Man behind the divas

An extravagant fashion show entitled ‘The Divas are Back” is set to make a splash with the return of former models and title-holders of beauty pageants to the ramp for a worthy cause. The show which will raise funds for the School for the Deaf and Blind, Ratmalana will be held on October 16 at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.

Taking the ramp will be Geraldine Bandaranaike, Yoland Aluvihare, Veena Jayakody, Angela Seneviratne, Caryll Tozier, Sylvana Kapinsky, Neidra Williams, Pauline Basnayake, Roshanara de Silva, Lilani Wieprecht, Roshi Hirdaramani and Shirlene de Silva Chiba.

“This show came about when I was contacted by the working committee of the Deaf and Blind School of Ratmalana, to help them out by raising much needed funds. They asked me to come up with a concept for a fashion show and that was when I visualised the theme.

“I wanted to make sure that we do something that was going to create public interest and support. I had to essentially come up with something that was unique, different,” said designer Lou Ching Wong, who is conceptualising, coordinating and producing the show.

“When I created the concept of the show, the first thing I thought of was the woman of today. This was my way of paying tribute to the sophisticated and glamorous woman who has carved a niche for herself in life. Everything that will be featured is to suit this type of woman, from the clothes to the hairstyles and make up.

“This target group has the buying power as well as takes time out to enjoy these shows. So, I thought that together with featuring a worthy cause, we would be creating a truly unique and exceptional show that is set to create an impact on Sri Lanka’s fashion scene,” said Lou Ching.

The seven segments of the show will have the models showcasing designs created by Chrishanthi Fernandopulle, Purnima Abeyratne from Inspirations, Ruchira Silva of Rebel, Buddhi Batiks, Yoland Aluvihare of the Yoland Collection, Lou Ching Wong and Dhammika Amarasekera.

Entertainment will be provided by the Naomi School of Dance, Erosha and Koluu with Savithri Rodrigo compering the show. All hair and makeup will be handled by the Lou Ching Wong Salon.

“I am thankful for Lou Ching’s involvement in this show as he is in essence the driving force behind making it a success,” said Ananda Thenabadu, Coordinator, Working Committee, The Deaf and Blind School, Ratmalana.

“The response from the public has been tremendous. I think everyone of us should support causes of this nature in whatever way we can. This is what I am expecting from the public,” Lou Ching added.

The book ‘Granny on the Catwalk,’ by Kerima Musafer will be launched on the same day and a percentage of the sales will be donated to the building fund.

Tickets for the show are available with Lou Ching Wong, Tel: 4518870/ 4512999, at the Pasticcino Pastry Shop, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo from 9 a.m. – 7 a.m and at the BT Store, Tel: 2555871.