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Breathing life into interiors

Published

10 months ago

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By Zanita Careem

Lee Mcnichol and Jose Rivero are co-founders and creative directors of Studio Sixty 7 based in UK. Both artists whose projects range from gracefully tonal palettes to daring and dramatic combinations that captivate with the perfect touch of flair. Thier distinctive touch, breathes life into interiors, often incorporating artwork to infuse a personal and playful charm. Their work mirrors thier dedication to achieving harmony and tranquility through a compelling sense of symmetry. Thier journey to the world of interior designs have been a captivating adventure fueled by passion, creativity and a relentless pursuit of beauty in space.

Studio Sixty 7 is an international design ateliar founded by these two designers Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol.

Their design philosophy transcends the conventional, offering a sophisticated interpretation of spatial living that distinctly separates them from others.

Armed with collective experience, Rivero and Lee have already carved a niche in the competitive world of design landscape. From the competition of a luxurious 5-star boutique hotel in Sri Lankan’s golden coast Passikudah Beach to the creation of five exclusive resorts in the Maldives, Studio Sixty 7’s portfolio is a testament to their dedication to crafting sustainable, conscious designs that resonate with opulence and integrity. Studio Sixty 7 is not just about creating spaces, its about curating experiences said Lee. Our approach harmonies the rich cultural heritage of traditional design with sleek trends of modern aesthetics said the duo. ” Our final product is the result of an exquisite balance of form, texture, and function, producing interiors that are liveable as they are breathtaking.” Whether it’s a private sanctuary or a good commercial venture, their work embodies blend of warmth, elegance and functionality. For Studio Sixty 7, design is not merely about beauty, it is about crafting environments that inspire and endure without ever imposing limitation. Here is an excerpt of the interview

What are some of the strongest trends to emerge this year that will continue well into the future?

 Pattern and colour drenching the interiors are a big thing at the moment and we’re sure mixing vintage statement pieces in contemporary design will be a big hit. Many people want to have a more meaningful lived in experience and interior, rather than a ‘show it off’ kind of attitude.

What’s a completed recent project that you all most proud of and why?

For us we are incredibly proud of the boutique hotel in Sri Lanka Passikudah for Sun Siyam Resorts. It was such a labour of love from all involved. The best part was working with the community in transforming this resort and using all locally sourced products and artisans. Every day we smiled going into work, knowing that we were creating something meaningful.

 What inspired you to start your career as a professional?

 Funny enough, it was the fashion shows. We both, as children, watched the many different fashion shows from all the incredible high-end brands but it wasn’t just the clothes that struck us, but it was the set designs that transported our minds. Chanel, for instance, always create these masterful fashion shows that really push the imagination and transport you to a world of reachable make belief and that is something we want to achieve in our designs – awaken the senses of people.

 Were there any difficulties you had in the course of your journey?

 For us it was to find that balance between work life and home life. It’s very hard to turn a creative mind off!

 As the owners of Studio Sixty 7 what is the important takeaway (your goal) for the company that you want people to know about?

We are conscious designers always listening to our clients. We listen to them and welome ideas from the clients.We don’t express our egos. It’s important to realise that each client has their own wishes and we pay our attention to thier individual tastes , while guiding them throughout the process to the best outcome possible for all.

What’s a completed recent project that you all most proud of and why?

 For us we are incredibly proud of the boutique hotel in Sri Lanka Passikudah for Sun Siyam Resorts. Sri Lanka holds such a special place in our hearts. It is without doubt one of the most inspiring places we have been too. From the vibrant colours, the people, the textiles and the culture, push our creative minds to the forefront. From the bustling cities to the incredible jungle landscape, inspiration is everywhere. The importance of the connection between the outside and the inside is so apparent and that is something that we wanted to incorporate into our design. This outside living style, to embrace the natural surroundings.

We really wanted to showcase what Sri Lanka has on offer and that’s why we wanted to use only locally sourced products and artisans from the area. Sri Lanka has an abundance of wonderful materials – from the teak woods, rattans and linens and we are proud to have used all of them in the design. There is a real design flare in the application of the materials that we found around the country and in Pasikudah – incredible handmade oversized lighting made from jute rope that we have placed in the main entrance to hand woven sisal rugs in each of the rooms and public areas throughout are eyecatching.

From the moment you walk into the space, you are instantly transported to the rich heritage of Sri Lanka – to the magical feeling that you are within a boutique hotel that is telling you a story. We found antique doors from years past and many artifacts that adorn the spaces to highlight Sri Lanka of the past, all handpicked and sourced from local antique dealers to small shops. All of these are mixed with modern furniture pieces to show Sri Lanka of the future reflecting its glorious past and heritage. This balance was so important for us – mixing the new and the old but keeping the heart of the design very much Sri Lankan.

How did your background in interiors and design set the stage for your expertise as a professional?

We’ve been very fortunate in our careers with the clients we have worked with – from large commercial hoteliers like the Lux* group or Celebrity Cruises to projects in China, Sydney and Europe. Each project has their own challenges and working on such a scale has given us the confidence to make the correct and impactful decisions.

 Was it difficult to get started?

No We we’re been lucky and right from the start it was smooth sailing.Having worked for one of the top international interior design companies, we were able to make a name for ourselves within the industry. We still have such a strong connection with all our clients that we have worked with. It is always important to go that extra mile to make our clients happy.

The most difficult part was deciding the name for the company!

 What is your vision goal for your business in 2025?

There are many new projects in the forseeable future and we keep on growing all over the world

Our vision is to have fun. Life is too short, and we must enjoy. We have to grow and expand our business but keeping core morals at the forefront is our main focus. There are many projects this year, from hotel launches, incredible private residencies,to many other unique collaborations, so we are already feeling lucky where we are and hope to give the best to our clientale. Design is a process of communication that is why it is very necessary to have a deep understanding with our clients.


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Life style

Celebration of taste, culture and elegance

Published

11 hours ago

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2025/12/7

By

Ambassador Damiano, Jagatheeswaran, Barbara Troila and Ambassador of Vietnam, Trinh Thi Tam

Italian Cuisine Week

This year’s edition of Italian Cuisine Week in Sri Lanka unfolded with unmistakable charm, elegance and flavour as the Italian Embassy introduced a theme that captured the very soul of Italian social life ‘Apertivo and’ Stuzzichini’ This year’s celebration brought together diplomats, food lovers, chefs and Colombo’s society crowd for an evening filled with authenticity, refinement and the unmistakable charm of Italian hospitality.

Hosted at the Italian ambassador’s Residence in Colombo, the evening brought Italy’s golden hour ritual to life, embracing the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality and sophistication of Colombo social scene.

The ambience at the residence of the Italian Ambassador, effortlessly refined, evoked the timeless elegance of Milanese evening culture where ‘Apertivo’ is not just a drink , but a moment of pause, connection and pleasure. Guests were greeted with the aromas of apertivo classics and artisanal stuzzichini,curated specially for this edition. From rustic regional flavours to contemporary interpretations the embassy ‘s tables paid homage to Italy’s diverse culinary landscape.

, Italy’s small bites meant to tempt the palate before meal. Visiting Italian chefs worked alongside Colombo’s leading culinary teams to curate a menu that showcased regional authenticity though elegant bite sized creations. The Italian Ambassador of Italy in Sri Damiano Francovigh welcomed guests with heartfelt remarks on the significant of the theme, highlighting how “Apertivo”embodies the essence of Italy’s culinary identity, simple, social and rooted in tradition.

Sri Lanka’s participation in Italian Cuisine Week for ten consecutive years stands as a testament to the friendship between the two countries. This year focus on ‘Apertivo’ and ‘Stuzzichini’ added a fresh, dimension to that relationship, one that emphasised not only flavours, but shaped cultural values of hospitality, family and warmth. This year’s ‘Apertivo’ and “Stuzzichini’ theme brought a refreshing twist to Italian Cuisine Week. It reminded Sri Lankan guests t hat sometimes the most memorable culinary experiences come not from elaborate feasts but from the simplicity of serving small plates with good company.

Italian Cuisine Week 2025 in Sri Lanka may have showcased flavours, but more importantly it showcased connection and in the warm glow of Colombo’s evening Apertivo came alive not just as an Italian tradition.

(Pix by Dharmasena Wellipitiya)

By Zanita Careem

The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is one of the longest-running thematic reviews promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Founded in 2016 to carry forward the themes of Expo Milano 2015—quality, sustainability, food

safety, territory, biodiversity, identity, and education—the event annually showcases the excellence and global reach of Italy’s food and wine sector.

Since its inauguration, the Week has been celebrated with over 10,000 events in more than 100 countries, ranging from tastings, show cooking and masterclasses to seminars, conferences, exhibitions and business events, with a major inaugural event hosted annually in Rome at the Farnesina, the HQ of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The 10th edition of the Italian Cuisine Week in the World.

In 2025, the Italian Cuisine Week in the World reaches its tenth edition.

The theme chosen for this anniversary is “Italian cuisine between culture, health and innovation.”

This edition highlights Italian cuisine as a mosaic of knowledge and values, where each tile reflects a story about the relationship with food.

The initiatives of the 10th Edition aim to:

promote understanding of Italian cuisine, also in the context of its candidacy for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage;

demonstrate how Italian cuisine represents a healthy, balanced, and sustainable food model, supporting the prevention of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes;

emphasize the innovation and research that characterize every stage of the Italian food chain, from production to processing, packaging, distribution, consumption, reuse, and recycling

The following leading hotels in Colombo Amari Colombo, Cinnamon Life, ITC Ratnadipa and The Kingsbury join in the celebration by hosting Italian chefs throughout the Week.

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Life style

Ethical beauty takes centre stage

Published

11 hours ago

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2025/12/7

By

Body Shop team

The Body Shop marked a radiant new chapter in Sri Lanka with the opening of its boutique at One Galle Face Mall, an event that blended conscious beauty, festive sparkle and lifestyle elegance. British born and globally loved beauty brand celebrates ten successful years in Sri lanka with the launch of its new store at the One Galle Face Mall. The event carried an added touch of prestige as the British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick to Sri Lanka attended as the Guest of honour.

His participation elevated the event highlighting the brand’s global influence and underscored the strong UK- Sri Lanka connection behind the Body Shop’s global heritage and ethical values.

Chief guest British Ambassador Andrew Patrick at the Body Shop

Celebrating ten years of the Brand’s presence in the country, the launch became a true milestone in Colombo’s evolving beauty landscape.

Also present were the Body Shop Sri Lanka Director, Kosala Rohana Wickramasinghe, Shriti malhotra, Executive chairperson,Quest Retail.The Body shop South Asia and Vishal Chaturvedi , Chief Revenue Officer-The Body South Asia The boutique showcased the brand’s

complete range from refreshing Tea Tree skin care to the iconic body butters to hair care essentials each product enhancing the Body Shop’s values of cruelty ,fair trade formulation, fair trade ingredients and environmentally mindful packaging.

The store opening also unveiled the much anticipated festive season collection.

With its elegant atmosphere, engaging product experiences and the distinguished present of the British High Commissioner, it was an evening that blended glamour with conscience With its fresh inviting space at Colombo’ premier mall, the Body Shop begins a a new decade of inspiring Sri Lankan consumers to choose greener beauty.

 

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Life style

Ladies’ Night lights up Riyadh

Published

11 hours ago

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2025/12/7

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Queens of grace

The Cultural Forum of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia brought back Ladies’ Night 2025 on November 7 at the Holiday Inn Al Qasr Hotel. After a hiatus of thirteen years, Riyadh shimmered once again as Ladies’ Night returned – an elegant celebration revived under the chairperson Manel Gamage and her team. The chief guest for the occasion was Azmiya Ameer Ajwad, spouse of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to K. S. A. There were other dignitaries too.

The show stopper was Lisara Fernando finalist from the voice Sri Lankan Seasons, wowed the crowd with her stunning performances. The excitement continued with a lively beauty pageant, where Ilham Shamara Azhar was crowned the beauty queen of the night. Thanks to a thrilling raffle draw, many lucky guests walked away with fabulous prizes, courtesy of generous sponsors.

The evening unfolded with a sense of renewal, empowerment and refined glamour drawing together the women for a night that was both historic and beautifully intimate. From dazzling couture to modern abayas, from soft light installation to curated entertainment, the night carried the unmistakable energy.

Once a cherished annual tradition, Ladies’ Night had long held a special space in Riyadh’s cultural calendar. But due to Covid this event was not held until this year in November. This year it started with a bang. After years Ladies’ Night returned bringing with a burst of colour, confidence and long-awaited camaraderie.

It became a symbol of renewal. This year began with a vibrant surge of energy. The decor blended soft elegance with modern modernity cascading its warm ambient lighting and shimmering accents that turned the venue into a chic, feminine oasis, curated by Shamila Abusally, Praveen Jayasinghe and Hasani Weerarathne setting the perfect atmosphere while compères Rashmi Fernando and Gayan Wijeratne kept the energy high and kept the guests on their toes making the night feel intimate yet grand.

Conversations flowed as freely as laughter. Women from different backgrounds, nationalities and professions came together united by an unspoken bond of joy and renewal. Ladies’ Night reflected a broader narrative of change. Riyadh today is confidently evolving and culturally dynamic.

The event celebrated was honouring traditions while empowering international flair.

As the night drew to a close, there was a shared sense that this event was only the beginning. The applause, the smiles, the sparkles in the air, all hinted at an event that is set to redeem its annual place with renewed purpose in the future. Manel Gamage and her team’s Ladies’ Night in Riyadh became more than a social occasion. It became an emblem of elegance, and reflected a vibrant new chapter of Saudi Arabia’s capital.

Thanks to Nihal Gamage and Nirone Disanayake, too, Ladies’ night proved to be more than event,it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and an unstoppable spirit of Sr Lankan women in Riyadh

In every smile shared every dance step taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sr Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show unstoppable. Ladies’ Night is simply the spotlight that will shine forever .This night proved to be more than an event, it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and the unstoppable spirit of Sri Lankan women in Riyadh.

In every smile shared, every dance steps taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sri Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show that their spirit is unstoppable. Ladies’ Night was simply the spotlight and the night closed on a note of pride!

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