Swetha De Thabrew

I am Swetha De Thabrew, a Sri Lankan fashion and pottery designer and the founder of MUDD, a contemporary design label inspired by the relationship between nature, culture and craftsmanship. My creative practice explores the possibilities of materials, from shaping garments and experimenting with natural dyes to working with clay and creating functional ceramic pieces. I am drawn to organic forms, natural textures and traditional techniques, with a particular interest in reinterpreting Sri Lankan craftsmanship through a contemporary design perspective. Through MUDD, I bring together slow-fashion principles, textile experimentation and collaborations with local artisans, seeking to create work that carries a sense of place, celebrates handmade processes and gives greater visibility to the people and skills behind its making.

MUDD (2026)

MUDD explores Sri Lanka’s profound relationship with nature, community and craftsmanship through the values of slow fashion and conscious design. Rooted in my personal experience of Cyclone Ditwah and its devastating impact on local communities and artisans, the collection reflects on resilience, loss, recovery and the possibility of renewal. This experience became the starting point for exploring how the natural landscape shapes our lives, influences our identities and leaves lasting impressions on the people and communities connected to it. Through contemporary silhouettes and thoughtful material choices, MUDD translates these experiences into a design language that reflects the changing relationship between people and the environment.

Through MUDD, I experiment with natural dyes, eco-printing, handloom textiles, hand embroidery and organic surface techniques, embracing the individuality of natural materials and the beauty of handmade processes. Collaborations with local artisans connect the collection to Sri Lanka’s traditional craftsmanship, bringing generations of knowledge and skilled handwork into a contemporary context. Beyond clothing, MUDD represents an ongoing exploration of material, culture and place, a commitment to creating thoughtfully considered pieces that value the environment, recognise the people behind the making process and celebrate the richness of Sri Lankan craft. Its vision is to develop a contemporary design identity that honours its roots while allowing traditional practices to evolve through new forms of expression.

Credits
Talent- @snehadt_ @stopcallinme_su_ @_prashee1068_ @_yo.its_thaari_ @alok_a._ @___sehantha_____
Photography- @inframe_captures