Fashion
‘Diplomacy is all about human connections we make’
By Zanita Careem
The Ambassador of the United States of America in Sri Lanka is extremely popular and her extraordinary ability to guide Sri Lanka through economic challenging times, have left an indelible mark on minds of the people here.
Throughout her term of office in Sri Lanka, she has not only represented the U.S.A, but also has demonstrated her affinity, empathy and enormous support for Sri Lanka to achieve prosperity and claim its due place in the world
In-spite of a section of the media declaring that American Ambassador Julie Chung is about to leave Sri Lanka, we understand that she will continue as ambassador til the early part of next year.
Q: Your Excellency, could you share with us your journey in diplomacy?
How did it all begin, and what led you to Sri Lanka?
Ambassador Julie Chung: It’s an interesting journey. Initially, I aspired to be a journalist. I was involved in my high school and college newspapers and had a strong passion for journalism. However, during my university years, I came across an advertisement for a fellowship program with the State Department. The opportunity to travel internationally, serve my country, and connect with different cultures intrigued me, so I applied and was accepted. This led me to the Foreign Service, where I’ve had the privilege of representing the U.S. in various capacities.
Although I didn’t become a journalist, my work as a diplomat often mirrors that role. I engage with people, observe and report on the situations in the countries where I serve, and relay that information back to Washington. Asia has been a significant part of my career, and although Sri Lanka is my first post in South Asia, it’s a vital country in the broader Indo-Pacific region. I’m genuinely delighted to be here.
Q: What were your initial impressions of Sri Lanka? Did you feel an immediate connection?
Ambassador Julie Chung: Absolutely. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the beauty of the country. I recall walking through my garden, surrounded by vibrant birds and tropical plants, which left a lasting impression on me. I’m wearing a scarf today designed by a local artist, Darshana Wijesinghe, which symbolizes the brightness and beauty of Sri Lanka. However, shortly after my arrival, Sri Lanka faced significant economic challenges and protests. Despite these hardships, the resilience of the Sri Lankan people has been inspiring, and it gives me hope for the country’s future.
Q: What challenges and opportunities have you faced as a woman in the diplomatic field?
Ambassador Julie Chung: When I joined the State Department, there were few women in senior roles, which made finding mentors challenging.
Even today, only about 20% of U.S. ambassadorships are held by women, despite an equal gender split in the diplomatic corps. This disparity highlights the challenges women face in advancing their careers, and it’s something I’m deeply committed to addressing through mentorship and support.
In Sri Lanka, it’s encouraging to see a strong female presence in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I particularly admire Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, whose poise, strength, and leadership are truly commendable.
However, globally, women leaders still face double standards. They are often judged more harshly than their male counterparts, whether it’s for being too tough or too weak, and are scrutinized for their appearance in ways men are not.
Q: Do you believe these challenges are global?
Ambassador Julie Chung: Yes, they are. Women leaders worldwide face similar double standards. For example, in New Zealand, the former prime minister was questioned about how she managed her role alongside her family responsibilities—a question rarely, if ever, posed to men.
This issue is not unique to any one region; it’s a global challenge that requires ongoing effort to overcome.
Q: Could you share some of your most significant achievements?
Ambassador Julie Chung: Reflecting on my career, a few moments stand out. One was in Vietnam, where I helped establish an American Corner in Haiphong, a city heavily bombed during the war. Transforming a place of conflict into one of learning and friendship was profoundly rewarding. Another notable experience was in Colombia, where I supported a woman who had been rescued from a terrorist group.
Providing her with comfort and helping her process her trauma was a deeply meaningful experience.
In Sri Lanka, during the peak of the economic crisis, our team at the U.S. Embassy worked tirelessly to support the country, from providing USAID fertilizer to helping small businesses secure financing.Ultimately, diplomacy is about the human connections we make, and those are the achievements I value most.
Q: How have you navigated the challenges and obstacles in your career?
Ambassador Julie Chung: Being the only woman or minority in a room can be daunting, and I’ve often struggled with confidence, facing what is commonly referred to as “imposter syndrome.” There were moments when people assumed I was there to assist rather than lead, which was disheartening. However, I’ve learned to build my confidence over time and to assert myself with knowledge and composure. Misinformation and personal attacks, including racist or sexist comments, have also been obstacles. Yet, I focus on maintaining my integrity and remaining proud of the work we do.
Admiring Jezima Mohamed batiks in Matara
Q: You’re often regarded as a fashion icon. How do you feel about that?
Ambassador Julie Chung: I wouldn’t consider myself a fashion icon, but I do enjoy promoting local designers and showcasing Sri Lankan talent.
I’ve acquired pieces from artisans like Sonali Dharmawardena, Darshi Keerthisena from Buddhi Batiks and Jezima Mohamed, of Jez Looks Batik in Matara, and I love supporting emerging designers like Hirushi Jayatilake. Wearing their creations is my way of highlighting the incredible talent here in Sri Lanka. I also enjoy wearing sarees, although I still need help putting them on! Yes like all women i like fashion
Q: Who has been the most inspirational woman in your life, and why?
Ambassador Julie Chung: My mother has always been my greatest inspiration. She was a journalist in Korea, but after we immigrated to the U.S., she had to start over, working initially as a dishwasher.
Despite the challenges, she learned English, pursued further education, and became a librarian, where she dedicated herself to helping others. Her resilience, dedication to her family, and commitment to serving the community are qualities I deeply admire.
Loves diving
Q: When you’re not working, how do you unwind?
Ambassador Julie Chung: I recently visited an Ayurvedic wellness centre, which was incredibly rejuvenating. I enjoy meditation, yoga, and spending time in nature, which helps me maintain a balance between physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Exercise is also important to me, whether it’s walking or jogging in one of Colombo’s parks.
Reading is another passion of mine, a love instilled in me by my mother, who was a librarian.
Q: Are you a music lover as well?
Ambassador Julie Chung: Yes, I have a diverse taste in music. I enjoy classical music, as I played the piano growing up, but I also appreciate jazz, hip-hop, and rap. My time in New York City introduced me to many small jazz clubs, which I still fondly remember.
Q: How do you manage to balance all these activities with your demanding career?
Ambassador Julie Chung: It’s challenging, especially with the many evening events that come with being a diplomat. There’s no perfect balance, but I do my best to prioritize different aspects of my life as needed. While I don’t have a strict timetable, I try to maintain a mental balance.
Q: What are your favourite and least favourite Sri Lankan foods?
Ambassador Julie Chung: I love Sri Lankan food, especially “lunu miris,” which I put on everything. I enjoy all types of Sri Lankan cuisine, from egg hoppers to coconut roti. Watalappam is one of my favourite desserts, and I’ve been fortunate to try homemade versions from my Muslim friends. There’s still so much more to explore, and I’m always excited to discover new dishes.
Q: What are some of impressions of Sri Lanka ?
Ambassador Julie Chung:From hiking up Adam’s Peak and Horton Plains to diving into the depths of Hambantota to explore Asia’s oldest shipwreck which is over 3000 years old , I’ve been able to experience the rich cultural and natural beauty of this country. I’m optimistic about Sri Lanka’s future, and I’ve been deeply moved by the resilience, pride, and sense of humor of its people. As my time here continues, I look forward to immersing myself further in the unique aspects of Sri Lankan culture.
My Christian faith is a fundamental part of who I am, providing me with strength and resilience in the face of challenges. I start each day in prayer, asking for blessings and guidance for Sri Lanka, its future, and its people. This daily practice reinforces my core values and keeps me grounded.
While my faith is deeply important to me, I have a profound respect for the religious diversity that exists in Sri Lanka. I’ve had the privilege of visiting mosques, cathedrals, Buddhist temples, and Hindu temples, which has broadened my understanding and appreciation of different beliefs. The ability to openly and freely celebrate one’s faith in this country is truly wonderful.
Being able to celebrate my faith not only reconnects me to my identity but also enhances my recognition of the beautiful diversity that exists in Sri Lanka. It’s this diversity, coupled with my own spiritual practice, that enriches my life and deepens my connection to the community around me.
www.island.lk
Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe has died in London aged 80.
Costelloe became one of the best-known names in British and Irish fashion and was personal designer to the late Diana, the Princess of Wales.
His family issued a statement on Saturday saying they were “deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness”.
They added: “He was surrounded by his wife and seven children and passed peacefully in London.”
He was born in Dublin where his father ran a successful company making raincoats.
After studying at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design he moved to Paris where he took a course at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris.
He set up his own label in 1979, Paul Costelloe Collections, and presented collections at London Fashion Week, as well as in Paris, Milan and New York.
In 1983 he was appointed personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a collaboration which continued until her death in 1997.
Costelloe often used traditional Irish fabrics and textiles in his designs, including Irish linen and tweed.
He collaborated with Dunnes Stores and was the closing designer for the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in October this year.
He was criticised in 1998 when he said that Irish women lacked style.
“Irish women have difficulty with style because it’s not in their inner nature… like the Italians,” he said at the time
However, during an interview with Irish broadcaster RTÉ this year, he said he felt that Ireland was more European than years ago.
Taoiseach (Irish PM) Micheál Martin said he was “very saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Costelloe”.
“An icon of design, Paul elevated Irish fashion to the global stage,” he said.
Tánaiste (deputy PM) Simon Harris said Costelloe had “led a remarkable life”.
Harris added: “He built a hugely successful business through incredible talent, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
“He leaves behind a body of work that shaped modern Irish fashion and will continue to shape it in the years to come. He will be greatly missed and warmly remembered.”
[BBC]
Colombo Fashion Week CFW marked a glittering milestone this season -22 glamorous years of elevating Sri Lankan fashion. CFW ‘s evolving platform has shaped designers,nurtured creativity and positioned the island on the global style map
While becoming one of the most influential style platforms in South Asia,what began as a visionary initiative has grown into a movement shaping designers, nurturing talent, reviving craftsmanship and bringing global attention to the region’s extraordinary design language.
This anniversary will shimmer with nostalgia, innovation and unmistakable South Asian flow.
From handwoven saris reimagined for the modern woman to bold menswear, resort wear, sustainable collections and couture dipping in embellishments.
CFW has proved once again that Sri Lanka stands proudly among the region’s fashion capitals.
Over the past decades CFW has redefined the region’s fashion identity.it created opportunities for young designers to open pathways to international markets, revived craft communities, and built a culture where fashion is both creative and responsible.
Today, its influence extends beyond Sri Lanka attracting designers and fashion lovers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and the wider South Asian sphere.
No celebration is complete without acknowledging the artistry of Raman Fernando, whose beauty direction has shaped the CFW aesthetic since its inception.Her partnership has been integral to elevating the event’s aesthetic from the backstage transformations to the signature looks that complemented each designer’s wish.
Twenty two years on CFW, remains more than a fashion show, it has shaped Sri Lanka’s design voices, contributed to the region’s fashion economy and created a dynamic bridge connecting South Asian talent with the world.
As CFW celebrates its 22 year journey one great thing is clear – the next chapter promises more brilliance, innovation and South Asian glamour. CFW continues to champion young talent through its emerging designer programmes giving newcomers the guidance needed to enter the industry with confidence.
This November Colombo fashion week steps into a bold new chapter with the launch of its latest season titled Couture and Trousseau .a refined platform dedicated to craftsmanship, luxury and modern elegance. This new edition will spotlight Sri Lankan and South Asian designers who specialise in refined couture techniques, artisanal detailing and timeless elegance.
The Couture and Trousseau Edition aims to showcase fashion as both art and heritage where modern silhouettes meet meticulous handicrafts and where designers elevate their creations to the realms of treasured pieces.
The new theme, I am sure will promise a unique runaway rich in sophistication, drama and the signature glamour for which CFW is known for
Couture and Trousseau – the season that redefines Sri Lanka fashion
A new era of elegance, couture and trousseau takes over
Beyond the runway presentations, CFW has established a substantive track record with at least 80% of featured designers having emerged from its ecosystem, with particular emphasis on nurturing Sri Lankan talent. Designers who have developed their craft through CFW have subsequently achieved international recognition, demonstrating that sustained commitment and strategic focus deliver results in an industry often characterized by transient trends.
At 22 years, CFW stands as one of only four fashion weeks in Asia to surpass the two-decade mark, a feat that underscores both its resilience and its relevance. Unlike many regional events that have come and gone, CFW has evolved into a diplomatic force, fostering reciprocal partnerships with fashion weeks across the BRICS nations, the Commonwealth, and South Asia.
This extends beyond runway presentations. CFW generates measurable economic impact through tourism, hospitality infrastructure development, and the creation of business opportunities that benefit host cities and their broader communities. The platform’s model demonstrates how strategic cultural investment can drive commercial growth across multiple sectors simultaneously.
Since 2003, CFW has systematically expanded its scope, inviting designers from neighbouring nations to share the platform with Sri Lankan counterparts. The result is a distinctive space where regional diversity is celebrated rather than marginalized and where collaboration supersedes competition. In a geopolitical climate frequently defined by division, CFW presents an alternative narrative: fashion as shared language, commerce as common ground.
This November 2025, CFW’s new season titled ‘Couture and Trousseau,’ strategically focusing on a segment of fashion that presents significant growth opportunities for Sri Lankan designers: bridal and destination weddings. This expansion reflects South Asia’s burgeoning bridal market and positions Sri Lankan designers to capture a larger share of this lucrative sector. By identifying and activating relevant commercial opportunities prior to each season, CFW continues to demonstrate that regional collaboration and sustained investment in creative talent can reshape not only an industry, but the economic landscape of an entire region.
The Couture + Trousseau season of CFW was presented in partnership with Nations Trust Bank American Express, Cinnamon Grand, Lanka Tiles, IDL, Vision Care, Hameedia, ITC, Beauty by Rosh, Ramani Fernando Salons, , Emerging Media, Hardtalk and Acorn whose continued collaboration strengthens CFW’s commitment to celebrating innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship within Sri Lanka’s fashion industry.
Two Miss Universe judges have resigned days before the annual beauty pageant, with one of them accusing organisers of rigging the selection process.
Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch, who announced his resignation from the eight-member jury on Instagram, alleged that an “impromptu jury” had pre-selected finalists ahead of the competition, set to be held on Friday in Thailand.
Hours later, French football manager Claude Makélélé also announced he’d pulled out, citing “unforeseen personal reasons”.
The resignations come two weeks after several Miss Universe contestants walked out of a pre-pageant event over controversial comments made by an official from host nation Thailand.
“An impromptu jury has been formed to select 30 finalists from among the 136 participating countries, without the presence of any of the real eight members of the jury, including me,” Harfouch wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday, saying he had discovered this via social media.
The unofficial jury comprises “individuals with a significant potential conflict of interest due to some personal relationships with some of the Miss Universe contestants”, he claimed.
Harfouch did not elaborate on how this “impromptu jury” would function, or how it would override the official jury’s decision.
The Miss Universe Organisation on Tuesday put out a statement to rebuff Harfouch’s claims, saying that “no external group has been authorised to evaluate delegates or select finalists”.
It suggested that Harfouch may have been referring to the Beyond the Crown programme: a “social impact initiative” that operates independently from the Miss Universe competition, and has a separate selection committee.
The Miss Universe Organisation announced the Beyond the Crown selection committee on Monday. In its statement on Tuesday, the organisation said that Harfouch’s allegations had “mischaracterised” the programme.
Mr Makélélé, who also announced his resignation via Instagram, described it as a “difficult decision”. “I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard. The platform represents empowerment, diversity, and excellence – values I have always championed throughout my career,” he wrote.
The beauty pageant drew backlash earlier this month after its Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, at a pre-pageant event for not posting promotional content on her social media platforms.
In videos that have since gone viral, Ms Bosch and several other contestants could be seen walking out of the event, and some could be heard shouting at Nawat.
Mr Nawat later claimed that some of his words were misunderstood – but his conduct nevertheless prompted a stern rebuke from the Miss Universe Organisation, which has since sent a delegation of international executives to take over running the competition.
[BBC]
-
News3 days agoOver 35,000 drug offenders nabbed in 36 days
-
News7 days agoLevel III landslide early warning continue to be in force in the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale
-
Business5 days agoLOLC Finance Factoring powers business growth
-
News5 days agoCPC delegation meets JVP for talks on disaster response
-
News2 days agoCyclone Ditwah leaves Sri Lanka’s biodiversity in ruins: Top scientist warns of unseen ecological disaster
-
News5 days agoA 6th Year Accolade: The Eternal Opulence of My Fair Lady
-
News3 days agoRising water level in Malwathu Oya triggers alert in Thanthirimale
-
Features4 days agoThe Catastrophic Impact of Tropical Cyclone Ditwah on Sri Lanka: