Sarong's with a twist

Giving up his job in Silicon Valley, Asanka de Mel who is back in Sri Lanka to give a new twist to a very local clothing item.

The lid comes off an elegant gift box to reveal a sarong, wrapped carefully in layers of tissue. To Asanka de Mel, its creator, this is not just any old sarong.

It is the result of months of experimenting and hard work—the re-invention of a traditional article of clothing as an item of elegant evening wear.

Thus, there’s his Tuxedo line, or the Little Black Sarong line for women. There’s another that involves patiently stitching hand-cut camel leather onto the fabric. Yet another showcases sarongs with sheer panels. The Printed Collection features bold, beautiful designs.

Every item has been carefully thought out in a product development process that cost Asanka close to Rs. 2 million. But the passion that drives him, he says, cannot be measured in rupees and cents.

His sarongs have two special features—pockets, to increase functionality, and a lining. He has applied for US patents for both.

“I always found it strange that there is no pocket on a sarong as there is in every other piece of men’s clothing,” Asanka smiled. “It’s hard to do anything involving activity.

If you’re sitting around it’s ok. But if you’re moving around, driving, or carrying a purse, you always have to hold your stuff—your phone, your wallet—in your hand,”

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Asanka and brand ambassador for the LOVI sarong