Leading Global Careers from home, AOD’s fashion prodigies Amesh Wijesekera and student designer Nelith Gamhewage work within the creative team to support curation across this year’s shows.
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AOD Graduate Designer Amesh Wijesekera
Education is more than credentials; it’s mentorship, access, and long-term growth. As Sri Lanka’s leading design educator, AOD is known for its innovative teaching and continued support that extends beyond graduation. This is evident in its leadership at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka (MBFWSL), powered annually by Dimo, the only Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka.
AOD recently invited graduate designer Amesh Wijesekera to join the creative team for MBFWSL 2025, with current student Nelith Gamhewage supporting him in this process. Their roles show how AOD embeds students in the industry, prepares them for leadership, and transforms creativity into global careers powered by mentorship, international exposure, and real opportunities.
From Sri Lanka to the World: Amesh’s Journey and New Undertaking
Amesh’s participation in this year’s creative team reflects the growth of his practice since graduating from AOD. The role demands creativity, leadership, and round-the-clock dedication. “With this year’s focus on Partner nation India and the South Asian region, we are working with a lot of regional designers from India, the US, Europe, and, of course, from Sri Lanka…basically the entire experience from casting, set-design oversight, visual marketing and brand creative direction and curation. It’s not a 9:00 to 5:00 role. It’s 24/7,” says Amesh.
Amesh’s journey began at AOD: “It’s been a very organic process, and it all started at AOD when I was selected to showcase at Graduate Fashion Week in London where I won the International Graduate Award…my first introduction to London.” Discovered on the Mercedes-Benz runways in Colombo, he has since showcased across London, Berlin, Tbilisi, Delhi, and Dhaka; represented Sri Lanka at the International Fashion Showcase (2019); became the first Sri Lankan nominated for the LVMH Prize (2022); and was the UK winner and finalist of the Circular Design Challenge (2023). “I think AOD is where I found my community, where I found myself.” Now a rising South Asian voice, Amesh is set to lead MBFWSL 2025 and take regional fashion global.
Outstanding Student Talent Stepping into Early Leadership; Nelith’s Story
Parallel to Amesh’s path is AOD’s rising student, Nelith Gamhewage. Still studying for his BA (Hons) Fashion & Textile Design, working with Amesh at MBFWSL. “We have been working with around 70 designers up until now to make sure that all of the shows have impressive content. It’s our job to make sure that everything creative is delivered perfectly for this season.”
Nelith credits AOD for early access to opportunities. “My work at AOD gave me a lot of opportunities with my heritage project, titled “Kala Rekha” which even got featured in a magazine called Vanilla Issue. I had the opportunity to present my second-year projects to Dr. Wiebe de Boer, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Netherlands, and I’m grateful to my lecturers for their support.” He sees Sri Lanka’s fashion scene gaining momentum: “I feel like Sri Lanka is at a really nice place in fashion right now, there’s a lot of potential here, and things are moving in the right direction.”
His MBFWSL role offers master-level exposure; real shows, global teams, and leadership before he graduates, proving AOD’s belief in learning through immediate, real-world experience.
AOD Student Nelith Gamhewage
The AOD Difference: Education Built for the Real World
AOD blends global education with real-world experience through Northumbria University (UK) degrees, industry partnerships, and platforms like MBFWSL. Fashion students follow true industry paths—specialising in year two and launching capsule collections in their final year, as seen with Amesh and Nelith. With international faculty, global exchanges, and brand collaborations, AOD equips students with the skills and networks to lead the industry
AOD Presents: Fashion Search 2025
AOD launches Fashion Search 2025; a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young creatives aged 15–20 to step into the spotlight of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka. The winners gain backstage access, industry exposure, and the chance to intern with leading designers. This is a great opportunity for aspiring creatives still in school. After O/L and A/L students are encouraged to apply.
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