Category: Fashion & Beauty

Consider the long flowing stretches of silky material that seeks to hug the form of a feminine figure. That’s the initial description you’d get when you look at Alizé: the fashion label that is niche yet modish — a label that is the brainchild of Shadeena De Silva who is as vivacious as she is ambitious and focused.

Based in the incredibly global city of Dubai, Alizé is resplendent of the many shades of colour that is native to the Middle East. Expect to see Alizé designs that carry Sahara-esque shades of yellow, orchid purples, satiny greens, rosy reds, and liquorice blacks. Alizé pieces showcases the versatility and sartorial required by the modern style connoisseur. Expect superlative quality; after all, Alizé is founded in an area that has a culture that is rich in textile fabrication and pattern-making.

When it comes to custom designs that are well structured and storied, expect Alizé creations to be both memorable and comfortable when it comes to presenting its discerning clientele with some truly inspired designs. As far as its design ethos goes, the satiny and glowing gowns enjoy unparalleled silhouettes which speak of an expertise in tailoring and craftsmanship that is enviable to say the least.

Life is a party with Alizé, and this is something that can be seen with regard to the variety of collections that Shadeena has meticulously curated. Casual seems a small part of the vocabulary used in her collections since the main theme is formalwear with a sense of luxury being present.

In a galaxy that offers a great deal of fashionable brands, it must be said that Alizé certainly does stand out bright and enviable for its discerning clientele. Global in its desire, Alizé is a brand that has harped on a local and yet exotic design theme, which is Middle Eastern in flavour. The process of ordering also serves to be easy with a simple WhatsApp message required to be sent to +971544405794. 

Haute couture is what Alizé is with a customized design being promised to those who desire to enjoy clothes by this truly remarkable brand. Shadeena seems to have embraced her roots and drawn inspiration from her home country of Sri Lanka. Besides carrying over design cues that are exotic and exceptional remember that her beliefs firmly lay with regard to crafting out a memorable experience that surely goes beyond fashion per se.

Shadeena prides herself in using high quality, sustainable materials, abstract minimalism and contemporary design. With a family in Sri Lanka that has instilled in her familial values, social responsibility and sustainability, Shadeena’s brand is one that truly does enjoy a healthy set of values, which are showcased in a collection of inimitable designs.

All things considered, the future plans that occupy any person behind a brand with such great potential as Alizé is to make it go global. Yet sticking to its main roots is something that should be embraced since Alizé is not planning on being everything to everybody. Rather it’s main existence serves to be one which serves up a great deal of exclusivity, and caters to those who consider themselves discerning. All in all, when it comes to linking up and connecting with potential clients, ensure a visit to Instagram where you can enjoy a heady stream of pictures and Instastories courtesy of @alizethelabel that serve up some serious eye candy that is star class to say the least. Impressive in whatever iteration, the current collection by Alizé serves up embellished gowns that would feel right at home on the red carpet in Hollywood.

Written by Rohitha Perera

Spring 2020 Collection that celebrates all things basic

This season, ODEL embraces the statement ‘Less is More’ with their ‘Resort to Basics’ collection. The range of products highlights fashion staples and wardrobe essentials, made from breathable fabrics. The collection draws inspiration from the Japanese concept of ‘Shibusa’ which refers to an aesthetic that is simple, subtle and unobtrusively beautiful. The campaign’s allusion to the Japanese culture is brought in through recurrent visual motifs such as bamboo, eastern red-crowned crane- a sign of good luck, blooming chinoiserie (Japanese cherry blossoms, symbolic of renewal and new beginnings) and the iconic Tori Gate that signifies transition.

‘Every season we draw inspiration from different countries, cultures and spaces for our campaigns here at ODEL. This time around, our inspiration stems from Japan; its culture that embraces simplicity and minimalism, two attributes that we have strongly inculcated in our new collection, “Resort to Basics”, ‘commented Ms. Desiree Karunaratne, Group Director Marketing of Softlogic Group. ‘More often than not, people get caught up in the hype of a new trend. But at the end of the day, what you really need is a wardrobe full of essentials that you can actually pair with trendier pieces — basics that never fail you and that you turn to, time and time again. This is what “Resort to Basics” is all about she added.

ODEL’s overall collection comprises of basic yet functional silhouettes that you can wear not just across Spring but through Summer and Fall as well as Winter. The key colors used are Pastels, Chambray, Burned Brick Orange, Safari Green, Nude, White and of course quintessential Black. The collection features a handful of crimson- red pieces, symbolic of the sun, a powerful motif adapted from the Japanese culture. Apart from a few key prints of the eastern bird, bamboo prints and the Japanese flowers, the collection includes strong solids in earthy, muted tones, aiming to instill the feeling of comfort and versatility. Fabrics used are woven fabrics such as cotton, linen, viscose and denim.

Basic t-shirts in solid and pastel colours are a favorite at the ODEL Men’s Department this season. Stripes, geometric prints, monochrome motifs as well as robust solids define the collection of semi- formal shirts. Tailored, crisp pants and versatile chinos in different shades are wardrobe staples meant for men at ODEL this Spring.

The kids’ collections, Pinkabelle and Boysnbear, too embrace simplicity and Japanese influence with signature minimalistic prints, natural fabrics and functional silhouettes.

You will find an abundance of gorgeous accessories which include a range of woven jewelry with beaded and embellished elements, layered necklaces and bracelets, very much in line with the overall theme of simplicity of “Resort to basics”. Woven and knitted bags, along with shoes in similar neutral colors and tones and block heels are also part of the collection.

Additionally, ODEL Home will show case a collection for living, dining and kitchen as well as bed and bath ware that compliments the aesthetic whilst enhancing the overall natural yet minimalistic ethos of the Spring collection.  Softlogic holds authorized distributorships for key global brands and today employs over 11,000 people in its offices located in Sri Lanka and Australia. At present, Softlogic is the anchor tenant at the One Galle Face Mall at Shangri La where a total retail space of 100,000 sq. ft has been obtained, devoted to delight shoppers with a plethora of exclusive brands and international flavours.

With many weddings happening every now and then, flowers play a huge part. A bouquet is an essential party of the bridal attire. No stranger to the wedding scene, florist Pramoda Boyas, the founder of Pramoda Flowers, opens up to how much it takes to craft the perfect bouquet.

What made you get into floral bouquet making?

Since my childhood I was in to creating new things and making my own designs. By the time I identified myself as a unique person who thinks out of the box, I was recognized in the school, temple and the society as a creative person. After completing my education, I chose my career path to be in the field of floral arrangements. Within a few years, I was able to identify my speciality in making bridal bouquets. From that point onwards I started my profession as a bridal bouquet designer.

Within a short time, you are a household name in the florist market?

It’s a combination of various factors which drove me to where I am today. I never gave up on my dream and was encouraged to face all the challenges from the industry. Quality of the work and customer satisfaction are the most important to me.

How and what goes into crafting a beautiful bouquet?

Flowers are the loveliest thing that God has given to the world and bridal bouquets bring luck to the bride. There are several factors that I consider before crafting a bouquet. First of all, I give a lot of thought to the bride and the ideas to develop the concept. Then I go through the details such as dress type, colours, beautician, location and time to deliver the best to my customer. Significant factors that I keep in mind are the freshness of the flower, quality and variety of flowers to craft a beautiful bouquet.

Tell us about the wedding season, from where do you get the flowers and how prepared are you?

I get most of the flowers from Nuwara Eliya. Apart from that other trusted local and international supplier. Usually, I get weddings throughout the year and the peak months are January, May, August, October and December. Nowadays people tend to take weddings whenever they are comfortable and ready. Before the season starts I search for new trends in the international market and new flowers and leaves available locally to offer creative bridal bouquets to my customers.  Apart from that I always coordinate with beauticians so as to make a perfect outcome.

Which flowers are the most in demand and why?

Roses are the most in demand in the market and among brides. A rose is a symbol of love and purity. There are different types of roses, with varying colours and sizes, available year-round making this flower ideal for any bride or wedding season. Apart from that Lisianthus, Cattleya, baby’s breath, snapdragons and Lilies are also widely used to make a stunning bouquet.

What is the most complicated bouquet done so far?

It was in 2014, when I decided to make a bridal bouquet using crepe jasmine buds (commonly known as Wathusudda) for a competition. I was bit stressed in the beginning but managed to end up with a lovely bridal bouquet securing the first place in the contest.

What inspires your creations?

I got much inspiration from local industry leaders as well as international creations. I learned a lot from them as a beginner and gradually was able to make it as a passion and come up with my own creations and designs. I emphasize on the natural beauty the flowers which allows me to make a unique bridal bouquet to each and every customer who walks into “Deco Line” by Pramoda. My ultimate goal is to make my customer happy.

Master Stylist and Hair Wizard Gerald Solomons owner of Colombo’s most elite salon Chagall spoke of the upcoming trends for the year 2019. In Gerald’s opinion, though following a trend is important and obviously most people want to keep up with all that is current, he emphasizes the fact that no matter how trendy or in vogue a look may be, it has to suit you! Gerald gives us his very own take on the trends for 2019 and what he thinks will suit Sri Lankans best!

Be it short or long, hair up or hair down, guys or gals, Gerald has the look for everyone.

According to Gerald, hair trends for 2019 are definitely veering towards short rather than long, “however it’s feminine short as opposed to boyish short emphasizes Gerald. “Short Bobs, Waves, Curls, with a lot of bounce are very much in fashion while the perennial Bob has definitely made a comeback and we can expect to see a whole range of Bobs in varying lengths being sported this year”. As for colour, Gerald says that Chocolate Brown and all its varying hues are very much the ‘in’ shade for 2019, and of course the eternal favourite Blonde! “However the Grey blonde is now a bit boring and tends to age people prematurely” he says.

With regards to up do’s, it’s Braids all the way says Gerald. “Braids pulled back, to the side, coiled low at the back, as well as Buns which are slightly untidy. Hair ornaments have made a comeback with diamante clips, ornaments, glitter streaks, etc being very much in vogue. Even short hair will see hair ornaments being used to enhance the wearer and the style”.

With regards to long hair being worn down, Gerald says Scrunch drying, with luxurious waves and braids will be very much in fashion so keep those curling tongs handy!

Make up trends will continue to see a preference for the natural look, says Gerald while eyebrows are key to the 2019 look! “In the case of make up once again Glitter will play a huge role, while lips will go from one extreme to the other being either very pale or very bright”. With regards to eyes, the mirrors of our soul, Gerald says Wing Tips are making a comeback, while smoky eyes are still a favourite. “Most people think that the smoky look can only be achieved by using shades of Grey. This is not so as the smoky effect can be achieved using any colour”.

Foundation will continue to be Natural, veering towards Pale. “However the white, white look is definitely out though a lot of Sri Lankans as well as Japanese favour this look”.

Clothes will be very glittery with bare shoulders and hems of varying lengths being the trend. “Body hugging silhouettes as well as loose and flowing outlines – the Ethnic look will continue to be in fashion, while my personal preference for a woman has always been dresses and skirts as opposed to pants”. Gerald also says that Tie & Dye is making a comeback and this is good for Sri Lanka vis a vis garment exports.

“Jewellery continues to range from big and chunky to the delicate and intricate, while killer heels as well as flats, thick and chunky heels, loads of embellishments on shoes and slippers, will dominate”.

With regards to Gerald’s ideal look for men and women; ‘Elegance and Simplicity are the keywords” says Gerald. “Beautiful shoes and bags are a must, while for the evening I always prefer Black or Red. My personal preference for a woman with regards to evening wear is for something long and flowing”.

Where men are concerned, Gerald says the 20’s and 40’s look is very much in vogue with partings cut into the hair. “A modern version of the James Dean look is very trendy while Hats too will make their mark this year. The overall trend for men is more glittery than for women, but I personally favour the Classic look. However when it comes to my own personal style, its Bling all the way. Fun and glitzy and quirky is my personal fashion look”, says this style icon, while Chagall will continue to be the Salon of the elite for 2019 as well!