Selyn Textiles collaborates with London College of Fashion to showcase blockchain technology

The students of the London College of Fashion (LCF), University of the Arts London (UAL), recently demonstrated the utilized cases of blockchain technology in a handloom craft display in conjunction with Selyn, Sri Lanka’s pioneer in fair trade handloom manufacture.

The launch celebration, which took place at the upscale SOOK 42 South Molton Street in London, aimed to highlight the enormous potential of international crafts and the creative contribution of upcoming artists.

The “Sandra” Clapping Bag, a contemporary and fashionable bag, was displayed at the showcase. With the help of blockchain technology, more than 25 LCF students were challenged to redefine the purpose and potential of handloom textiles in order to produce a good that appeals to consumers around the world.

The students were successful in developing a fully transparent and eco-friendly item that represents the direction that ethical and environmentally friendly fashion is taking.

The impact and transparency of the production process, including the fiber and dyeing process, the artisan who weaved the textiles, and the influence on communities and the environment, were visible to attendees at the launch ceremony by scanning an NFC tag.

This effort was made feasible thanks to a collaboration with PaperTale, a provider of blockchain technology that maximizes production transparency and traceability.

Dr Emmanuel Sirimal Silva, Interim Director Fashion Business Research at London College of Fashion, UAL, said that such unique and collaborative experiences are core to the development of their students; it allows them to challenge the industry and prove that better ways to create and manufacture are possible.

Selyna Peiris, Selyn Director, added that 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.

The exhibition featured one-of-a-kind and priceless textiles perfect for home, lifestyle, and clothing products for the creatively minded consumer. According to reports, all textiles were manufactured by regional craftsmen who supported and inspired local communities around Sri Lanka and were vegan, fair trade, organic, and cruelty-free.

The founder of PaperTale, Bilal Bhatti, said, they are excited to join with LCF and Selyn to showcase the possibilities of blockchain technology in the fashion sector.

The launch event also included other exhibits, such as ‘The Unfolding Tesseract’ NFT by Kesara Ratnavibhushana, a tactile, audio, and visual experience showcasing the essence of the hand looming process in high definition, and UAL’s Central Saint Martin’s alumni Ranura Edirisinghe’s first Home Collection in collaboration with Selyn.