Author: Esteem Magazine

It’s nice to see more people understanding and appreciating the noble concept of upcycling today. It’s even better to see people loving and wearing ethical clothing, accessories, shoes and using bags and home décor which look sophisticated and classy, and are easy on the environment, hence my headline.

Lonali Rodrigo’s products are designed for someone who not only cares about the environment but also wants to send a message to the world with what they wear. Her story is inspiring because it recounts determination and hard work from a teenager who wasn’t afraid to take risks, refused to give into challenges and was unfazed by convention. Today, she’s built up a sought-after brand and she can smile, knowing that she has done and continues to do everything in her power to take upcycling to even greater heights.

“When I was younger, I initially wanted to be a vet (mainly for the love of animals), or an architect, however I ended up dropping both ideas. I always knew I was creative, so after my A/Levels I had to make the big decision of whether I was going to use that creativity for a career, or just a hobby. That’s when I chose Fashion Designing. I discovered that having qualifications in Fashion Design went a long way towards building a strong foundation in the industry today, so I started my degree at the Academy of Design,” she reminisced.  “It’s sad to see that designing has become an option for those who think they have no other career options. It shouldn’t be a backup for someone who can’t enter Medical College! Fashion Designing is not about sewing a dress and show casing it on the ramp. There is so much more to it and what you need is the interest, the passion and the determination to succeed,” she stated.

Lonali’s self-named brand, House of Lonali, had been ready since her second year at college. “I got an opportunity to showcase at a trade show in London called Esthetica and I had to submit a collection as an existing fashion brand/business from Sri Lanka. I was competing against professionals who I admired and I consider that in itself was a significant achievement for me personally. I really enjoyed building my brand and going through the process of starting up a business and was lucky enough to be mentored by a few specialists from the UK who are world-renowned ethical designers and Ajay Amalean from MAS and last but not least, my professors at AOD,” she said.

Lonali’s work has had a tremendous amount of exposure in the fashion industry. Her collections have appeared at the Sri Lanka Design Festival (for which she won the Ethical Fashion Award in 2010), Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and numerous other fashion ramps. In 2013, she also won the Sustainable Designer and the Emerging Designer Awards at the Sri Lanka Apparel and Fashion Awards. Lonali plans to showcase more of her creations locally and internationally in the future. “It’s about communicating your story and who you are as a character and your design philosophy. I’ve showcased House of Lonali as the first upcycle brand for fashion and accessories in Sri Lanka and I’m proud of how many people value the concept of upcycling today,” said Lonali.

As part of her internship, Lonali undertook a project in Gampaha with the cottage industry weavers and recounts this as one of the best decisions of her career. “I learned a lot about myself as person and from there, I started working with other communities in Jaffna and in the South. I worked with people who make batik, beeralu, hemp and palmyrah craft and coconut shell products. I realised I was good at merging my creativity with what they know and turning out products that were not only creative but would be good for their respective livelihoods as well. They are very simple people; after staying in their homes and seeing how they lead their lives, well the experience was just so humbling. I would count these moments with them as some of the best in my life and my career,” she said with a smile.

Lonali also added that she really values being a part of The Design Collective. “We’re all together for the same purpose and that brings us closer. It’s great to be selling alongside so many other good brands…the other designers are really fun and it’s lovely to work with them all. We all think alike and that encourages amazing teamwork,” she noted. Lonali has also started retailing in UK and Sweden recently.

“We still have a long way to go to eliminate fashion pollution. We need to see more people pursuing ethical fashion trends to really make an impact on the environment. In terms of the apparel industry, we are way ahead, but in terms of fashion, we’re doing well, but we still need to shift to a higher gear,” she concluded.

House of Lonali’s products are available at The Design Collective, 28 Stratford Ave, Colombo 06.

By Michelle Alles

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

With not one, but two labels, Maneesha Perera’s glam quotient is doubled. After discovering her love of long sleeves, I am officially a fan! Re’ra by Perera, her bridal label, also has custom designed evening dresses that range from sophisticated and refined to elegant and graceful. The embroidery on some of them is head-turning and guaranteed to stand out in a crowd. Her other brand, Lillie’s Wardrobe, belies its innocent-sounding name and its designs for casual, evening and work wear are eclectic and will definitely make a statement wherever the wearer goes.

Maneesha studied at St. Bridget’s Convent and studied Fashion and Textile Design at AOD International Design Campus. She also did a Higher Diploma in Fashion Styling in Mumbai and currently has her own design studio.

Maneesha, what made you choose fashion design as a career?

I always knew I wanted to be a part of the creative side of the world, whichever it was, and since I am a major shopaholic, a career in fashion came naturally.

What inspires you and how does it feed into your work?

We are surrounded by so much inspiration, sometimes we just need to open our eyes to see it. I’m inspired by almost everything. Once you have been to fashion school, you are programmed in a way to draw inspiration from almost anything around you, so whatever catches my eye is something I always make note of. When I design something, I recall them and create something unique with a touch of my signature style.

‎If you could design for someone you consider an icon, who would it be?

No one in particular, but I enjoy helping people match stuff (mostly family and friends) when they reach out for fashion advice.

‎What do you feel is unique about you and sets you apart from your competition?

I don’t really think too much about the competition. But having said that, I am very impressed by everyone who is in the field of fashion and they make me want to do better and step up my game.

‎Where do you see yourself in a decade?

In a decade? I see myself as a happy person who owns a successful business…or two!

If not fashion design, what else would you be doing as a career?

If not fashion design, I’d be an actress.

‎What is your first fashion memory?

Walking into AOD as a clueless teenager!

‎What do women, their personalities and their bodies represent to you?

Simply put, women are like swans. Graceful, though they paddle so hard and fast beneath the waters. When it comes to their bodies, I have never judged a woman for her size, as any size is beautiful; what matters the most is that she is healthy. Size or colour of the skin doesn’t define beauty.

Are there any aspects of the fashion industry, local or global, that you’d like to see a change in?

Yes, I am put off by a lack of originality. I believe we all get inspired, but replicating someone else’s work is something that is a big no-no, as fashion is all about individual creativity.

How do you start a new collection?

For my label ReRa, it’s mostly bridals and evening wear which I design for each person’s body type and preference. At Lillie’s Wardrobe, I try to keep every new collection alongside the latest trends and styles with fabrics that are more suitable for our tropical weather.

By Michelle Alles