Chokolaate, Sri Lanka’s leading youth-centric media platform, has officially announced the call for designers to participate in the highly anticipated Mother-Daughter Fashion Designer (MDFD) contest. Now in its 16th year, MDFD continues to be one of the island’s most influential platforms for emerging fashion talent.
Organized annually by Chokolaate Magazine—established in 2006 to nurture and amplify youth voices and potential—the MDFD competition invites both aspiring and early-career designers to submit unique concepts that celebrate creativity, innovation, and the timeless bond between mothers and daughters. Over more than 15 years, MDFD has evolved from a niche runway event into a respected incubator of design talent, attracting entries from students, young professionals, and self-taught creatives across Sri Lanka.
“We’ve always believed that talent can be found everywhere, and MDFD is our way of providing a stage for that talent to shine,” said Michelle Gunesekara, Founder and Managing Director of Chokolaate. “What began as a tribute to the mother-daughter relationship has evolved into a meaningful platform where young designers learn, grow, and gain industry recognition.”
A Platform That Transforms Lives
From its inception, MDFD has consistently attracted hundreds of submissions each year, offering participants mentorship opportunities, professional workshops, and exposure to industry leaders. Finalists are selected through a rigorous judging process, where creativity, technical skill, originality, and storytelling through fashion are key criteria. Past events have included training sessions on design fundamentals, fashion marketing, and brand development, enhancing participants’ skills and preparing them for careers in the creative industries.
Over the years, the competition has produced a league of alumni who have gone on to represent Sri Lankan design talent on national and international stages. MDFD winners and finalists regularly secure opportunities ranging from internships and brand collaborations to features in leading publications and fashion showcases.
Celebrating Sri Lankan Creativity and Youth Potential
Beyond the runway, the MDFD contest has become a cultural milestone within Sri Lanka’s youth and creative communities. The competition elevates the voices of young designers who draw inspiration from heritage, nature, identity, and contemporary trends—blending tradition with innovation to reflect Sri Lanka’s diverse creative spirit. MDFD’s unique format pairs designers’ creations with real mother-daughter duos on the runway, highlighting themes of connection, empowerment, and shared artistic vision.
The event is led by renowned Creative Director Dinesh Chandrasena, with choreography by Rozanne Diasz, while Salon Naturals oversees hair and makeup. Nehemiah Consultants serves as the PR Partner, with KISS FM as the Official Radio Partner. Technical production is powered by Live Events Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, managing sound and lighting, with the College of Fashion and Design as the Creative Skills Enhancement Partner.
As MDFD opens its designer call-out for the upcoming edition, Chokolaate encourages designers of all backgrounds to participate and push the boundaries of their creativity. Interested designers are invited to visit the official Chokolaate social media platforms and submit their entries before 28 February 2026.
