Certitude by K Takes New York Fashion Week 2024 by Storm

For every aspiring designer, debuting at New York Fashion Week is the ultimate dream. For Kanchana Fernando, the founder of Certitude by K, that dream became a reality in 2024. From her humble beginnings in her parents' fabric workshop to showcasing her sustainable fashion collection on one of the world's biggest stages, Kanchana's journey is a powerful testament to passion and perseverance. Read on to learn more about her inspiring story and how her brand embodies sustainability.

Years ago, Kanchana walked the streets of Times Square, admiring the massive displays of global fashion brands. At that moment, she dreamed of seeing her own designs showcased at New York Fashion Week. Fast forward to 2024, that dream came true. As she recalls in the video, “Exactly after five years, I was back, not as a tourist but as a designer showcasing my very first collection at New York Fashion Week.”

Kanchana's story begins in Sri Lanka, where she grew up watching her parents work in their small fabric factory. She fondly remembers seeing her mother stitch clothes and create intricate designs. This early exposure to fabric artistry shaped her love for fashion and set the stage for Certitude by K. The brand pays homage to her family’s craftsmanship while embracing a sustainable vision for the future.

Certitude by K focuses on both social and environmental sustainability. By upcycling discarded clothes, the brand helps reduce textile waste, offering a fresh take on sustainable fashion. In addition, Kanchana empowers underprivileged women, many of whom are involved in the production of her designs. This dual focus has allowed her to build a brand that not only dresses people but also creates positive social impact.