and play around with some fresh ideas. I want each collection to make a statement, helping people feel like they can conquer the world in my designs.

Can you describe your process for preparing and creating stage costumes, from the initial concept to the final product? What steps do you take to ensure each piece is both visually stunning and functional for performers?

The foundation of my process is research – lots of research. I keep up with fashion trends, styles, and what’s changing in the industry. For ‘Euphoria’, my inspiration came from BTS and South Korean pop artists, whose stage outfits are always fun and innovative. I wanted to incorporate those elements while adding my own twist.

The concept for ‘Euphoria’ was based on several fashion trends: digitalisation, futuristic fashion, and lighting. I connected these trends with my inspiration, the dragonfly, which has wings that are both futuristic and natural. After creating an inspiration board, I broke down the elements – texture, colours, and shapes – and developed a concept book. This helped me compose each outfit, making sure everything had a reason behind it.

To ensure functionality, we made mock-ups of the outfits using similar fabrics. This allowed us to test how the garments would perform on stage, ensuring they looked good and allowed for the movement that performers like BTS and Blackpink require. After making any necessary adjustments, we moved on to creating the final pieces.

As you continue to grow as a designer, what are some of the core values or principles that guide your work and inspire your creativity?

One of the core values that guides my work is the idea that fashion should make people feel confident and proud of themselves. My designs are meant to empower the wearer, helping them feel beautiful inside and out. Innovation and adaptability are also crucial to my process. Staying ahead of trends, embracing new technologies, and meeting client needs are all part of what keeps my work fresh.

I also value collaboration and feedback from colleagues and clients. It helps me refine my work and stay aligned with my brand’s vision. Consistency is key – while I always strive to think outside the box and create something unique, I want to maintain the essence of my brand in every collection.

As you prepare to launch your brand ANJ, what can fashion enthusiasts expect in terms of style, innovation, and overall vision?

With ANJ, my goal is to create fashion that is fun, confident, and empowering. I want people to feel like they can conquer the world when they wear my designs. The vision for ANJ is to make every person feel like the world is their runway, and they’re the star. Expect styles that are innovative, bold, and designed to make you feel good about yourself. ANJ is all about confidence, empowerment, and making a statement wherever you go.