A touch of Bollywood glamour
View(s):By Minushi Perera
Lakme Sri Lanka Fashion Week by DIVAlicious held from October 8-10 at the Kingsbury Hotel saw a selection of local and Indian designers take the ramp on the 8th.
The fifteen designers presenting collections were Neeta Lulla, Nitya Arora, Dimuthu Sahabandu, Sonam & Paras Modi, Babita Malkani, Tymeron Carvello, Nishka Lulla, Sonakshi Raj, Aarti Vijay Gupta, Richa Ranuat, Amilani Perera, Amour Faith Hope, Shanya Rupela and Indi Yapa Abeywardena.
Of the collections on the ramp, Neeta Lulla had Bollywood celebrity, Sophie Choudry as the face for her collection. Lulla has gained recognition in India and a huge retail fan base overseas for bridal and trousseau consultancy. With accessories entirely handcrafted in India her collection in bright Indian hues had bridal, diffusion, couture and prêt segments, reflecting vintage influences.
Of the Lankan designers, Dimuthu Sahabandu’s collection was inspired by the traditional “seena mala” dream flower motif while Amilani Perera’s collection was woven around the theme of Gajaga vannama – the Dance of the King’s Tusker. ‘Gaja’ is the Sanskrit word for elephant. Thus one of the 18 Vannams in the Kandyan dance tradition was named based on the majesty of the Royal Tusker, hence the reference ‘Gajaga Vannama.’ Proceeds from the collection will be donated towards saving elephants held in captivity, a cause Amilani feels deeply for.
The fashion show was sponsored by DIVAlicious, a brand launched five years ago by Vanita Bhatiya. This fashion show and exhibition has been showcased in Dubai, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Singapore, Nairobi and Durban.DIVAlicious plans to open an online store, www.divalicious.com by 2017.
