It’s not every day someone goes from walking the streets of New York City to walking runways around the world. It’s even rarer to discover a passion for fashion along the way. For Ray Somawardana, that rarity became reality.
Ray Somawardana—model, designer and aspiring aerospace engineer—had an atypical introduction to the fashion industry. Two years ago, on a summer morning in Manhattan, a modeling agent stopped him mid-stride, drawn to his undeniable style and swagger. He was wearing a fur vest over a classic tank, paired with chain-detailed trousers—an outfit that made him impossible to ignore.
The Brooklyn native had unknowingly walked himself onto runways in New York, Tokyo, the Bahamas and right here in State College. After walking in high-profile shows for fashion houses such as “Shameless Opinion” during New York Fashion Week this past September, Ray brought his talents back to Happy Valley, becoming the only freshman in Eminence Modeling Troupe, Penn State’s elite modeling organization.
But Somawardana wasn’t interested in only representing other’s designs.
“I knew I wanted to be more than just a model,” says Somawardana. “I eventually came up with the idea for my brand because I was already modeling other people’s clothes. I wanted to make a statement myself and make a change in the fashion industry.”
Somawardana is currently in the process of designing and manufacturing his own fashion line with a ‘Big Apple’ flair. FurTech, inspired by the prominent Nike Tech sweatsuit, provides people with a furry and fashionable take on functionality.
FurTech’s first product—currently in the final stages of production—is a sweatsuit featuring a detachable fur trim along the collar, waistband, wrists and ankles. Available in three colorways — grey, black and pink — the pieces are designed to be easily interchangeable. “It’s pretty unique that we can customize it and hopefully get whatever the customer needs,” says Somawardana.
“[The pieces] are designed to keep you warm while still being a fashionable change to the industry,” says Somawardana. “I’m going to try to spread it through the New York area first and then, next semester, around August, I’m going to bring FurTech to Penn State and share it with my community.”
As for the future of FurTech, Somawardana mentions that he is planning on launching his brand next year with the single sweat set, but is open to the idea of designing new pieces. “I’m very open to listening to ideas for future pieces,” says Somawardana. “I mainly just want to make a brand that looks good on people and that people are happy with.”
Somawardana mentions he drew inspiration from a wide range of influences when conceptualizing and designing FurTech. He added that Penn State has not only shaped his personal style and aspirations for the brand, but that he has also left his mark on campus fashion in return.
“There was a different sense of style when I got here. Not everyone wore what I wore. I learned to adapt to it. People showed me different types of clothing to help me fit in with the style here,” says Somawardana.
“I also feel like I provided the community with aspects of New York-type clothing and things I would usually wear. We [Somawardana and the Penn State community] have adopted each other’s style,” says Somawardana.
This adaptation of both New York and Penn State style influences has helped form FurTech into what it is today. “My brand is a mix of New York and Penn State,” says Somawardana.
Fashion wasn’t the only thing that drew Somawardana to Happy Valley. He is currently pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering with the hopes of one day working for NASA. “Many schools didn’t have my [aerospace engineering] major. I’m more than sure, as long as I complete my studies, that I’ll be able to find a great job, and then I’ll have my brand on the side in case everything takes off,” says Somawardana.
Somawardana said he saw everything that Penn State had to offer in regards to both his academic and fashion pursuits, and that when the time came to select a school, he thought, “I have to be involved.” Juggling a modeling career, launching a fashion label and remaining a full-time student may seem daunting to some, but for Ray Somawardana, it’s exactly what makes life worth living.
“I’m willing to take a risk,” says Somawardana. “I’ve always been a risk taker because I feel it builds upon opportunity. I’m not interested in living a boring life. I’m going to make sure I leave a lasting mark, so I always take the risk.”
Life hasn’t always been easy for Somawardana, and this risk-taker mindset helped carry him through hardship. A little over a decade ago, Ray lost his mother — a talented musician, entrepreneur and the kindest person he’s ever known. He says he owes his drive to the example his mother set through her hard work, entrepreneurship and perseverance, and dedicates his brand to her. Having seen how her R&B soul music has lived on beyond her lifetime, he hopes to create the same lasting impact with his own work.
“I want to make a lasting mark on the world that will continue on even when I’m not here. That’s something I really want to follow in the same direction as my mother,” says Somawardana.
When asked what’s one thing he hopes all people know about him beyond his fashionable pursuits, Ray Somawardana’s message was simple.
“I’ve had to make tough decisions throughout my life. You don’t want anything to stop you from being you. That’s the best part about life—no matter what, you just gotta do you.”
When it comes to leaving his mark on the world, Ray Somawardana isn’t just making an impact — he’s building a legacy.
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