Swimming into the limelight
It’s not every day that a model gets to walk on water. On Friday, a lucky few got the closest possible experience when gliding down a runway while the rippling blue waters of the Hilton’s pool provided the perfect setting for Sri Lanka’s first ever swimwear fashion show.
CFW Swim is the first of its kind in the region. A land of dreamy coasts, Sri Lanka deserves high-end swim wear brands, Colombo Fashion Week Founder Ajai Singh feels. That vision materialized on Friday.
Nine experienced designers in the local fashion scene, along with three internationally acclaimed guests, showcased luxury swim wear at the premier event. The end goal for Ajai and the partnering sponsors of the novel event is to make the golden sands of Sri Lanka a sought-after location for buyers and designers. In climbing to the status of other global Swim Wear festivals such as those held in Miami and Sao Paulo, CFW Swim is the first step.
Meraki by Sharmila Ruberu (above and top)
Opening the two-day show was Charini Suriyage. An established designer, her brand Charini was an ideal embodiment of Sri Lankan luxury swimwear. The retro inspired swimsuits were a balance of sophistication, fun and modesty, elements which the designer herself looks for in beachwear. The end result- a collection of wearable, elegant pieces for any and every woman.
Next on the ramp was the bubbly, zesty collection of Sharmila Ruberu. Her brand Meraki was a standout. Bright vibrant colours and playful cuts accentuated the beach holiday essence and was one of the night’s favourites.
The sole men’s collection of the night was Ajai Vir Singh’s own Arugam Bay. As always, the collection stayed true to its fresh young vibe. Sunny tropical prints added a local flavour to the collection while classic silhouettes echoed masculine elegance.
Pix by Indika Handuwala
The name itself embodies Rushika Fernando’s vision for swim wear. Her label Rum Punch made a dramatic entrance on to the catwalk as models sauntered in, in bright two pieces and luminous swimsuits. Sporty, chic and young, Rum Punch’s collection also included a stylish take on long sleeved swimwear. Nicknamed “rash guards”, the long sleeved tops are usually worn by surfers. But Rum Punch’s spunky patterned tops transformed the practical swimwear into a fashion statement.
Charini Suriyage-above, on the ramp with her models
The next collection, presented by Amante was a reflection of their famed lingerie brand. Dark rich shades of plum and beige swim suits reflected sophistication and elegance- a more mature take on swim wear.
Closing the show was Indian designer Sanchita Ajjampur. Her collection was a showcase of thematic swimwear. Animal print sarongs and wraps floated across the ramp, a sharp contrast to peach and pink floral patterned bikinis.
Sanchita also introduced a segment of glamorous swim wear. Day one of CFW Swim ended with models strolling by in sparkly tasselled two piece suits echoing old Hollywood glamour while finely webbed pieces explored a more futuristic theme.
Look out for Day Two of CFW Swim in next week’s Sunday Times