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Stories, Fashion and Fantasy
By Ishani Ranasinghe
For the past two and a half years, Lou Ching Wong's designs have taken the ramp at SriLankan Airlines flight destinations around the world giving foreign audiences a glimpse of the island through fashion. "It's about showing the rest of the world that we are there and upgrading the image they have of Sri Lanka," says Lou Ching.

Travelling to places like London, Berlin, Malaysia and in the future to Dubai and Japan these shows have been held at events hosted by SriLankan Airlines at times joining hands with Sri Lanka Tourism.

It is a new concept, says the designer. "Earlier the promotional work was more cultural, but now fashion shows tie up with tourism. The shows are a fashion fantasy based on traditions, culture, and influences," explains Lou Ching.

Fabrics, visuals and narration all play an important role. "Each production is preceded by an introduction that outlines the orgins and influences behind it," says Lou Ching.

One segment is on the flags of Sri Lanka used in the past, complemented with traditional jewellery. Another production that is both ethnic and eastern is influenced by the colours of the sunset. The use of raw silk and beads adds splendour to this collection.

Another popular segment inspired by the masks of Ambalangoda has a sense of the exotic with some of the models wearing devil masks. So why have we not seen these exotic designs on the local ramp? "I would love to show it to a local audience, once I have a few more segments to make it a full length production, " promises Lou Ching.

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