Making waves in Galle
The HSBC Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) went to Galle this year for its Resort Wear edition and Day 1, Saturday October 5 saw models treading a different kind of catwalk on Queen’s Street in the Galle Fort. “Perhaps the toughest show yet,” commented CFW’s Founder and Director, Ajai Singh.
Randika
As guests gathered by the street to enjoy the show, the majestic inner gate of the Fort was the backdrop against which the designer collections were unveiled. Models entered and exited through the heavy arched doors and as night fell, the full extent of the lighting came into effect creating an ethereal yet relaxed atmosphere.
Colombo Jewellery Store (CJS) launched their new collection “Cock-a-doodle-doo”, celebrating their heritage for the upmarket jewellery store’s roots can be traced back to Galle. This whimsical collection was well displayed by models donning simple handloom cloth – a perfect foil for the grand gems and jewellery.
Tag Heuer, ARRA by Sharmila and Punya, U by Upeksha, Catherine Rawson, Amanda Weerasinghe, Indi, Fouzul Hameed of Hameedia, Yoland Aluwihare, and Indian designers Jason and Anshu were among those whose creations were displayed at the Resortwear show on Day One.
Each designer held their own in terms of style and aesthetic. The elegance that is generally associated with the work of Yoland Aluwihare was evident in the collection she produced. Drawing her inspiration from sea shells, all her clothing incorporated elements of the sea, be it the carefully painted patterns, or the meticulously detailed embellishments.
Fouzul Hameed’s collection -a well tailored assortment, saw casual blazers teamed with leather sandals -casual yet classy resort apparel.
Many approving nods and excited chatter swept across the audience when Amanda Weerasinghe’s collection took the run way, the upbeat and vibrant collection a hit with the younger women of the audience. Her clever use of light fabrics that caught the wind but preserved the silhouette of the garment left many longing to own a piece of the collection.
Having stores across India and some in Spain, Jason and Anshu, are well known for their whimsical and eccentric take on clothing in terms of both colour and texture. The collection that was exhibited was distinctively elegant, yet soothing owing to the softer colours used.
“We liked each other’s work from some time back” Anshu admitted, and “the collaboration just happened,” added Jason. Fashion is a trade of tension, he quips and it helped to have an occasional difference of opinion in the creative process. The eccentric nature of the clothes is purely due to the eccentric nature of the creative process behind them was the explanation put forward by the duo. “Jason’s logic is the less you think about something the better,” laughed Anshu.
Day Two
A vivid sunset, the deep blue of the ocean spanning as far as the eye can see, waves crashing wildly against a jagged expanse of rocks-and a Land Rover parked perilously atop. Staged amongst this dramatic setting is a long ramp and the country’s Who’s Who of fashion milling about.
Indi
Sunday’s show was held at Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel in Galle; as CFW Director Prasad Bidapa said Saturday’s show inside the historic Galle Fort was going to be a hard act to live up to-yet a setting sun against the ocean provided a spectacular backdrop for the finale and plenty of entertainment for the lonely soul.
Designers Bibi Russell, Amilani Perera, Charlene Turing, Sammani Pathiranagama, Radhika (House of Inspiration), Ramona Oshini and Sonali were amongst a selection of old industry hands and CFW first-timers presenting. Firmly local heritage brands Spa Ceylon and Arugam Bay also had their turn on the ramp.
Bibi Russell opened with customary éclat, her models jiving it down the ramp in black and white ethically-conscious garments. Newcomer Amilani Perera followed with a collection inspired by the Sandakadapahana (moonstone). Working with a colour palette of raspberry, orange, gold and black, the designer surprised with an unexpectedly edgy vibe.
Promising young designer Ramona Oshini was also a strong contender, presenting the ‘Cruise’ collection in black and white. Charlene Turing’s swimwear was a harking back to the sixties, and Radhika’s flowing silhouettes captured the essence of the resort edition.
Fresh faced design graduate Sammani Pathiranagama was one of the few presenting an entirely menswear collection, Trivium, and the collection managed to pull off a double whammy of being uber-modern yet masculine in one go.
The event came to a close on Sunday evening with a spectacular Vegas-style finale by designer Sonali Dharmawardena. Sonali’s collection embodied the glitzier side of resortwear in stark contrast with the more casual, laid back styles most of her contemporaries went for at the show. Her collection heralded the end of a two day spectacle that saw 20 local and international brands walk their collections down the ramp.
“The Resort edition of CFW is well on its way to making a regional impact, while being rooted in Sri Lanka. We pushed the boundaries and by God’s grace it worked. From three Sri Lankan designers last year doing resort we had 15 this year. It’s a unique Fashion Week format and is already being noticed,” said a jubilant Ajai Vir Singh, founder of Colombo Fashion Week.
“With this show it is being established that Sri Lanka has two seasonal fashion weeks CFW SS and CFW Resort to give our fashion industry more credibility. More work to be done but we are moving forward,” he added.
Wijeya Newspapers was the print media sponsor of the HSBC Colombo Fashion Week.
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