A glittering tribute among family and friends
View(s):
Mallika Hemachandra (centre) with members of her family
‘Mallika Hemachandra –A legacy’, a coffee-table book tracing the milestones in the inspiring journey of jewellery entrepreneur Mallika Hemachandra was launched at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
The Oak Room was abuzz as guests awaited the arrival of Mallika Hemachandra while the soft strains of the Colombo Philharmonic Orchestra filled the air, a reminder of the days when she used to be part of the orchestra.
In a heartfelt tribute to the lady herself and the brand, almost all the guests had worn Mallika Hemachandra jewellery for the evening’s celebrations. Walking in accompanied by her grandchildren to the energetic beat of drums, the evening’s festivities began with her children Chandima and Chamindri paying tribute to their mother’s incredible journey as a single woman breaking the proverbial glass ceiling in a man’s industry.
A fashion show of the Moulin Rouge style choreographed by Brian Kerkovan featured exquisite jewellery the firm is known for.
A reading by the mother-daughter authors treated the audience to a glimpse of the story that the book unravels. The authors are both writers and professional women –Nirmali, an award winning author of short stories as well as a professional in education and communication skills development while Shyam is a corporate trainer and also a talented writer with coffee table books listed in her portfolio as a freelance content developer.
After another show where models displayed a classic range of jewellery taking to the stage as in a masquerade ball, Mrs. Hemachandra’s grandchildren added a touch of humour and familial warmth to the evening. Mrs Hemachandra then thanked her guests, presenting each guest with a personalized autographed copy of the book.
