The Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles at WSU is bringing the global apparel industry close to home with help from Linea Aqua, a clothing and swimwear manufacturing company based in Sri Lanka.
Helping start a new WSU internship program, Linea Aqua’s Sakitha Senanayake and Dayani Dikkumbura shared perspectives on the manufacturing side of apparel, visiting a senior-level class and talking with students and faculty during a visit on April 2.
“Students learned a lot about how a manufacturing plant operates,” said Senanayake, assistant manager for merchandising for Linea Aqua’s Speedo USA, Speedo Australia, Soma and Quiksilver brands. He shared perspectives on how Linea Aqua follows ethical, sustainable practices.
“Our experience at WSU was immense,” added Senanayake. “We got a better understanding of 3D body scanners.” That digital technology is used by university researcher Debbie Christel to create fit models in the department’s Functional Apparel and Textile Teaching and Research Lab.
“This is something that will be very helpful in swimwear garment fitting and appearance,” said Senanayake. Looking ahead, Linea Aqua wants to explore ways to work closely with Christel and build a long-term partnership.
AMDT is building its research and industry partnerships, with a special interest in technology and fit.
“This is the start of what I hope will be a long and enduring relationship,” said AMDT chair Joan Ellis.
• Learn more about Linea Aqua on Facebook.
• Learn more about AMDT.