Hi, I’m Dileepa Malalasena. I’m a result-driven fashion design and product development professional with over 15 years of experience across global fashion and apparel brands. I specialize in turning concepts into market-ready products, driving innovation, and building sustainable fashion solutions through collaborative stakeholder engagement. My work spans concept to production, including design, engineering, range planning, and end-to-end product development, delivering innovative and market-relevant collections. I’ve collaborated with top brands and teams to bring denim, activewear, and fashion ranges to life. I’m passionate about leading cross-functional teams, mentoring talent, and partnering with iconic brands to create performance-driven apparel. I continually explore new materials, processes, and technologies to stay ahead of market trends while delivering commercially successful products.

Dileepa Malalasena

Hi, I’m Dileepa Malalasena. I’m a result-driven fashion design and product development professional with over 15 years of experience across global fashion and apparel brands. I specialize in turning concepts into market-ready products, driving innovation, and building sustainable fashion solutions through collaborative stakeholder engagement. My work spans concept to production, including design, engineering, range planning, and end-to-end product development, delivering innovative and market-relevant collections. I’ve collaborated with top brands and teams to bring denim, activewear, and fashion ranges to life. I’m passionate about leading cross-functional teams, mentoring talent, and partnering with iconic brands to create performance-driven apparel. I continually explore new materials, processes, and technologies to stay ahead of market trends while delivering commercially successful products.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Dileepa Malalasena. I’m a result-driven fashion design and product development professional with over 15 years of experience across global fashion and apparel brands. I specialize in turning concepts into market-ready products, driving innovation, and building sustainable fashion solutions through collaborative stakeholder engagement. My work spans concept to production, including design, engineering, range planning, and end-to-end product development, delivering innovative and market-relevant collections. I’ve collaborated with top brands and teams to bring denim, activewear, and fashion ranges to life.

I’m passionate about leading cross-functional teams, mentoring talent, and partnering with iconic brands to create performance-driven apparel. I continually explore new materials, processes, and technologies to stay ahead of market trends while delivering commercially successful products.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Design Engineer – Seamless Activewear at MAS Holdings
May 10, 2011 - December 9, 2011
Product engineering and tech pack preparation for seamless activewear to ensure fit, construction, and performance.
Senior Manager – Fashion design at Hirdaramani Apparel
January 2, 2015 - Present
Joined as a Designer in 2015, advanced to Assistant Manager in 2017, and was promoted to Senior Manager in 2018. Specialised in design and development across denim, casual wear, activewear, and kids’ wear ranges. Responsibilities encompassed team leadership, strategic planning for product design and development, overseeing the process from concept to production, and engaging in cross-functional collaboration with brands based in the US (Lee and Wrangler), UK (M&S, Sainsbury’s, White Stuff, Charles Tyrwhitt, and Tala), EU (Big Star), and Japan (Uniqlo).
Fashion Designer at RASIKA IMPEX
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2012
Designed apparel for Rasika Impex, contributing to seasonal collections with a focus on fit, fabric and detailing to align with brand aesthetics and market trends.
Senior Fashion Retail Buyer at ABANS Group (ABSTRACT Brand)
September 10, 2012 - April 26, 2013
Led product selection, trend research and supplier negotiations for concept-to-product cycles, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and consumer demand.
Fashion Designer at Hidramani Apparel - Product Development Center
May 2, 2013 - December 31, 2014
I designed and contributed to product development processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate concepts into sample lines. My work spanned men’s and kids wear ranges. Subsequently, I was given the opportunity to work in the Bangladesh operation within the same group.
Senior Manager – Design & Development at Hirdaramani Apparel (Bangladesh)
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2023
Led design and development teams across seasonal collections; collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver market-ready products for global brands.
Senior Manager – Design & Development at Hirdaramani Apparel, Bangladesh
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2023
Led design and development teams, coordinating concept to product delivery across denim and activewear; collaborated with cross-functional teams and external brands such as Lee, Wrangler, and Nike to deliver seasonal collections.

Education

B.Sc. (Hons) - Fashion Design & Product Development at University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
February 8, 2005 - November 1, 2008
BSc Fashion Design & Product Development at University of Moratuwa
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2009
BSc Fashion Design & Product Development at University of Moratuwa
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2009

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Other