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Classic silhouettes from land of Kimonos
Land of the cherry blossoms and the bullet train, of snow-capped Mount Fuji rising majestic in the midst of a panoramic landscape. But that's the touristic view of Japan.

A designer's eye however, looks beyond the obvious and Dilani Wijeyesekera, the creative spark behind the Dilly's label, seeking inspiration for her 'Voyages' collection sought out other facets of Japan. On a recent visit to the Land of the Rising Sun, Dilani was much taken by the sights and sounds of modern Japan and impressed by how in this highly technology driven society, tradition and culture still hold an honoured place. "They haven't lost the kimono. You still see so many women in the streets wearing it," she says.

The kimono is the garment we associate with Japanese dress. Made of straight strips of fabric, seamed together, the sleeve shapes vary from the very long hanging (furisode) or large (osode) to wide (hirosode). But rather than focusing on the female kimono, that richly patterned garment of silk, Dilani looked to the male kimono, which was the standard form of dress for Japanese men before the Second World War for her new Voyages collection.

"Honouring the Samurai, we chose black as the predominant colour for this collection," she says. "Black being a strong colour, it fitted in well and we have used some grey and cream for light relief." Present as always are the simple, classic silhouettes, a Dilly's trademark, embellished this time with traditional Japanese emblems like flower motifs from 'sake' cups and block prints.

"We had so much fun using wood blocks to create block prints, an ancient Japanese tradition. In the light robes worn as summer kimonos (yukata), the block prints were inspired by nature; birds, flowers, trees, animals and landscapes. Some of these motifs too have been woven into the designs," explains Dilani, adding that her creations are for women who make their own strong statement of style.

Wearing outfits from the just released Dilly's Voyages Japan collection in these photos by Dominic Sansoni is Dr. Neluka Silva, a well-known academic attached to the Colombo University's English Department. Neluka is the author of The Gendered Nation; Contemporary Writings from South Asia and last year edited 'The Hybrid Island: Culture Crossings and the Invention of Identity in Sri Lanka'.

While deftly combining her work, her writing and her theatrical interests, Neluka is also the fond mother of two young daughters Nimaya (aged 5 1/2) and Seravi ( 1 1/2).

Family, education and drama are her passions she says, adding that she has been privileged to grow up in a family that valued and supported education.

Involved in Sri Lanka's theatre scene for many years, Neluka has appeared in several popular stage productions, among them Well Mudliyar, Widows, Big Brother is Watching and The Importance of Being Ernest. Last month she ran a drama workshop for children and strongly believes that drama can be a tool to build confidence and creativity, all of which are important in the education process. Her own passion for drama began in childhood and she hopes her children will imbibe the same love.

"It's challenging fitting in the demands of a full-time job, being a mother and an academic, but finding time to do something with children is immensely rewarding when you see their creativity developing so quickly," she says.

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