Biography of Lonali Rodrigo: Founder & CEO of House of Lonali -Entrepreneur
Biography of Lonali Rodrigo:
Vision for Sustainable Fashion
Lonali Rodrigo, a trailblazing entrepreneur and designer,
founded the House of Lonali in 2012, driven by a mission to combine fashion and
sustainability. Based in Sri Lanka, a hub for ethical apparel manufacturing,
Lonali envisioned a brand that transformed textile waste into wearable art.
Through her passion for upcycling, she has created stunning pieces while
championing a greener, more conscious fashion industry.
An Advocate for Ethical Fashion
Sri Lanka’s reputation for clean apparel manufacturing
inspired Lonali to source fabric, trims, and threads discarded by factories.
Her creations not only reduce waste but also embody originality and
craftsmanship. By breathing new life into unwanted luxury textiles, she has
made House of Lonali synonymous with ethical and sustainable fashion.
Empowering Rural Artisans
House of Lonali extends its impact beyond recycling by
collaborating with cottage industries in rural Sri Lanka. This partnership
enables local artisans to create unique accessories, bridging the gap between
traditional craftsmanship and high-end fashion. These efforts provide rural
communities with additional income while celebrating their artistry on a global
stage.
Biography of Lonali Rodrigo: Founder & CEO of House of Lonali -Entrepreneur #upcycled, sustainable fashion#startup#age#net worth#House of Lonali story
Recognition and Achievements
Lonali’s commitment to sustainability has garnered
widespread acclaim. In 2010, she won the Ethical Fashion Award at the Sri Lanka
Design Festival. Her talent continued to shine as she received the Emerging
Designer and Sustainable Designer awards in 2013. Named one of Cosmopolitan’s
“35 Under 35 Women Game Changers” in 2020, Lonali has cemented her place as a
pioneer in sustainable fashion.
Educational and Professional Journey
Lonali’s academic and professional pursuits reflect her
dedication to learning and teaching. She completed a master’s degree in
Sustainable Management at the University of Bedfordshire. Additionally, she has
shared her expertise as a visiting lecturer at prestigious institutions,
including the Academy of Design (AOD) and the Informatics Institute of
Technology in Colombo.
Collaborating for Sustainability
Her collaborations with renowned Sri Lankan brands like
Selyn and Rainco have amplified her impact. As a design consultant, Lonali has
worked to integrate sustainability into these businesses, ensuring their
operations align with ethical principles. These partnerships showcase her
ability to drive meaningful change within the industry.
Championing Circular Fashion
Lonali firmly believes in the unique beauty found in
imperfection. With a circular mindset, she minimizes production and consumption
impacts on the environment. Her brand embodies the philosophy of being reborn
for the better, reflecting her commitment to creating value from waste and
redefining the concept of luxury.
Inspiring Others Through Public Speaking
In 2014, Lonali shared her journey as a TEDx Colombo
speaker, inspiring audiences with her story of resilience and creativity. Her
ability to blend entrepreneurship with sustainability has positioned her as a
role model for aspiring designers and changemakers across the globe.
A Fellowship at Oxford
In 2024, Lonali became an Oxford Chevening CRISP Fellow at
St. Cross College, an achievement that underscores her dedication to ethical
business practices. This prestigious fellowship highlights her role as a global
advocate for sustainable fashion and social enterprise.
A Legacy of Innovation and Compassion
Through House of Lonali, Lonali Rodrigo has redefined
fashion as a tool for social and environmental change. By empowering artisans,
promoting sustainability, and inspiring future generations, she continues to
build a legacy rooted in compassion, innovation, and a commitment to protecting
the planet.
Timeline for story
2012: Founded House of Lonali, focusing on upcycled,
sustainable fashion.
2010: Won the Ethical Fashion Award at Sri Lanka Design
Festival.
2013: Received Emerging Designer and Sustainable Designer
awards.
2014: Delivered a TEDx Colombo talk on resilience and
creativity.
2020: Named one of Cosmopolitan’s “35 Under 35 Women Game
Changers.”
2024: Became an Oxford Chevening CRISP Fellow at St. Cross
College.
