Page 75 - BIMT_Magazine_Final(Interective)

Pioneering Ms.Adhisha Dahanayake, the
visionary founder and CEO of
Double XL, has been a trailblazer
in redefining fashion for the
Inclusivity plus-size community in Sri Lanka
since 2010. Her journey began
with a deeply personal mission
fueled by her own experiences
as a plus-size individual.
and Adhisha, faced a significant gap
in the market, where finding
stylish, comfortable, and well-
fitting clothing was a challenge.
Innovation Determined to change this
narrative, she launched Double
XL, the first-ever dedicated plus-
size clothing brand in
in Plus-Size Sri Lanka, catering to both men
and women with sizes ranging
from XL to 6XL. Adhisha’s
passion for empowerment
Fashion extends far beyond fashion her
vision was to create a space
where everyone, regardless
of size, could feel confident,
beautiful, and celebrated.
Having been a national
powerlifter and a record holder
selected for the Commonwealth
Powerlifting Championships in
2020, Adhisha, brought a unique
perspective to the plus-size
community. Her achievements
in powerlifting demonstrated
that strength, capability, and
beauty come in all sizes. This
ethos became the cornerstone
of Double XL’s philosophy,
which challenges stereotypes
and celebrates body diversity.
Her success as a powerlifter
served as an inspiration to many,
proving that being plus-size is
not a limitation but a strength.
In the early years, Double XL,
67 From Campus to Corporate Leadership l Aug/Sep 2025 l www.bimt.lk From Campus to Corporate Leadership l Aug/Sep 2025 l www.bimt.lk 68
broke significant ground by and Awards in 2020, Women
Entrepreneur of the year 2021
introducing plus-size models in
Sri Lanka, a bold move at a time
(WIM) and 45 under 45 Global
CEO Award, where she was
when representation for larger
bodies was almost nonexistent. honored as a Sri Lankan Woman
Leader. Her achievements
Adhisha, herself modeled for the
brand during its infancy, paving
have motivated her to continue
the way for a more inclusive
pushing boundaries, even
fashion industry. Today, Double
during challenging times like
XL, has become synonymous the pandemic. Beyond the
fashion industry, she has been
with empowerment, providing a
a vocal advocate for body
platform for plus-size individuals
positivity and inclusivity, inspiring
to feel seen and represented.
Over the years, the brand has individuals across Sri Lanka
and beyond, with nearly fifteen
launched numerous campaigns
years of experience in retail and
that have resonated with
customers and redefined
a vision for global expansion
fashion norms. The Freedom soon. Through her unwavering
Collection made waves with
commitment to creating a world
its exclusive prints inspired by
where beauty truly comes in all
the Double XL logo, celebrating
sizes, Adhisha, has cemented
individuality and freedom of her legacy as a pioneer in plus-
expression. The Black & White
size fashion and a beacon of
hope for countless individuals
Collection brought a runway-
and empowered.
fashion, while the Island Escape
ready elegance to plus-size who finally feel seen, celebrated,
Collection captured the essence
of Sri Lanka’s tropical lifestyle
with breezy, vibrant designs. The
L’Arte del Monocromo capsule
collection explored timeless
monochrome styles with
innovative photoshoots featuring
mirrors, symbolizing self-
reflection and individuality. Each
campaign has been a testament
to Double XL’s commitment to
delivering not just clothes but
a statement of confidence and
self-love. Adhisha’s leadership
and dedication to breaking
stereotypes have earned her
multiple accolades, including
recognition at the World
Women Leadership Congress