Bobbin lace was introduced to Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, by the Portuguese and developed by the Dutch. However, over the years Beeralu lace has taken on a Sri Lankan twist and has been an income generator for Sri Lankan women.
In 2011 Sri Lankan designer Kasuni Rathnasuriya created an ethical fashion line incorporating Beeralu lace in order to preserve the craft and to empower the workers. Her product line speaks to "less impact to planet and more impact to people and community."
Kasuni's amazing translation of handmade bobbin lace from Sri Lanka into high fashion apparel which is shown at New Work Fashion Week has met with several awards, including the British Council's Young Fashion Entrepreneur award in 2011, and a semi-finalist status in the ethical Fashion Awards of the Sri Lanka Design Festival.
IOLI members will receive the Zoom meeting invitation closer to the date.
