From the dazzling to the muted
Entering its second decade, the HSBC Colombo Fashion Week 2014 that concluded on Saturday, February 8 proved that local fashion is
Swan -inspired collection by Amilani
Veteran designer Yolande Aluwihare Holm acknowledges the crowd
heading in the right direction. Giving viewers their fill in terms of creativity and flair, both local and international designers presented collections that dazzled on the ramp in an overall well-executed and professional show.
Pakistani designer Rizwan Beyg’s inspiration came in the form of an epiphany in the middle of a traffic jam. His collection ‘Digitruck’ inspired by truck decor of Pakistan was a blast of colour and calculated chaos on the ramp. Taking typically garish renditions of peacocks and fish on trucks, Rizwan transformed them into intricate prints on bold colours turning this humble art form into a vibrant ramp-worthy collection. The mesmerising print slithered all the way down to the interestingly fashioned wedge shoes on the feet of the male models.
Celebrating the “textures of nature” ‘U by Upeksha’ saw an earthy collection of muted, organic tones to start off Day 2 of CFW. Handcrafted flowers and vines sat on gowns with such ease and elegance that they seemed to have sprouted of their own accord, lending the entire collection a mystical air.
Meticulously bead-crafted dragonflies on soft sheer cloth that seemed to have a life of their own followed by designs inspired by ants and other bugs were also in the spotlight. Glorifying these lowly insects in the glamorous world of high fashion, Indian designer Jenjum
A creation by Yasisurie Kiribandara who carried away the Gen Next Award
Gadi’s story is as unique as his perspective.
Upeksha’s (above, left) earthy collection
Recognised by international fashion magazines such as Elle and Vogue as having all the makings of being the next big name in fashion, Jenjum comes from the remote village of Tirbin in Arunachal Pradesh.
Day 3 of CFW seemed to dedicate itself to theatrical elegance and sophistication while keeping true to the designers’ cultural background. Whether it was in the playfully pink menswear, flamboyant feathers, flowers and pearls or intricate gold swan headdresses, the collections embodied style and chic.
One such marriage of bold elegance and her own signature style was evident in veteran designer Yolande Aluwihare Holm’s collection. A dramatic beginning to the show, the rhythmic sounds of the Middle East accompanied Yolande’s Egyptian inspired selection of silks — loose white creations with gold amulets and headdresses to match and silk sarees with Yolande’s signature designs.
Jenjum takes a bow and (right) one of his creations
Amilani Perera’s equally breathtaking swan inspired collection had the audience spellbound. Based on the “hansa puttuwa”, the young designer’s work was a ying-yang of masculinity and femininity with the motif of swan-like silhouettes and textures. Delicately moulded gold head pieces reflecting a swan gave a modern accent to the collection.
The rhythmic tabla and sound of flutes echoed simple Bangladeshi village life for Bibi Russell’s array of entirely hand-crafted pieces. Innovative choreography saw the models abandon the usual strut and pout for an almost leisurely stroll, from the audience areas to the ramp. A very patriotic collection, in dull greens, bright reds, purples and blues, Bibi’s collection was essentially Bangladeshi with the use of wool in her crocheted saree blouses.
Accolades were in order for young Yasisurie Kiribandara who carried away the Gen Next Award, while Dr. Buddhi Keerthisena, renowned for his work in the batik industry was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
And so the curtain came down on a six-day marathon of excitement, colour and high fashion. Summing up this year’s show, Director of CFW Prasad Bidapa made a prediction worth noting: “The future of fashion is handmade and it will be made by Sri Lankan hands.”
Pix by Mangala Weerasekera and Indika Handuwala
| Adding that hair-look to the show
Hair-raising indeed- from afros and curls to John Travolta inspired up-dos and teddy bear incorporated ponytails, CFW 2014 saw Sri Lankan hair guru Ramani Fernando and her team making a dramatic impact that added extra sparkle to the show. It was all about picking a certain look for the show and the decision on hairstyles was finalised after discussions with CFW founder Ajai Vir Singh, design guru Prasad Bidapa and individual designers, Ramani told the Sunday Times. “As we have to deal with a number of models, it has to be something that suits almost all and is also current. The styles are also based on current hair fashions seen at major international fashion events. In fashion shows unlike hair shows, the clothing designs are the main focus.” For Ramani there are many looks that she would like to see on the runway. But at the end of the day these have to be practical as the models do many clothing changes. “On Day One was one of my favourites – the hair was flat ironed; centre parted with a rat tail. As for make up, strong eye make up with long lashes is always a winner. It could be with nude lips or red.” This was a feature this year too. The Ramani Fernando team has been involved with CFW for eleven years, from the very first show, a source of satisfaction for Ramani who says, “The show has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception and has given prominence to not just the fashion and retail industry but to the modelling industry too. Over the last two decades CFW has groomed and developed some of our great designers.” “It was a well organised process and each model had a volunteer who would get the clothes on them,” explained CFW’s Head of Backstage, Fazeena Rajabdeen. Believing it was a privilege being a part of CFW she shared that “the beautiful models, fashionable designers and the mayhem” added to the electric atmosphere backstage. Looking back she cherishes the sense of achievement that followed the show. “It’s an absolute team effort executed well.” |
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