I’m a fashion and textile designer specializing in menswear, with a strong focus on engineered knitwear, material innovation, and modern garment development. My work combines technical precision with a strong design perspective, allowing me to create pieces that are both functional and commercially relevant. I have hands-on experience across the full design and development process—from concept creation and trend research to CLO3D simulations, technical packs, and production coordination. I’ve worked closely with textile engineers, suppliers, and manufacturers, developing knit structures, refining fits, and ensuring designs translate effectively from idea to final product. My core strengths lie in knitwear development, 3D design, and understanding how to bridge the gap between design and production. I’m particularly skilled at working with engineered knits, optimizing garment construction, and exploring alternatives to traditional cut-and-sew methods to improve efficiency and innovation. What differentiates me is my ability to think both creatively and technically. I don’t just design garments—I build them with a deep understanding of materials, machinery, and production constraints. This allows me to contribute beyond aesthetics, adding value in product development, problem-solving, and streamlining processes. I have sector experience in athleisure, loungewear, and contemporary menswear, working on products such as knit outerwear, base layers, and everyday essentials. I’m especially interested in projects that focus on innovation, performance, and forward-thinking design within a commercial context.

Nathasha Manouli Welihenaf

I’m a fashion and textile designer specializing in menswear, with a strong focus on engineered knitwear, material innovation, and modern garment development. My work combines technical precision with a strong design perspective, allowing me to create pieces that are both functional and commercially relevant. I have hands-on experience across the full design and development process—from concept creation and trend research to CLO3D simulations, technical packs, and production coordination. I’ve worked closely with textile engineers, suppliers, and manufacturers, developing knit structures, refining fits, and ensuring designs translate effectively from idea to final product. My core strengths lie in knitwear development, 3D design, and understanding how to bridge the gap between design and production. I’m particularly skilled at working with engineered knits, optimizing garment construction, and exploring alternatives to traditional cut-and-sew methods to improve efficiency and innovation. What differentiates me is my ability to think both creatively and technically. I don’t just design garments—I build them with a deep understanding of materials, machinery, and production constraints. This allows me to contribute beyond aesthetics, adding value in product development, problem-solving, and streamlining processes. I have sector experience in athleisure, loungewear, and contemporary menswear, working on products such as knit outerwear, base layers, and everyday essentials. I’m especially interested in projects that focus on innovation, performance, and forward-thinking design within a commercial context.

Available to hire

I’m a fashion and textile designer specializing in menswear, with a strong focus on engineered knitwear, material innovation, and modern garment development. My work combines technical precision with a strong design perspective, allowing me to create pieces that are both functional and commercially relevant.

I have hands-on experience across the full design and development process—from concept creation and trend research to CLO3D simulations, technical packs, and production coordination. I’ve worked closely with textile engineers, suppliers, and manufacturers, developing knit structures, refining fits, and ensuring designs translate effectively from idea to final product.

My core strengths lie in knitwear development, 3D design, and understanding how to bridge the gap between design and production. I’m particularly skilled at working with engineered knits, optimizing garment construction, and exploring alternatives to traditional cut-and-sew methods to improve efficiency and innovation.

What differentiates me is my ability to think both creatively and technically. I don’t just design garments—I build them with a deep understanding of materials, machinery, and production constraints. This allows me to contribute beyond aesthetics, adding value in product development, problem-solving, and streamlining processes.

I have sector experience in athleisure, loungewear, and contemporary menswear, working on products such as knit outerwear, base layers, and everyday essentials. I’m especially interested in projects that focus on innovation, performance, and forward-thinking design within a commercial context.

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Language

English
Fluent
Sinhala, Sinhalese
Intermediate

Work Experience

Fashion Designer – Intern at Twinery Mas Innovation
November 1, 2023 - May 1, 2024
Supported textile engineers in developing knit wear with STOLL In Design and CLO 3D; streamlined patterning, reduced trial-and-error, and contributed to activewear, loungewear, next-to-skin, and wearable-tech projects through pattern adjustments, tech packs, fit simulations, and print/texture enhancements.
Freelance Designer at Freelance
January 1, 2022 - Present
Collaborated with various clients to create and ensure the quality of designs. Engaged in sampling processes and fabric development to deliver precise and reliable outcomes.
Collaborator at Eskimo Knits
January 1, 2023 - June 1, 2023
Developing sustainable knits; exposure to industrial knitting and linking.
Collaboration Designer at Orit Apparels
April 1, 2023 - July 1, 2023
Producing men’s wear garments for the final collection; involved in denim washing, dyeing, and pattern making processes.
Fashion Designer / 3D Technologist at Twinery-MAS Innovation
May 24, 2023 - December 25, 2025
Created advanced 3D garment simulations and technical knit programs using CLO3D, supporting end-to-end product development from trend research and concept design to prototyping and final pattern execution. Developed engineered knit solutions by integrating 3D knitted components, reducing reliance on cut-and-sew construction and improving efficiency, fit consistency, and material utilization. Designed and supported development of commercially viable knitwear categories, including polos, knitted outerwear (jackets), base layers, underwear, and seamless or draped dresses for both womenswear and menswear. Coordinated with cross-functional teams and international suppliers to ensure smooth communication, timely sampling, and adherence to production timelines. Contributed to product development and execution for global brands such as Nike, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria's Secret, Lacoste, Veilance (Arc'teryx), Reformation, and Citizens of Humanity.
Fashion Design Intern at Twinery-MAS Innovation
November 1, 2023 - May 31, 2024
Created advanced 3D garment simulations and supported end-to-end product development from trend research and concept design to prototyping and final pattern execution.
Senior Fashion and Textile Design Consultant at Kenara Capital
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026
Contributing to the development of an athleisure and loungewear start-up operating across Europe and the USA. Leading continuous innovation in fabrics and trims through collaboration with both local and international suppliers, while managing technical requirements, MOQs and MCQs negotiations. Overseeing early-stage product development in coordination with manufacturing partners, while guiding and managing a design team to ensure timely execution of assigned tasks. Driving ongoing market research and trend analysis, translating insights into clear direction for the design team to develop cohesive and commercially relevant collections and prints for the initial launch range.

Education

BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design at Northumbria University, UK
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2024
MSc. Management Textile Trade and Technology at Hochschule Niederrhein
January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2028
BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design at University of Northumbria
January 11, 2030 - May 3, 2026
Edexcel Advanced Level Exam at Bishop's College Colombo
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2019
G.C.E. Ordinary Level at Vishaka Girls College, Bandarawela
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2018
First-Class Honors at AOD, Sri Lanka
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2024
MSc. Management Textile Trade and Technology (Specializing in Technical Textiles) at Hochschule Niederrhein
January 1, 2026 - January 1, 2028
BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design at University of Northumbria
January 11, 2030 - May 3, 2026
First-Class Honors at AOD, Sri Lanka
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2024
Edexcel Advanced Level at Bishop's College Colombo
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2019
G.C.E Ordinary Level at Vishaka Girls College
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

Shilanthi Abayagunawardana Textile Design Scholarship
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Outstanding Portfolio Award
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Shilanthi Abayagunawardana Textile Design Scholarship
January 1, 2022 - May 3, 2026
Outstanding Portfolio Award
January 1, 2023 - May 3, 2026
International Portfolio Award Nomination
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024

Industry Experience

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