TV Times

Ever since he could hold a pencil or a crayon, little Isuru was adorning the walls of his colonial house in Kandy, his childish imagination running riot.

From 'my family' to 'Kandy Perehera', Isuru's themes covered a diverse range of themes in an array of hues. Artistically-bent Isuru's passion for 'colours' went beyond the 'wall' with the exploration of many more mediums such as canvas, pottery, fabric painting and even wood carving and sculpture. Excelling in music, rugger and swimming at his Alma mater, Trinity College, Kandy, Isuru proved himself to be a versatile character from a young age.

Today, making his youthful dream a reality, 20-year-old Isuru Marawanagoda has stepped into the 'practical world' of fashion designing with his own brand label 'Adorn' after successful completion of his professional studies in fashion designing at the Academy of Design. Isuru's talents were showcased at the fashion show held at Galle Face Hotel in January, this year, organized by the Academy, where his outfits were modelled by some of the leading names in the field.

"As a youngster my ambition was to become a professional artist, however after my secondary education I became more interested in fashion designing," explains Isuru who found his talent in art complementary to his chosen profession as a fashion designer.

Inspired by an equally creative mother, Isuru's surroundings at home laid the basic foundation for his career in the world of fashion. "It always amused me to watch my mother creating master-pieces of wall hangers, linen, patch work and meticulously sewn clothes out of simple yet tasteful materials," says Isuru for whom pots of fabric paints, a sea of materials and heaps of catalogues became an everyday sight.

According to Isuru, professional mastering of any form of art is essential. "It not only boosts the quality of your creation but also your confidence that you are doing the correct thing," explains Isuru whose comprehensive study programme at the Academy of Design covered a range of professional modules such as Pattern Making, Visual Arts, Graphics, History of Arts and Professional Skills.

'A sharp eye' and a 'knack for the right colour' are the cardinal principles in fashion designing according to Isuru. "When designing an outfit, it's important to study the profile of the wearer," elaborates Isuru adding that the physique, profession and the over all personality of a person constitute this.

Isuru's love for nature is reflected in most of his designs and this was best highlighted at the recently held fashion show which showcased the talents of the students of the Academy of Design. Exploring his chosen theme 'mother nature', Isuru's innovative outfits symbolized the elements of nature; water, sun, fire and earth. A lover of tribal arts as well, this aspiring young fashion designer who loves experimenting, is busy these days with the launch of his collection of casual wear and accessories reflecting African-oriented themes.

Dispelling the myth that being fashionable costs a fortune, Isuru says, "simply because you are clad in designer wear does not make you fashionable or 'chic', it's all to do with correct choice and taste," adding that even with ordinary simple materials, exquisite designs are possible.

Distinguishing 'beauty' from 'sophistication', Isuru adds, "beauty is what one is born with and sophistication is what is acquired with fine clothing, accessories and way you carry yourself." He also stresses that blindly following what is so called 'latest fashion' does not enhance your image. "A current fashion in vogue may not necessarily suit everyone and when the latest trend becomes an everyday sight, one can create a unique individual style of it with a few eye-catching accessories," explains he adding that one's imagination can do wonders in enhancing the appearance.