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Fashion Shalwar splendour Indo-Western
styles continue to hold sway over the local fashion scene. So shalwar
kameez, and short kurtas, coordinated with trousers of varied fits,
occupy prime space. A limited selection of designer saris will also
be exhibited. To add a touch to the festive colour to wardrobes, check out this designer collection on November 23 and 24 at the Holiday Inn Hotel, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Allure
of the saree Kirthi, is
singularly famous for re-defining the saree here in Sri Lanka. His
is a 50-year contribution to the world of fashion where his understanding
of the versatility of women, and his revolutionary use of the saree
saw him become one of the most celebrated designers of his time.
As a young
boy although Kirthi was heading for a career in medicine, his heart
was set on the allure of the fashion world. He began designing as
a teenager and went on to hold his first ever fashion show at the
GOH way back in the '50s. A turning point
for Kirthi was his chance meeting with Jeffrey De Seynes from the
House of Dior. The rest is history. On his return
from training stints in the fashionable designer studios of London,
Paris and Italy where he learnt the basics of haute couture and
pret-a-porter - he held yet another fashion show at the Women's
International Hall to an unprecedented crowd of 600 who he says
with a chuckle, "had come for a laugh". It was not western
attire that he showed off at this show, but to the contrary, he
held the audience spellbound with his elegantly crafted saree designs.
Rave reviews in the newspapers were testimony to the absolute success
of his show. From then on
every bride in Colombo desired to be dressed by him, every fashion-conscious
woman sought him, as they believed that his designs gave them entree
to a new world of glamour. Indeed he reigned supreme and continues
to evolve the saree. As Coco Chanel
once said, "no design in the world can surpass the elegance
of a saree". Indeed the saree with its many drapes is able
to project a woman's image - be it her dominance or sensuality. Soft-spoken,
gentle and with impeccable manners, Kirthi has remained the same
over the years never letting fame and glory affect his humble disposition.
Always well dressed, with a passion for clothes, he prefers the
suit than any other outfits. A retrospective
of his work new and old will be held on December 2 at the Hilton
Ballroom. |
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