Colombo Fashion Week (CFW Swim) kicks off

CFW Swim took its opening plunge on Friday night at the Hilton poolside. CFW Swim is the first of it’s kind in the region, as Ajai Singh feels, even Paris Fashion Week being “so steeped in tradition” to incorporate an additional season. A land of dreamy coasts, Sri Lanka deserves high-end swim wear brands he shares, a vision that materialized last night. Well established names in the local fashion scene along with three international guest designers will showcase their collections. Opening the two day show was Charini Suriyage. An established designer, her brand Charini was an ideal embodiment of Sri Lankan luxury swimwear. The retro inspired swimsuits were a balance of sophistication, fun and modesty, elements which the designer herself looks for in beachwear. The end result-a collection of wearable, elegant pieces for any and every woman. Next on the ramp was the bubbly, zesty collection of Sharmila Ruberu. Her brand Meraki was a standout. Bright and bubbly colours and playful cuts accentuated a beach holiday essence and was one of the night’s favourites. The sole men’s collection of the night was Ajai’ Vir Singh’s own Arugam Bay. As always, the collection stayed true to its fresh young vibe. Bright tropical prints added a local flavour to the collection while classic silhouettes echoed a masculine elegance to the pieces. The name itself embodies Rukshika Fernando’s vision for swim wear. Her label Rum Punch made a dramatic entrance on to the catwalk as models sauntered on in bright two pieces and luminous swimsuits. Sporty, chic and young, Rum Punch’s collection also included a stylish take on long sleeved swimwear. Nicknamed “rash guards”, the long sleeved tops are usually worn by surfers. But Rum Punch’s spunky patterned tops transformed the practical swimwear into a fashion statement. The next collection, presented by Amante was a reflection of their famed lingerie brand. Dark rich shades of plum and beige swim suits reflected sophistication and elegance- a more mature take on swim wear. Closing the show was Indian designer Sanchita Ajjampur. Her collection was a showcase of thematic swimwear. Animal print sarongs and wraps floated across the ramp, a sharp contrast to peach and pink floral patterned bikinis. She also introduced a segment of glamorous swim wear. Day one ended on a glamorous note as models strolled by in sparkly tasseled two piece suits echoing old Hollywood glamour while finely webbed pieces explored a more futuristic theme.