From Vogue to Dubai Fashion Week, her story proves how AOD’s unique blend of design education, business skills, and mentorship empowers young creatives to become internationally recognised entrepreneurs.

AOD’s unique mix of design excellence and entrepreneurial training launches careers that resonate far beyond Sri Lanka. Nawoda Bandara who graduated with the BA (Hons) Fashion & Textile Design degree, awarded by Northumbria University and delivered in Sri Lanka through AOD, manages multiple ventures, including her own successful brand NAO. Her early accolades already tell a remarkable story. From reaching the Top 15 in Asia at the Redress Design Awards and then rising to a Top 9 Global Finalist in Hong Kong, to winning the TAL x Browzwear 3D Fashion Challenge, Nawoda’s list of honours is as impressive as her refined design language. She has taken Second Place in the SDC International Design Competition, earned the Multidisciplinary Designer of the Year and Outstanding Student of the Year titles, and claimed the Industry Young Blood Sustainability Award. International stages continue to recognise her talent: Best International Portfolio in 2023, Top Prize at Dubai Fashion Week x IGFW, and Top 5 in Asia at the CDC x Lakmé Fashion Week competition. Vogue magazine has featured her vision for a new kind of Sri Lankan fashion that respects craft while embracing the future.

Speaking to Education Times, Nawoda said she feels privileged to represent
Sri Lanka internationally, showcasing collections that celebrate sustainability and her island’s cultural heritage. “My work blends traditional techniques with forward-thinking design, giving me visibility in creative and professional spaces. I’ve built a strong creative identity while managing business ventures that support my vision. Fashion for me not only resonates aesthetically but sparks dialogue on sustainability and social responsibility, transforming emotions and experiences into art that connects with people,” she added.

Behind Nawoda’s achievements is an education designed to make such milestones possible for determined young creators. AOD’s philosophy pairs creativity with entrepreneurship, producing designers who are also industry-ready innovators. Its global partnerships, collaborations, and ongoing mentorship create the ideal environment for talent to flourish. Nawoda reflects: “AOD has been an important part of my journey, giving me both the foundation and the platform to grow as a designer. Through its supportive environment, I was encouraged to experiment, refine my craft, and push the boundaries of design. The mentorship, exposure to industry professionals, and opportunities to showcase my work gave me the confidence to pursue fashion as a career. AOD’s strong industry connections opened doors for collaborations, competitions, and international recognition, shaping the designer I am today. Most importantly, AOD believed in me, nurtured my passion, and helped me channel it into a career aligned with sustainability, creativity, and cultural pride.”

Steady, transformational mentorship fosters independence and an entrepreneurial mindset, empowering graduates to launch businesses, careers, and cultural movements. Nawoda’s journey reflects this: AOD recognised her potential early, connected her with mentors, and gave her platforms to test her ideas internationally. Today she is fluent in global fashion yet rooted in Sri Lanka’s textures and stories, attracting investors, collaborators, and audiences worldwide.

For Nawoda, this is just the beginning. International showcases like Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week await, while collaborations on environmental and social issues keep her work relevant. She also leads workshops for young creatives, sharing lessons in design innovation and sustainability. NAO, her label, blends Sri Lankan heritage with futuristic thinking, merging traditional handloom and artisanal techniques with bold silhouettes. Her work proves that sustainability can be beautiful, tradition daring, and creativity commercially viable.

Through NAO, Nawoda creates fashion that inspires dialogue on sustainability and social responsibility, champions traditional artistry, and transforms personal emotion into wearable art that travels beyond Sri Lanka.

AOD stands out by blending business acumen with creativity across disciplines, ensuring students graduate fluent in design and enterprise. Its education acts as an entrepreneurial catalyst, equipping young visionaries with the skills, confidence, and global networks to turn ideas into sustainable, internationally recognised careers.

Nawoda Bandara stands as living proof; her path illustrates how AOD nurtures talent into industry success, creating designers who not only keep pace with the world but shape it. Don’t miss the chance to give your young creative expert guidance at AOD’s Design Careers Week from September 29th – October 3rd, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at AOD. Get personalised portfolio reviews and career insights that could shape their design future. Call or WhatsApp 074 112 0276 to book a spot or visit www.aod.lk.