CFW: From magical setting on first night to show-stopping finale
Setting the mood: Creations by Rizwan Beyg and Amilani Perera (below)
The Colombo Fashion Week Luxury Resortwear Edition 2023 on November 30 saw a show-stopping finale of a fashion show at the Shangri-La Colombo Ballroom. This edition had opened the previous night in an intriguingly different setting – the National Art Gallery on Greenpath where the ramp was the beautifully lit paved walkways outside, a magical setting against araliya trees and the Gallery’s imposing architecture. Two designers – Amilani Perera and Rizwan Beyg presented stunning collections which were showcased again at the Shangri-La.
CFW’s theme of enhancing the value of fashion design in Sri Lanka with various interventions saw a renewed focus on craftsmanship, occasion wear, and circularity.
Opening the evening was the LOVI Ceylon collection by Asanka De Mel drawing on the country’s culture and heritage with structured fluid designs for men and women, followed by Kamil Hewavitharana with his Limak by Kamil label. Venturing into batik for the very first time, Kamil transformed the traditional medium into a canvas for luxury resortwear with bold designs, vivid colours and sensuous silhouettes.
A familiar presence at CFW, Sonali Dharmawardena presented her signature layering technique in combination with batik, in a collection of handcrafted, luxurious, bespoke garments that exuded effortless elegance.
Amilani Perera’s latest collection inspired by Queen Viharamaha Devi captivated with a narrative that transformed from a tumultuous ocean represented by jet black to a deep burgundy with crystal embellishments which represented the sacrifice of the young princess to the Indian Ocean. The final chapter of the collection represented emotions of survival, love and marriage with sublimation print on shades of white and ivory.
In a world that feels so grey, Karma Collection, known for original fabrics and vibrant patterns and colours, transported the audience on a fantasy journey from the depths of the ocean back to a land filled with mythical creatures.
Pakistani designer Rizwan Beyg whose client list includes Queen Rania of Jordan, Shaykhahs of Sharjah and Qatar, and the late Princess Diana showcased a supremely elegant collection named ‘Siyah’ meaning black, with intricate silver metallic ribbon embroidery which combines ornament and sil-houette that is synonymous with the label.
Dinushi Pamunuwa’s label La Pard combined traditional handcrafted batiks with luxury occasionwear while Charini Suriyage, known for ethical fashion showcased her own individual blend of traditional and modern design.
Fouzul and Mikail Hameed for Hameedia offered luxurious textures and detail in a testament to meticulous craftsmanship in a collection designed for the modern man who appreciates both art and fashion.
Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini ended the evening with their latest Profusion collection of cocktail evening wear inspired by crystallised stones which explored the parallels between vibrant hues and intricate textures in nature.
On a colourful journey with Karma Collection
Effortless elegance: Sonali Dharmawardena's modern batik
Lovi: Shades of Lankan culture
Bold and sensuous: Limak by Kamil
Paras and Shalini: Cocktail Collection
La Pard: Batik with a touch of luxury
Charini Suriyage: Blend of traditional and modern
Hameedia: One for the modern man
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.