HSBC CFW: Femininity rules on day 1

Text by Shakya Wickramanayake and pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara

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Bold and carefree from Jaishree (above and right)

The Hilton’s Grand Ballroom became the epicentre of Colombo’s fashion scene as it was transformed into the runway for HSBC Colombo Fashion Week 2018 as day one unfolded on March 22 with an all Sri Lankan line-up.

Heralding the trends that will most probably dominate Colombo’s fashion scene for the Spring/Summer 2019 season, we saw several shift and slight A line silhouettes, offshoulder cuts and ballooning sleeves in designs that were no doubt feminine, yet that didn’t overtly highlight the female form.

Opening the show, Upeksha Hager’s collection presented under the brand ‘U by Upeksha’, featured simple yet striking designs, with floral motifs and prints running throughout.

Designer Nilanka Silva under the brand “La’ Sari” had mostly shift and flowing silhouettes, with an occasional exaggerated hip-line, with bishop sleeves and pleated high-neck collars. Capturing perhaps the vibrancy of summer, the colour palette ranged from fiery oranges and yellows on black, to vibrant aquatic greens and blues, to sunset hues of pink and yellow. Nilanka successfully managed to uplift the typically hippie ombre style to that of high fashion.

Aslam Hussein: White and structured

Drawing inspiration from the jungle fowl was the collection by Amilani Perera. Much like her collection at last year’s CFW, a running theme was the use of high low cuts, with the occasional asymmetric shoulder and sleeves. The use of white and sheer materials as well as feminine silhouettes brought out its delicate vibe. Bead embellishments, black velvet and jewel green were well juxtaposed against the muted nude and white shades.

‘Meraki’ -designer Sharmila Ruberu’s collection was also full of white, black and nude hues, a little surprising for a spring collection and featured bold slits and cuts, exuding confidence and sophistication. The geometric wire bags which accessorized the designs were a hit.

Harking back to wild Africa, designer Jaishree’s collection ‘Rafiki’ featured bold animal and plant prints. Her brand ‘Jai’ established back in 2012, has come to be associated with vibrant prints and colours, and this collection was no different. Aside from one design with a protruding hipline, the collection consisted of flowing silhouettes that gathered at the waist, giving a feminine, yet bold and carefree feel.

Gihan Ediriweera, has now become synonymous with tie and dye and this collection based on his interpretation of the Cinderella story, featured both men’s and women’s wear – the only one to do so that night. The splashes of colour in the designs which looked much like paint daubs on canvas gave it a youthful and innocent feel, the wide A line skirts and structured corset like tops , adding to this look.

Wrapping up Day One, Aslam Hussein known for his intricate, dramatic and structured designs, didn’t disappoint. His elegant collection, which started out with clean white and delicate designs gradually became more intricate with the use of embossed and brocade fabrics.

(More on HSBC CFW next Sunday)