Darshi Keerthisena’s collection for Buddhi Batiks titled ‘Rebirth’ – a collaboration with Colombo Jewellery Stores set the tone with contemporary designs as well as her signature silk sarees with motifs inspired by lotus flowers.

Fouzul Hameed for FH by Hameedia, inspired by the diverse cultures of Sri Lanka, presented sleek blazers and evening jackets in rich hues of deep red, royal blue and forest green in velvet and jacquard.

‘Eclipse’ for Limak by Kamil Hewavitharna was all regal elegance, inspired by colours created by the moon’s shadow against the sun. Made from luxe materials such as silk, organza, and jacquard, most of the designs had heavy, rich brocade in juxtaposition with silk that resembled liquid when in motion, resulting in a luxurious visual.

Sonali Dharmawardena for Sonali took the theme of tropical luxury, with bright and punchy colours sometimes contrasting, with structural details in the sleeves and ruffled hemlines.

Aralaganvila by Ayesh Wickramarathna displayed the young designer’s use of colour and draped silhouettes. Inspired by elephants, shades of gunmetal grey, smoky eggplant and pewter grey predominated and his inspiration further came through with his allusion to the adornments worn by the perahera elephants. Zero-waste methods were used in creating these designs, in keeping with the brand’s philosophy of sustainability.

Charini Suriyage’s collection aptly titled ‘All that Glitters’ will no doubt fly off the racks come December, all sparkle, shimmer with some shocking pink thrown in, exuding understated glamour.

Inspired by the space between illumination and perfect shadows, the contemporary batik of Harinda Gunawardena for Harid saw silky kaftans and dresses with fluid silhouettes, each piece featuring a pattern of light and shadow in jewel tones, shine on the ramp.

La Pard’s collection ‘Touched by an Angel’ was a perfect marriage of traditional batik and embellishments. Designed by Dinushi Pamunuwa, the collection is inspired by night lights in the city merged with a starry night. Her glittery designs were evening gowns in feminine and classic silhouettes, some with fishtail hemlines featuring contrasting colour panels, and others with glamorous capes.

Ending the show was Lovi Ceylon – Asanka de Mel’s latest collection ‘Shine’ preceded by an attention-grabbing fire-breathing baton twirler and Kandyan dancer.

The CFW Luxury Edition included an especially curated Trousseau and Brides segment. Aslam Hussein presented two creations of intricate craftsmanship while Abdullah Aslam who is behind the Kingsman’s Luxury Black Tie Reimagined Collection paid homage to classic black-tie attire with designs that emanate romance with the use of pale lilac hues. Limak by Kamil’s breathtaking gowns were opulent but simultaneously understated. Also presenting their bridal designs were Darshi Keerthisena for Buddhi Batiks, Sonali Dharmawardena and Charini Suriyage, all stamping the theme of luxury with their own style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Talking luxury

Ajai Vir Singh, founder/director CFW. Pic by Nilan Maligaspe The prelude to the runway show was ‘Luxury Talks’, a discussion on sustainable luxury featuring Sanjay Baid, Managing Director of Diamond Cutters, the fifth largest supplier of diamonds to the international market and Akram Cassim, Managing Director of Colombo Jewellery Stores, moderated by Angeline Ondaatje. The discussion focused on reclaiming the narrative of luxury relevant to Sri Lanka and South Asia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A taste of healthy goodness in town

Zonta gives voice to breast cancer awareness

Helping hand from Indira Cancer Trust

Coexistence, not conflict: Jumbo lessons from Botswana

SLDF goes local and global

Advent cantata next Sunday at Anglican Cathedral

Letters to the Editor

Appreciations