The Colombo Fashion Week, the premier style extravaganza, will be launched here Wednesday and will see the participation of 30 designers, organizers said.

Dedicated to Sri Lanka's young and up-and-coming designers, this year's Fashion Week will feature 20 local designers carefully chosen from a large pool of contenders within the past three months alongside celebrated international designers.

Among the local brands that will showcase their collections are White by Spa Ceylon, Middle Finger, Aqua Island by Linea Aqua, Avirat, Arugam Bay and Colombo Jewellery Stores.

Designers from eight countries will also participate in the three day fashion fiesta.

Among the international designers are Bibi Russell (Bangladesh), Jason and Anshu (Bangalore), Juan Duyos (Madrid/winner of L'Oreal Best Collection of the Season at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Milan 2013).

The organizers were upbeat ahead of the glittering opening ceremony, which is to be held at the Hilton Colombo. "The program is a developmental platform that has extended beyond Sri Lanka to South Asia. Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) is driving stakeholders in other countries to focus on youth as well. We have made an impression and an impact in the world of fashion," said CFW President Ajai Vir Singh.