Nithiesha Jayasekera is beautiful both inside and out. How do I know this? Because every time I have had the privilege of meeting this young lady, she has exuberated confidence, poise, grace and above all simplicity. These are the very attributes that her clothing line “Nithiesha” portrays.
“Starting from a young age I have always admired the simple things in life. To me simplicity has always been the most beautiful things. This is why my clothing line and the collection consists of basic silhouettes which would suit all body types. It is also an embodiment of who I am and who I strive to be daily”, says this vivacious young lady who is one of the many young designers to be featured at The Design Collective (TDC).
Even though design is not what Nithiesha studied while at school here or at university, it was a lifelong dream that she hoped would one day find wings. “Growing up I remember looking at women who carried beautiful clothing with so much poise and grace, and thinking to myself that I wanted to create beautiful clothing like that some day. It has always been something that I would eventually get into in the long run and here I am today”, she added.
Having met the founders of TDC, Shahili Gomes and Binu Wickramasinghe through a mutual friend, Nithiesha found herself right at home when they gave her the opportunity to create an exclusive brand under her own name. “When I got the opportunity to include my work at TDC I had already established a brand called Nithie, but this collection would be exclusive to the store”.
Describing the TDC collection, Nithiesha says it consists of a range of cottons that are best suited for the island lifestyle. “This collection is also one that is suitable for all age groups and one that you could either dress up in or dress down!”One glance at pieces from the collection speaks volumes to how much understanding the designer herself has of the typical young, island woman who lives a simple but fun and fulfilling life. Inspired by the natural beauty of nature and its elements Nithiesha’s collection consists of rudiments such as frills, capes etc. that give her clothes an extra sense of sophistication.
Colombo being the modern metropolis that it is today has seen a recent outburst of designer brands. It has also brought on the advent of many young designers setting up shop. TDC has provided the ideal platform for young designers like Nithiesha to display their own personal style and brand, while creating a name for themselves.
“I’ve come to realize in a very short period of time that fashion is a very demanding industry. With the designer stores emerging it gives new designers like me the opportunity to showcase our talent. I believe that it has become reasonably easier for us than it was a few years ago, but that has definitely not diminished how competitive it is out there. The industry has opened doors for many new names to retail their products and the new platforms we have are such a boost”, said Nithiesha in response to a question about the industry that she has just entered.
“Nithiesha” unlike any other brand focuses solely on different types of cottons and simplicity. The silhouettes themselves are very basic making it easy to wear. “As I said earlier I believe that there is sophistication in simplicity, therefore my style would be minimalistic and simple. I don’t really like being over the top and that’s exactly what my collection portrays”.
The “Nithiesha” collection is available at TDC No 28 Stratford Ave, Colombo 06.
Information:
Full Name: Nithiesha Jayasekera
DOB: 21st March 1995
Alma Mater: Stafford International School and the British School in Colombo
Fashion Icon: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Best Dressed Male: Tom Hardy
Best Dressed Female: Victoria Beckham
Life Quote: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – Leonardo da Vinci
By Nishu Hassim