Overview
Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology (Pvt) Ltd (LIFT) is the premiere institute for fashion education in Sri Lanka. Set up in August 2000, LIFT is registered under the Tertiary & Vocational Education commission of Sri lanka.
The Institute continues to create opportunities for students as it did throughout its inception. In 2003 LIFT formed a subsidiary — LIFT Overseas Study Placement centre and linked with Universities abroad to create pathways for students who wish to continue their further study abroad with advanced entry to undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and international scholarships.
A Message from the Managing Directress
Designers nurture ideas with time and experience understanding the pulse of retail market. LIFT is dedicated to develop the hidden talent of aspiring designers of the future. LIFT equips its students with a broad range of skills relevant to fashion design. I believe that LIFT will always support students to have an unforgettable learning experience, the staff and management will always be committed to support in developing the creative talent in you.
As a designer and a business professional graduated from India & UK I brought this education pathway (Fashion Design) to our country for our future generations. Designers nurture ideas with time and experience understanding the pulse of the retail market. LIFT is dedicated to develop the hidden talent of aspiring designers of the future and it equips students with a broad range of skills relevant to fashion design. Our links with the University of Northampton UK and Robert Gordon University Scotland offers international scholarships up to 25% and higher entries for completing the BA(Hons) fashion at the respective Universities. The latest technology that LIFT offers through our courses makes students gain many opportunities around the world in the fashion industry. It’s quite interesting to know what LIFT students have to say about their experiences during and after their studies at LIFT.
Receiving world class education in the right place at the right time make students get what they need to achieve in life confidently. Creating the original is exciting than following the creators. Originality in creativity is very important in gaining a position in the fashion industry today. LIFT (Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology) is committed to mold the future of young students and offer study pathways according to their requirement. The opportunities are endless for students at our institute as LIFT offers merit based international scholarships and advanced entries to universities abroad.
Niroshani Leanage
Managing Directress
The LIFT Advisory Board
Roshani Leanage
Chairperson
In trying to understand a new profession like fashion, it is important to relate to the various aspects of the profession. It is also very important in choosing the right institute and the right course. The reputation of our institute speaks about the quality of education imparted. Our counselors will be at your service assisting you in making your career decision in the right perspective.
Hemant Trevedi
Design Director
Sheetal Design Studio, Mumbai
At last a call (and need) for indigenous, home grown talent in a specialized area of garment design, comes of age in Sri Lanka.
LIFT, will strive to do just that with all the resources at hand, coupled with an excellent working environment, I do believe that L.I.F.T. will instill a professional method of conducting fashion courses and contribute substantially in the growth of Sri Lanka’s fashion-design industry.
My very best wishes are always with this institute.
Kim Eason
Programme Leader - Fashion & Textile
Robert Gordon University, Scotland
…a passion for fashion and awareness of current fashion and textile trends; a well developed sense of colour, pattern, proportion and style; drawing ability; good observation drawing; a feeling for the user of materials; the ability to develop a project intelligently. Above all applicants to the course must be committed, have drive, be articulate and have a range of personal interests which support studies in an area which is all about people, style, current and future trend.
Testimonials
Shiromi Lazarus – Graduate student at The University of Northampton, UK
My decision to complete my degree studies was not an easy one as I had been working in the garment industry in Sri Lanka for almost five years before joining LIFT. Fortunately selecting Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology as a base for my studies was an easy decision. The directors, tutors and visiting lecturers from the linked universities abroad were a source of guidance and inspiration throughout my two years of studying there. The transition to university life in the UK was also made simple by the fact that I was guided by the institute (LIFT) it self to select the course that was best suited for me and the choice of university and available scholarships. The University of Northampton recognizes the Advanced Diploma certificate awarded by LIFT, and as I had achieved the required grades, offered me an international scholarship for my period of study and direct entry to the 2nd year of the BA Fashion course (September 2008 entry) where I completed my degree in just two years.
Najila Ablej – Fashion Designer
As a student at LIFT, the institute taught me many things. Our lecturers and directors made us work so hard and it definitely paid off in the end. With foreign examiners regularly evaluating our work nothing less than the best was expected of us.
After completing my Education at LIFT I started working as a freelance designer and won the best design award for my work as a uniform designer for the Fortress Hotel – Koggala. I then went onto working as a designer at Timex Garments and took a specialized interest in High fashion and plus size lingerie design. Designing developing and merchandising for wonderful names such as PERUNA Marks & Spencer and traveling to Paris for gorgeous lingerie events like Interfiler gave me the required exposure to pursue me passion in lingerie design was a part of my work.
Being a Fashion Marketing student at LIFT, I Feels that knowing how to market your own creations play a very big role in the true success of your brand. A design can be as beautiful as the garden of Eden……but it only sells millions if it’s promoted, presented, marketed and advertised right. All Designers portray a signature look in their creations. Legends like Gucci, Gabana and Calvin Kline sell a desirable image before selling their creations - and they all have a story behind it.
Cheynelle Mendis – Designer, MAS Design
I joined LIFT after my A levels. I completed the one year diploma and participated in the first ever fashion exhibition in Sri Lanka organized by LIFT. The One-year diploma provided a strong basic introduction to the process of designing and being a designer.
The 2nd stage the Advanced Diploma consisted of advanced training of the subjects covered in the one-year diploma, various guest lectures and new subjects like Visual Merchandising, Fashion writing, Fashion Marketing, Basic graphic design and a Study Tour in Bangkok. These empowered us with the knowledge required for a career in the industry. Presenting our final collections to personas like Miss. Kim Rowney (head of division of fashion) of the University of Northampton and Mr. Hemant Trevedi made us strive to meet international standards. We were taught that a designer needed to be smart to strike a balance between finding a way to market and sell an idea without compromising her vision. We were made to do an extensive Market research project and submitting a thoroughly researched Business plan, backed up by our Market research. The course also provided necessary training for a certificate in Lectra - Kaledo software which I found very useful as Kaledo is a graphic program widely used in the local apparel industry.
What I enjoyed most was the highly creative atmosphere at LIFT. Constantly encouraged to be immersed in our conceptual work, LIFT strived to stimulate the creative instinct in each of us. This taught us the true quality of being a designer is not just the process of sketching and executing a garment. It is the vision and purpose behind each and every detail and how it all combines to communicate your inspiration.
I always knew what I wanted to be and my time at LIFT helped me hone my skills and develop my creative vision to a professional standard. Today I am a designer at MAS Design and I am continuing to learn new things every day.
Iroshi Wijenayaka – Senior Designer, Orient Garments
Gaining recognition as a professional fashion designer is a rare opportunity, and the right design school is therefore the key. I’m incredibly proud to be part of LANKA INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY as it combined my design talent and creativity with technology. Now I am a creative Designer… This is one of the best things that ever happened in my life.
Today I’m getting all benefits as a Senior designer at Orient Garments. (Orient Design) LIFT is the finest school where you can learn basics & formal training to become a professional designer in the field. I m proud to say that my design inputs are selling all over the world and also happy to see my styles hanging in stores when I travel abroad. I’m handling the international brand “Tommy Hilfiger”, and Orient Design is one of the main vendors in Asia providing Garments & Designs for them. We have successfully taken the business and producing full range for them, such as men’s, woman’s & children’s wear for all seasons. L.I.F.T has created me and once I successfully completed my studies they helped me in finding the 1st job as a Assistant in Design & product development, Today I’m a heading a department with 3 assistant designers and other staff in a well recognized garment. This is my 4th year in this fashion industry.