The Friday Sari Project: Mehala Ford on Fashion, Heritage & the Future of Ethical Style

In this episode of Tea with Tooting Mama, I welcome Mehala Ford, the founder of the Friday Sari Project.We talk about how we first met at Mehala's unique concept store in Dulwich, which showcased innovative clothing and jewellery from contemporary designers in India and Sri Lanka.Mehala shares her journey of rediscovering her Sri Lankan heritage, which inspired her to create the Friday Sari Project, a platform dedicated to promoting contemporary South Asian fashion and culture.We dive into topics such as the significance of Tropical Modernism in Sri Lankan architecture, the burgeoning creative scene in Sri Lanka, and the intersection of ethical fashion and sustainability.Mehala discusses her plans for the Friday Sari Project and her focus on promoting ethically conscious, craft-oriented designs.We also explore Sri Lanka's vibrant and health-conscious food culture. Mehala shares some of her recent food discoveries, the brunch she would prepare for friends, and her favourite Sri Lankan restaurant.We wrap up the episode by looking ahead to the future of the Friday Sari Project and its role in bridging South Asian traditions with contemporary global culture.Go grab your cuppa and let's talk fashion, sustainability, and food.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:33 The Friday Sari Project: Origins and Inspirations01:32 Exploring Tropical Modernism and Cultural Reconnection07:27 The Concept Store and Modern South Asian Design14:27 Sustainability and Ethical Fashion in Sri Lanka22:40 Food and Fashion: A Fusion of Cultures31:42 Future Plans and Final ThoughtsFashion and cultureFriday Sari ProjectArc en CielBarefoot and Barbara SansoniBeerlu Lace CherubGeoffery BawaKurMercedes Benz Fashion WeekOld RailwayRice and CarrySri Lankan Design FestivalRestaurants Sri LankaCafe KumbukDine and SipGalle Face Hotel Life’s Good KitchenSeed Cafe Restaurants LondonRambutanKolambaOru SpaceHopper classes and spice blendsHop & RollGrab my free guide to Sri Lankan cooking, and join the Tooting Mama community by signing up for my weekly newsletter here.Find my recipes here.Check out my Instagram hereNever miss a single episode by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, and tell your friends about Tea with Tooting Mama and my Stubstack Tooting Mama. Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe