Some Spanish fun and traditional Lankan and Indian
Charini Suriyage: Sophisticated sensuality
Wrapping up a week long fashion initiative on March 18, the HSBC Colombo Fashion Week 2017 under the theme of Celebrating Colombo presented ethical and wearable fashion trends.
Kicking off the night in a riot of colour was Spanish designer Agatha Ruiz de La Prada. Her designs have a fun, flirty element which appeals to any crowd. An upbeat beginning to a grand night saw the models striking entertaining poses in standard neon pink water polo caps and platform sandals, their vibrant ensembles giving a new perspective to everyday swimwear.
Next up was MERAKI, Sharmila Ruberu’s label known for monochromatic and detailed designs. Her latest collection was an ode to Athena – the Greek Goddess of wisdom, arts, craft and war – a formidable combination that exemplifies the power of femininity. Pastel and the occasional vivacious pleated dresses made for an elegant collection.
Charini Suriyage has made her mark as one of the first Sri Lankans to showcase at the London Fashion Week. Her brand CHARINI stands for its compliance with ethical fashion and is an experimental amalgamation of the traditional and the modern. ‘Hexapoda Couture’ her collection inspired by the anatomy and textures of insects was both sophisticated and sensual.
Dimuthu Sahabandu captured the essence of old Ceylon, the Dutch and Portuguese era in his collection that used delicate fabrics of rich muted colour with intricate embroidery and beading to compliment and accentuate the female silhouette. His Sri Lankan inspired summer collection of ready-to-wear clothing items was an ode to the traditional Sri Lankan lotus motifs found in many forms of Sri Lankan art.
MAUS Рofficially launched at the 2013 Colombo Fashion Week by designer Annika Fernando this year presented loose flowing clothing in gentle monochromatic colour schemes. This graceful collection was accessorized with pieces from Papillon du Th̩.
Ponds BB+ presented Neons and Nudes, makeup looks inspired by the electric eighties. Audacious colours of bold and daring pinks, yellows and blues ignited the ramp and were skillfully showcased on the nude bases on the faces of the models. Ponds BB+ is in collaboration with celebrity Indian makeup artist Pallavi Symons.
The grand finale saw one of India’s most successful design labels Abraham &Thakore. This year’s summer collection by designers David Abraham, Rakesh Thakore and Kevin Nigli was a rich neutral colour palate of black combined with a metallic shades of white, silver and gold, exploring the development of a modern design voice while drawing on the rich traditional vocabulary of Indian design and craft.
David Abraham, RakeshThakore and Kevin Nigli: Going black and gold
Dimuthu Sahabandu: Capturing the essence of old Ceylon
Pix by Amila Gamage
Fun times with Agatha