We are more accustomed to seeing them on the field battling to bring sporting glory to Sri Lanka but the national cricketers, past and present showed last Sunday that they can also rally to a cause when they took to the catwalk to raise funds for an initiative to reduce maternal mortality by the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The ‘JAT Spring Summer Fashion 2014’ show choreographed by Lou Ching Wong saw leading designers unveiling their 2014 collections and the cricketers were the audience heroes when they did their catwalk turn, striding the ramp with great panache.

JAT Holdings has come forward to be the principal sponsor of the estimated Rs.30 million, state-of-the-art Training and Simulation Centre to be set up under the auspices of the College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Sri Lanka (SLCOG) at Model Farm Road, Colombo 8, under the guidance of Prof. Hemantha Senanayake, President of SLCOG.

Launching its newest brand of decorative paints Permoglaze at the show, the company pledged to donate Rs.10 for every litre of Permoglaze Paint sold.

Generous donors who wish to help could send in their contributions in the form of a cheque drawn in favour of ‘Save the Mothers Fund’, Account No. 75303475 at the Bank of Ceylon, Regent Street Branch, Colombo 10. The cheques could be posted to the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, 112, Model Farm Road, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka.

Night of revelry for the ladies

Dedicated to ladies, though more than a few men were present, the Ladies’ VIP Night held for the second time last month saw lots of fun and socializing at the Cinnamon Lakeside. Titled ‘Passport to Fashion’ event producer Latika Alok made sure the charity angle was not forgotten with the Stephanie Siriwardhana Foundation launched by last year’s Miss Sri Lanka holding an auction to raise funds for a shelter for abused women and children.

Auction Master Dominic Kellar of Pusswedilla fame raised the stakes and with no lack of fashion displays, entertainment, food and shopping, it was a night for ladies to revel in the things they enjoy.

Red for royalty

From scarlet to crimson and vermilion, Park Street Mews was crowded last Wednesday with those who had come to celebrate the launch of yet another aromatic product line from Spa Ceylon- the Royal Indulgence collection also known as the Red Collection or the Luxury Collection. The packaging adorned by local blossoms in a classical pattern, the traditional Lankan cuisine including Kottu, Malu Pan, Rotti and lunu miris and even chickpeas all added to the very Sri Lankan atmosphere.

The gift collection features Spa Ceylon’s selection of aromatic spa, skin, body, bath and hair preparations and wellness balms as well as exotic home aromas, candles, diffuser and handmade stone ware. The highlight of the collection is the limited edition Cardamom Rose home spa set infused with their popular signature aroma blend of the same name, packed in red jewelled bottles and topped with antique brass closures adorned with the Ceylonese blossom design and presented with Ruby hued woven raffia pouches.

Soothe, Sleep, Balance, Tranquil, Hydrate, Purify, Treat, Ceylon Tea therapy, Living, Love, and Peace (in collaboration with the Mother Sri Lanka Trust) are the other collections from Spa Ceylon. Aromaveda fragranced clothing and gifts from the ‘Save the Majestic Ceylon Elephant’ are included in their range.

Targeting festive seasons from Divali, Christmas and Valentine’s Day to Chinese New Year, Ramadan and the Ochugen and Oseibo festivals in Japan the collection is designed to appeal to the international market and will be rolled out across Spa Ceylon’s chain of foreign retail locations opening in Turkey, India, Maldives, Singapore, Japan and South Africa.

They have already launched their first festive gift catalogue and a special gift order service offering shoppers the luxury of getting their items of choice delivered to their own doorstep.