Category: Fashion & Beauty

THREADS OF TIME – INDEED A SHOW LIKE NO OTHER

Threads of Time, a fashion extravaganza that was billed as a show like no other, indeed lived upto its promise by exceeding all expectations.

Organiser and Architect of the show Anita Dorai pulled out all stops to ensure that this was indeed the fashion of the decade to be held in Sri Lanka, while designer Kavita Thulasidas embedded Stylemart in the minds of the Sri Lankan audience forever with her spectacular one of a kind couture outfits that took the audience by storm!

Imran Saibo of Funtime put up one of the best shows of his career in a production that started promptly on time, ran smoothly and seamlessly, while choreographer Brian Kerkoven showed his mettle by proving that Sri Lankan choreographers can hold their own and put up a show that is on par with any international catwalk event.

The show was slick and quick and sans the boring repetitions so familiar with catwalk shows where models are compelled to walk the runway repeatedly in the faint hope that the audience will get a better idea of the clothes displayed. Brian definitely proved to all present that slick and quick is the way to go to ensure that clothes are best displayed and appreciate din a catwalk show.

 

Newlyweds Stephanie and Dushmanth’s renderings of the timeless classic from the Godfather with which the show opened, paved the way for an unforgettable evening and the audience was hard pressed as to which was the better clothes segment. There was something for everyone with dazzling saris, fusion wear, clothes reminiscent of the Gatsby era, cocktail dresses and more, that left the audience in a state of entrancement. Chiffons, Silks, Crystal, Georgettes, and Velvets in a myriad rainbow hues , embellished with beads, sequins, intricate embroidery and Crystals, ensured that Anita and Kavita’s maiden effort in Sri Lanka will definitely go down in the annals of Sri Lankan fashion history.

 

Threads of Time – a show like no other? Indeed so it was!

Starry Starry Nights & Story Book Magic: amanté launches AW’18 collection

Walk in fairy dust and moonlight with amanté’s new collection ‘Starry Tales’, launching this September. Inspired by the dreamy satin textures and ethereal hues of moonlight, this Autumn/Winter 2018 collection from Sri Lanka’s leading designer lingerie brand is in stores now.

amanté’s AW’18 is inspired by the night and its ability to bring the mysterious to life. The collection centers itself celestially with the moon, and a garden that comes alive under its light. The key print is chrysanthemum- the runway flower of the season- with other key trends such as three-toned lace, leaf motifs and luminescent moonlit effects incorporated into the collection.

The collection’s key pieces include Moonlit Florals; an opulent darted, padded and wired demi bra with bikini. This piece incorporates both floral prints and three-toned lace inspired by the chrysanthemum, with a beautifully crafted cradle made of laminated satin overlapping at the centre-front. Midnight Shimmer is a moulded, padded and wired fully covered bra with cradle and bikini-the highlight of this piece is the iridescent two-toned fabric moulded for complete smoothness, with a trendy key-hole cut and a rhinestone charm. Lace Bloom features brooch embroidery moulded; Night Garden is a printed sweetheart bra available in both wired and non-wired styles; and Nocturne is imprinted with magical floral prints and trendy double-strapping center front details.

“We’re calling this campaign Starry Tales to try and capture the almost magical collection that the team has created,” says Niranjan Wijesekera, CEO, MAS Brands. “amanté has always catered to an audience that knows innerwear isn’t only functional-it can make you feel incredible if you choose the right design and cut. This collection nicely straddles the end of summer and the impending festive season in December.”

The launch event at Barefoot on Monday, 3 September also previewed Ultimo – MAS Brand’s newest brand for larger cup sizes. Ultimo was launched in 2017 for full figured South Asian women; the label has been embraced by a growing audience of full-figured women looking for lingerie that delivers perfect fit, support and comfort without compromising on style.

Both amanté and Ultimo are available at the flagship amanté store at the Racecourse mall in Colombo 07 and Kandy City Centre, where experienced fit consultants can guide customers to make the choice that fits best. The brands are also available at leading modern trade retail outlets island-wide and on the amanté e-commerce site www.amante.lk for shipping and delivery.

Upcycling: Easy On The Soul

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

Simple is Beautiful

 

 

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

Determining the Fashion Success of Tomorrow

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

All About the Number IV

All About IV is a clothing brand that evolved out of the nooks and crannies of a colorful and brilliant mind. Each of the pieces in the collection reflects and personifies the personality of their maker. It also embodies the bubbly nature of the brand’s designer, Thilini De Silva quite vividly through the bright colors and daring textures incorporated in to her designs.

Even though Sri Lankan by nationality, Thilini spent a large portion of her life in the Middle East after her parents moved the family to Bahrain when she was very young. Although living in the Middle East meant dealing with many social and cultural restrictions, Thilini’s spirit of a wanderer wanted to explore new cities and travel the world. She was also adamant on studying abroad and finally spreading her wings. “Growing up there was so much that I wanted to do and achieve and my heart’s desire was to travel and see the world. The first step to a great journey began when my parents allowed me to move overseas for my studies.”

Her move was to the land down under and Thilini spent most of her twenties travelling the outback of Australia whenever she had a day off from college. A graduate accountant by qualification, Thilini however emphasizes on following your heart rather than going with the flow. “Accounting was the thing to do at the time and since I was young and had so much energy to sit through classes and exams it all worked out. But later I realized that keeping books may not be for me.”

During one of her holidays in Sri Lanka, Thilini met her Prince Charming, and it paved way for the start of a new chapter in her life. After spending a few years in the UK for work purposes, the young couple made plans to move to where he grew up in Italy. However destiny had other plans when an opportunity to open a restaurant in Colombo surfaced.

With many hopes and plans for the restaurant, the couple moved back to their island home and commenced operations. In between all of the chaos of running a restaurant, Thilini learned that she was pregnant and the turn of events presented her with a lot of free time. “I never planned for being a mom but mommyhood has been interesting so far. When life gives you opportunities like this, you need to take it. It’s about embracing all that life offers you”, states a woman who clearly enjoys her status as a mother.

“During the time I stayed at home because of the pregnancy, I started to create my own clothes as none of my old clothes fit me or was suitable for the weather in Sri Lanka. What started off as being something I did for myself soon turned into something family and friends wanted me to do for them.”

With time on her hands creative juices began to flow and with it evolved Thilini’s first collection. Since the brand was given birth to in the month of April this was the inspiration behind the name of the brand. “I wanted the brand name to make sense to me and be easy to remember but I thought IV as in the number would be too generic. Four signifies the fourth month which is April, it was when I conceived my child and it is also the time for change in our culture. So it embodies a lot of things.”

“Once I had done about 30 pieces, I decided to give this designing thing a shot. It all started with an online store and I was like if anything doesn’t sell I’ll at least have a new wardrobe!” Forget about leftovers, as Thilini’s first collection created so much interest that she was overwhelmed with the response.The doors that have opened up since then have been endless and one of them was at Design Collective.

“I knew Shahili through a mutual friend and he wanted us to meet. I met the girls and they had such an amazing vision and concept for the space and once the space came to life, I knew I had made the right decision”, she said reminiscing on the time when she first met the two masterminds behind Design Collective, Shahili and Binu.

“Everything I design for Design Collective is only for them so I try to think of ideas that are in line with their brand, something that would blend in perfectly but reflect my personality as well. The current collection at Design Collective is called All Checked Out. It’s all with plaid; it has blues and especially reds and greens to hold you up for the holiday season.”

The Design Collective aims to promote designers from Sri Lanka and South East Asia by providing a conceptually unique space in which designers can showcase their designs and interact with their clientele. It is located at what is becoming Colombo’s favourite “art street” at Stratford Avenue.

Written by Nishu Hassim

Island Lush: Comfort and Sophistication for the Sole

They are the shoes you’ve always dreamed about and will make you want to forever break up with high-heels. De-Lushiously designed with your well-being in mind, Irushi Ratnaweera Perera who is a big fan of flats herself, brings you various types of sandals which will make you marvel that such sophistication and elegance can be so expertly combined with comfort.

Her range of footwear consists of Thong and Two Strap sandals, Sliders and Toe Ring chappals in various colours and styles that will leave you spoilt for choice and craving them all. This extremely sweet and beautiful lady spoke to us on why she chose footwear (Thank goodness she did!) and how it became her best decision ever.

Irushi, what made you start out in the field of design and why did you pick footwear?

I have always been a fan of shoes myself and back in the day, I would recreate and do designs on pairs I’d bought for myself. In due course, when I wanted to start a venture on my own, footwear was something that topped the list and the rest fell into place.

What do you feel makes a good shoe?

A perfect sole is vital for the comfort and finish of the design and makes feet look their best.

Why did you choose the name ‘Island Lush’ for your brand?

Imanthi Perera, a close friend of mine, chose this name for me. I wanted to convey that these designs been made in an ‘Island’ (Sri Lanka) and ‘Lush’ aptly describes the island life we live in. Plus, ‘IL’ is also the first letters of mine and my husband’s names (Irushi and Lanthra).

Of all the shoes that you’ve designed, which has given you the most satisfaction?

Each piece I design gives me extreme pleasure, given the amount of time and care that we put into the design, sketch, source material and sample in building each pair. Seeing the final output just the way it was in my imagination gives me satisfaction that just keeps sparking my creativity and makes me want to do this every day.

What criteria do you use when designing new shoes?

Comfort to the feet, colours of the season, international trends – all of these are mixed in with my imagination when designing a new pair of shoes.

How do you decide on the colours for your shoes?

It’s mainly the colours and the prints of the season that we use, and sometimes some prints I find are extremely irresistible when I go fabric hunting. Inspiration also comes from our fabulous clients because we treasure the ideas that we receive from them.

What has been your career highlight?

Starting my own business with the corporate sector was the highlight of my career and this has led me to meet amazing people and get some fabulous opportunities.

What fascinates you right now and how does it feed into your work?

I am completely fascinated by the spirit of this Island. All it takes is one look at our designs to know that they have all been inspired by the luscious prints, vibrant island colours and the nudes which represent our sandy beaches…we’ve got it all covered!

What is the best moment of your day?

Every time a sample comes out the way I imagined it in my mind is the best moment of any of my work days.

Who would you like to see wearing your shoes?

Victoria Beckham: You should literally aim for the stars!

Any tips for aspiring shoe designers?

I believe in making designs that I myself would love to own, and as new entrepreneurs, we also need to nurture and build the local skills available, focusing on local production to contribute to our economy while making the best of the outpouring of local talent.

Where would you like to see Island Lush in 10 years’ time?

We see ourselves as a proud Sri Lankan fashion footwear label, supplying to international retailers and clients under the brand name of ‘Island Lush designed and manufactured in Sri Lanka’.

If you’re done with high heels, log on to www.islandlushlk.com

Written by Michelle Alles

All About LOVI

Sitting down with Asanka De Mel, the CEO of LOVI Sarongs, was — as clichéd as it sounds —inspirational. Sri Lanka is at an era of rampant globalization, and everything about it is evolving at a fast and hectic pace. We see the proverbial question — Is culture dying? — cropping up most of the time, and the answer to that is that culture is morphing and changing into something different yet also quite familiar. That’s an interesting proposition, don’t you think? When I first came across LOVI Sarongs, it was on some publication or the other; the male model looking stunning, sharp, and yet quite unrealistic in a very debonair setting. That’s not a possibility, right? I mean wearing sarongs to some function in the evening while everyone else is dressed up in an evening dress, and suit and tie — it seems not done. Such mistrust from a person who sleeps in a sarong, wakes up in a sarong, and goes about such normal household chores in a sarong.

Yet certainly such mistrust is not something that Colombo’s well-loved celebrities — think Danu Innasithamby; Tiesh’s Ayesh De Fonseka; and international finance lawyer Aritha Wickramasinghe — share. As of today, LOVI Sarongs are shipped worldwide, and are making inroads onto the global stage. However, it needs to be mentioned that this is one brand that certainly does have a large and potent vision attached to it. It was captivating to watch Asanka detail how the creation of LOVI Sarongs was more of an attempt to help evolve Sri Lankan culture. In his words — the sarong needed an update; and it certainly has got a veritable update. What was regarded by younger Generation X’ers as something that Apachchi wore is now accepted by millennials as comfortable, cool, fashionable, and allows freedom of movement.

In fact, Asanka went onto state that they do have a customer base that are made up of preteens. With his desire to cater to those who consider themselves global citizens, it probably was a prognostication that their very first sale, 18 months ago, was for a customer in Britain. With retail sales spanning well over 25 countries, LOVI Sarongs has its presence in 5 boutique stores in Colombo. With over two decades spent in the grueling and unforgiving world of Silicon Valley, Asanka taps into his previous reincarnation of a detail-oriented and tech-savvy savant to design and craft a canvas of culture for future generations.

He smiles as he took me on a journey into the history of the sarong, and why he is a fan of such a functional and humble piece of clothing. Think about it, he says, the sarong is something that is worn by people in Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and even by those who live in some countries of Africa. But what is required at present is innovation; Asanka is very focused in his belief that LOVI Sarongs is an exploration of what the Sri Lankan identity should be in the future. While all of this may indeed seem rather philosophical, the fact is that the sarong in its past form seemed rather impractical for today’s modish lifestyle. This is why soft, suave, and detail-oriented materials festooned with pockets and belts have brought sarongs into the limelight today.

With a nod towards the team behind LOVI Sarongs, which Asanka describes as a talented bunch of hardworking individuals who are passionate craftsmen in their own right, he speaks of how they are all taken up with the joy of good clothing. With 8 years spent in New York City, Asanka was exposed to a vast portfolio of fashions that transcend culture, functionality, and also diverse trends. Fashion is an entity that is relevant to the zeitgeist of this current era; the mission of LOVI Sarongs is to define the Sri Lankan look for the future.

Forever a lifelong learner, and an avid reader, this charismatic aficionado of fashion tells me of a Jean de La Fontaine quote, which sums up his life quite simply: A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it. And while he says he’s been working on the whole concept for LOVI Sarongs for ‘a week and my whole life’, it certainly shows that hard work is finally a very rewarding thing. Heartened by what he says are the various risks people in Sri Lanka are taking for entrepreneurial pursuits, he acknowledges that everyone has a different risk profile, and that nothing worth doing is very easy.

Dismissing the whole concept of failure as an opportunity to learn, the somewhat quiet and reserved founder of LOVI Sarongs, dare I say it, is certainly becoming a cultural and fashion protagonist that is shaking up the status quo on a global stage. Having just arrived from Paris where LOVI Sarongs has piqued the interest of those residing in the capital of fashion, it certainly seems that for Asanka success is just a sarong away.

LOVI Sarongs can be purchased from Rs. 5,500 to Rs.9,500 at The Design Collective.

For more information, please visit lovisarongs.com

Written by Rohitha Perera

Amilani Perera: A Sophisticated, Yet Ethical Approach to Design

I was so excited to interview Amilani Perera that, on the day, I arrived at The Design Collective 30 minutes earlier than the allotted time and who can blame me? Amilani, with her renowned, self-titled brand and ethereally beautiful creations, has made a name for herself in Sri Lankan fashion since her launch at Colombo Fashion Week in 2013. After her recent achievement showcasing her collections in New York this year, Amilani’s label is all set to go places with an ethical take on her garments as well.

Amilani, why did you choose fashion design as a career?

I know this sounds cliché, but ever since I was 14, I always wanted to become a fashion designer. My parents thought I was going through a teenage phase when I’d cut my jeans and redesign my other clothes; they assumed I’d grow out it. Since my family comes from a very academic background, my mother being a doctor and my father an engineer, fashion design was nowhere close to what they wanted as my future career. When I told my family that I wanted to do Art for my A/Ls, they were quite surprised because even the neighbours had told my mum that they felt I should do Science (even neighbours get involved in education sometimes!). My parents were initially wary and my father agreed to invest in me studying Art as a hobby because he wanted me do to a ‘proper job’. However, I was adamant because of my love for drawing and painting; I really have to take my hat off to my parents for trusting me and eventually allowing me to follow my chosen educational path. On my mother’s advice, I studied Statistics, Economics and Business Studies simply because the knowledge was vital for running a business and this did help me tremendously as time went on.

I got a scholarship to LASALLE College and finished a four year course in three; I got a one year exemption because of my A/L results. As soon as I returned to Sri Lanka, like all budding, naïve and bright-eyed designers, I wanted to start my own brand! My parents sat me down and advised me (again!) that having an industrial background might be a good idea since most professional designers here have such exposure which gives them stability. I submitted my CV to MAS and I laugh now as I recall the interview because I told them that I will only be working there for 2 years, whereas I ended up staying for almost 5 years! I thoroughly enjoyed my time at amanté, gaining the much-needed industrial background and I loved the feeling of seeing my work was selling well which was immensely satisfying. When I started my MBA however, my old dream of having my own brand surfaced which lead to launching my label at Colombo Fashion Week in 2013. Things were going really well so I quit MAS, which wasn’t easy because they were family to me and had been really supportive in helping me build up my label. Soon after, I got the opportunity of working as a consultant for the Brand ‘Hanes’ in India under Arvind Lifestyle Brands(Bangalore) and I also launched Atelier Amilani Perera at Colombo 5 for custom bridals and wedding attire and my high-end pieces retail at The Design Collective.

What are the achievements you’re proud of?

In such a competitive industry, I’m happy that I’ve been able to sustain my brand; the effort put in has been tremendous. The most satisfying and empowering aspect of it is seeing how it has grown from a 14 year old kid’s dream into the success that it is today. I’m also proud of the fact that so far, I’ve been the only designer to showcase at Asian Designer Week last year, and this year in June I showcased at US Lanka Fashion Week in New York which is quite a milestone for me!

What are the challenges you’ve faced so far?

It’s not always easy to find excellent and reliable craftsmanship sometimes which is extremely surprising considering the country we live in! People would rather work a desk job than do hand embroidery or beading on a garment; they look down upon such work, which is rather absurd, considering that some of them are so talented.

A bigger challenge however, lies before me and that is in the form of a giant, centuries-old misconception that fabrics like pure silk, pure leather and such are to be prized above fabric blends. Personally, I prefer to work with vegan textiles, mainly focusing on organic cotton, linens and poly blend fabrics which feel good on the skin, are ethical and breathable and even my batiks are based on a cotton poly mixed fabric. I feel that the global fashion industry is still rather barbaric in their approach to fabric choices. We have found ways of going green and ethical in other aspects, but when it comes to fashion, people still demand pure silk, pure leather, real fur, python skin, etc. and most of us either don’t understand the process behind it or don’t stop to think how animals are tortured just so that we can wear something we perceive as high fashion. The uglier side of it is still swept under the carpet and more of us need to look beyond these norms and promote ethical fabrics in fashion and with today’s technology, it’s not impossible. Perceptions are changing but I feel that much more effort can be made and I believe at some point in time, my voice and other similar voices which are speaking out against these norms will be heard and I intend to keep doing what I can to make a change that will benefit not only us but our environment as well.

 

If you could live a day in the life of another person, who would you choose and why?

Beyond a doubt, my late mother Dr Chandralatha Perera, a General Physician at the National Hospital. She’s an amazing lady and I wish I could be half the woman she is. She’s not with me anymore as we lost her to a very rare disease and looking back even now, I don’t know how she managed to carry on with her work. She was a very determined lady who never gave up. I inherited my drawing skills from her and I am so thankful for her and all her love, advice and guidance.

 

What inspires your collections?

I am mostly inspired by animals because I am fascinated by their movements, behaviours and their texture. My last Autumn/Winter collection was on the Tusker and for CFW SS18 it was based on coral reefs. Everything revolves around what I do, even what I dream about!

 

Tell us something about yourself that everyone else doesn’t know.

I sometimes have those “I have nothing to wear” moments, which is quite ironic considering what I do for a living and my husband is like “You’re kidding right?” and has a good laugh over it!

 

Where do you see your label going next?

I want to see it growing internationally and plans for that are in the pipeline, so I won’t reveal too much right now.

 

How would you benchmark the Sri Lankan fashion industry globally?

With some of our designers showcasing at the London or New York Fashion Weeks, it’s clear to see that we have arrived at the place where we want to be. We have made our mark and now it’s about sustaining that quality. It’s amazing how much the industry has grown over the past decade; people know us and our designs and admire what we do. We’ve shown our identity; now it’s about keeping the ball rolling and having the rest of the world feeling the same adrenaline rush that we do when we hear that any of the other international fashion weeks are around the corner.

 

Credits:

Clothing: Amilani Perera (www.amilaniperera.com)

Collection available at: The Design Collective; Colombo

Photography: Reshan Hangiligedara at Ceylon Creative Studios

Models: Deborah Witkind, Yari Marcano, Alexis Gutierrez, Yohenny Sanchaz, Ana Solano & Michelle O’Bourke

Hair: Romesh Atapattu

Make up: Sujee Pathirana

USA Sri Lanka fashion week Producer: Chitral De Mel

 

By Michelle Alles

Club Soirté: Beauty That’s Just A Click Away

By Michelle Alles

Keeping in mind the busy lifestyles of today, Teruni De Silva, the Managing Director of Soirté Links (Pvt) Ltd, brings you Club Soirté, an online platform for salon and spa appointment bookings. I’ve no doubt that all the busy folks out there looking for an enjoyable and convenient salon, spa, wellness center experience are going to love what Teruni has in store for you! Club Soirté is similar to a travel agency and notes your beauty requirements in order to match that specification through their state-of-the-art reservation engine. They have partnered with many reputed establishments and offer many valued added services as well. We visited Teruni to find out more…

Teruni, tell us more about yourself.

I studied at Ladies College and went on to do my Bachelor’s degree at American National College and majored in International Business and Management. After that, I travelled to Sydney to further my education with my Masters in Commerce. Marketing was always my passion and I wanted to take on something more challenging with my knowledge. While employed at Aviraté, I got the idea of being a service provider in the salon/spa industry because I knew that much more could be done with a streamlined approach. With so many salons, spas, wellness/medical aesthetic centres out there, all we needed was a medium of bringing them to the clients and making it a beneficial experience for everybody by gathering them all under one roof to bring a range for clients to choose from and giving the establishments a competitive chance and exposure that’s healthy.

What exactly is Club Soirté?

Club Soirté is basically an agency that brings the client to their preferred beauty experience. We’re an online reservation platform that’s a one stop beauty agency which allows a client to find the best stylists/therapists to meet their requirements. Furthermore, we also display the profiles of the stylist/therapist and the treatments they perform, giving one plenty of options to choose from. I want Club Soirté to be beauty that’s just a click away. Everyone is quite intrigued by my idea, as it’s a unique and novel concept that constantly meets the needs of the clients and salon/spa operators. There are two types of clients. The first is the type who knows what treatment they want, but are not aware of the places. The second kind of client knows where to go, the stylist’s and price range. We cater to both types. The website is very simple. As soon as you visit, you see the quick search bar and you can type in either stylist name, establishment name, budget, location, and the information is ready and filtered for you. We have covered everything in terms of client requirements and they can also search via treatment type. For example, if you type ‘waxing’, all the establishments that offer waxing will appear with all the necessary information, making it very easy to search, compare and contrast according to your requirements. There are many options and one is open to a lot more choices; unless you look at what’s on offer at other salons/spas, you wouldn’t know what they have or how good it’s going to be. On Club Soirté, you have all the selections and there are also client ratings and comments so that you can see who is really good according to the Club Soirté database. We also have our value added services such as ‘Hot Seats’ which are appointment deals on offer, and the partnership with our transport provider, Kangaroo Cabs, ensures our clients have a complete booking experience with Club Soirté acting in the capacity of a beauty agent.

How did you come up with the name?

Well, ‘Soir’ is derived from the French word ‘soirée’ meaning a gathering of people (as I partner all these establishments and bring them together) ‘Te’ is my nickname. So it’s a combination of the two.

What do you think makes a woman beautiful?

True beauty is really what’s on the inside; it has nothing to do with your exterior. If you have good intentions and a good heart, it reflects on the outside. Being beautiful externally however, could take some work!

Do you have any role models/influencers?

As a teenager growing up to be a young adult, I was very lucky to always be surrounded by relatives and friends who were very successful people. I can’t individually point them all out, but I have friends from various circles and I’m inspired by them all; they focus on their individuality and creativity and are successful entrepreneurs.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?

If you come up with something novel, people will not always take you seriously until you actually make a success of it. Keep going ahead and keep persevering. Be consistent and things will pick up.

What are your future plans for Club Soirté?

Club Soirté is new, novel and is slowly but surely becoming part of our client’s lives. As a fourth category to the site, I plan to include freelancers as well and make it a more mainstream site. I also feel that the market will perform better because of healthy competition as there is motivation to be more attractive. This concept will not only enhance the establishment but will also promote the individuality of the stylist.