Lankan designer showcases sapphire collar at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2026

Sri Lankan fashion designer Natharlea Yahampath has unveiled a detachable sapphire collar at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2026, drawing inspiration from the rainbow-like colours created when sunlight passes through a water droplet on a butterfly’s wing.

The statement piece features a trillion-cut Padparadscha sapphire surrounded by sapphires in a range of colours, reflecting the designer’s interpretation of Sri Lanka’s rich gemstone heritage.

Yahampath has translated the fleeting interplay of light and colour into a jewellery-inspired fashion accessory, with the central Padparadscha sapphire providing the focal point of the design. The gemstone, known for its distinctive pink-orange hues, is complemented by the surrounding coloured stones.

The collar forms part of a collection that brings together gemstones and traditional craft techniques, including handloom textiles, hand-knitted garments and hand-crocheted details. Blue, pink and yellow sapphires feature prominently in the designs, alongside stones described as Padparadscha sapphires.

Handcrafted production is central to Yahampath’s label, with a team of women working on hand-knitted pieces for the collection. The designer combines these textile techniques with gemstone embellishment, creating a dialogue between fashion, jewellery and artisanal craftsmanship.

Yahampath has identified collaboration with local craftspeople, sustainability and ethical fashion as key elements of her design philosophy, placing handmade production at the heart of her work.

A graduate of the Academy of Design, where she studied fashion design and textiles, Yahampath has showcased her work at several local and international fashion events. Her portfolio includes Kraków Fashion Week in Poland in 2022, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka, Colombo Fashion Week and an exhibition in London.

The detachable sapphire collar stands out as a defining piece of the latest collection, transforming a nature-inspired play of light and colour into a wearable design while highlighting the craftsmanship and gemstone traditions associated with Sri Lanka.