CFW Day 2: Dramatic and showstopper gowns

Day Two of Colombo Fashion week saw seven designers showcase their collections to a packed crowd in the Grand Ballroom at the Galle Face Hotel.

By Sashini Rodrigo

It was here where the journey of CFW began back in 2003, and was welcomed back this year as part of CFW’s aim to promote Sri Lanka as the next fashion hub of the world, keeping with their theme of looking to the future in ‘The Next 15 Years’.

Opening the show was Dimuthu Sahabandu, whose collection was inspired by Sri Lankan artist Mudaliyar A.C.G.S Amarasekara’s painting ‘Devil Dancers Daughter’.The dramatic gowns featured striking bodices embellished with devil mask designs. The bold black lines and sequin embellishments catching the light was the perfect depiction of the designer’s creativity.

The concepts of light and darkness were reflected in the limited palette of black and beige. Tulle and silk were ruffled, draped and cut to form swooping silhouettes for that extra element of drama.

The second part of the collection portrayed sequin-embellished gowns in the same colour palette, with patterns reminiscent of dark woodland forests.

The showstopper third part featured classically shaped gowns with intricate beadwork that evoked the glitz of Hollywood royalty. Plunged in an ice blue and cream colour palette, they also bore heavily embellished bodices and flowing full tulle skirts.

Choosing to venture along a monochromatic path this season, Gihan Ediriweera had drawn inspiration off Japan in his latest collection. Combining freehand abstract batik art with tie-dye, he managed to create a visual story of ‘Monochromatic Japan’.

The natural fibre fabrics used had a dreamy quality and certain airiness to them. There was an element of contrast to his pieces, in the bold yet tasteful prints on relaxed fit pieces cinched at the wais. His choice of colours were a contrast of each other but still complemented each element of the piece.

Dinushi Pamunuwa’s La Pard label, brought together a fusion of 1920s silhouettes and traditional batik prints in silver and gold on silks in shades of blue. Her collection was soft and feminine, reminiscent of luxurious loungewear. To put it simply, it was “All About Her.”

Brian Kerkoven’s collection “The Kerkoven Girl” drew its inspiration from the everyday woman. From fun to formal, his collection covered a variety of styles to suit every occasion, even for men. His use of a bold motif throughout his collection, as well as using both heavy and light fabrics such as silks and tulles in beige and black were in line with the current trends. His showstopper however was a dramatic black off the shoulder ball gown, complete with a full skirt.

After the break, it was Amilani Perera’s turn to take the ramp. The collection was inspired by the traditional Kandyan folk dance ‘mayura wannama’, and the majestic form of the peacock throughout its life. Her collection was carefully expressed through the use of peacock feather motifs, varying silhouettes, the use of neon pink and orange amongst cream silks, and the delicate sequin flower embellishments.

It was Jaish Jayasingha’s “Jai by Aashkii” however that stole the second half of the show. She drew her inspiration from the water and its flowing, reflective properties through her collection ‘Reflection’. Her creative use of frills, ruffles and flowing fabrics mimicked the movement of water, while the bright shades of pink complemented by oranges and yellows accentuated its ever-changing nature.

Her range of sarees bore bold prints of reflected water, trees, and water lilies. Accessorisedwith flowers and dramatic earrings, she evoked the feeling of a thriving riverbank in a creative yet elegant collection.

Closing the evening was Turkish designer Cigdem Akin, in her first time showcasing on the Colombo ramp. The casual, yet cleverly cut and constructed collection had a distinctly summery feeling to it - colourful printed fabric was used to create stylish casual wear ranging from Mediterranean beach chic to athleisure.

Await more of the latest fashion trends that CFW has to offer in the next few days.