Life style

How Fashions Have Changed

Published

4 years ago

2022/03/13

It is amazing to see how the different events in history have influenced and changed the way people have dressed throughout time. Some of the most popular fashions are classic, they can stand the test of time and hardly ever “go out of style”, only experiencing minor changes to keep up with the trends.

Other clothing items could be considered “fads”, styles that are only popular for a short season and then never worn again. Often certain fashion trends are dependent on the tastes of particular groups of people or cliques and are usually associated with social status or cultural preferences like the type of music a person likes.

Fashion can also be influenced by world events such as war or the economy. For example, during World War II, people were only allowed a certain amount of fabric so they were forced to create simple outfits that were practical enough for wartime duties. From the 1920s to the 1990s, popular fashions reflected the mood of each decade and showcased changes in society as the styles of clothing and accessories evolved with the times.

Dresses and Skirts – From Mini to Maxi, Pleats to Pencil

Changes in skirts and dress fashion have changed and varied dramatically between the 1920s to the present, as well as within each decade. In 1920, only a few years after World War I, skirt and dress hemlines rose and waist lines lowered to the hip. These changes accompanied the boyish flapper fashions that marked the twenties as a decade of decadence and fun. During 1926 to 1928, hemlines were reported to be at their highest but once the stock market crashed in 1929 and the Great Depression set in, hem lines returned to a more conservative length (below the knee or lower). 1930s boasted a return to femininity and Hollywood glamour was idolized. Evening gowns showed bias-cuts and diamante accents and were made of chiffon or velvet. For a more casual look in the thirties dresses were slim-cut and had wide shoulders and a belt around the waist. Real fur accents and floral prints were also popular during this era until World War II broke out and the glamorous look of the decade lost its luster.

During World War II, luxurious fabrics like wool, silk and nylon were highly regulated and women’s skirts and dresses were often made of viscose and rayon. Skirts and dresses would also be made out of anything that could be found within a home (like curtains, nightgowns or bed sheets) due to the illegality of using excess fabric when making an outfit from about 1942 to 1947. With the economic boom in the 1950s, glamour become fashionable once again and A-line and pencil skirts were very popular form-fitting fashions. Dresses in the decade would often feature stylish ruffles or lace accents and were usually knee-length or tea-length. Going into the late fifties and 1960s mini-dresses and maxi-length skirt outfits entered the scene. Mod styled dresses with short skirts and bold, colorful patterns became popular. Mary Quant, a Mod fashion designer is one of the people credited with creating the iconic mini-skirt of the mid-sixties.

In the late sixties and seventies hippie fashion took over and loose-fitting, flowing maxi skirts and dresses became dominant. Disco music and dance also influenced dresses with slender lines, flowing skirts and the shimmering fabrics that would look best in a night club.

As we entered the 1980s, fashion evolved once more. Skirts and dresses were once again longer and featured straight lines and more serious design. As more and more women joined the professional work force business suits became a trend for women with straight conservative skirts and broad shouldered, boxy blazers topped the look. In the eighties, fashion became highly influenced by music stars and movies with eclectic looks shown off by Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and movie star Molly Ringwald. In the 1990s, skirts and dresses were not as prominent and more casual looks became acceptable with hip-hop and alternative music setting the scene for fashion early in the decade. Skirts and dresses were usually short and even provocative, especially in the latter part of the decade, however loose and flowing dresses as well as long denim skirts were also notable trends.

Blouses, Shirts and Tops

In the 1920s, the jumper blouse was introduced and became incredibly popular. Usually the jumper blouse was made of cotton or silk and had a sailor collar. Perfect for pairing with a skirt, it usually reached just below the hips and would be accompanied by a belt or sash. Another popular type of twenties blouse was a low-cut v-neck shirt with a chemisette attached to promote modesty. Knitted long-sleeve shirts with rounded collars and tank blouses were also popular in the decade. For men, polo shirts, dress shirts and sweaters were the tops of choice. Going into the thirties, feminine blouses that featured v-necks and long bow ties attached around the neck, sleeveless blouses and knit shirts of Shoes and Boots

In the 1920s, women’s shoes would often feature high and wide heels whether on a pump or loafer style shoe. Many women would even wear heeled shoes with their swimming costumes as a mark of femininity. Oxfords of varying styles and colors were popular too with men and women, as well as lace up boots. During the 1930’s strapped heels and pumps surged in popularity, while more traditional styles of heels were still worn. For men and women, laced leather leisure shoes were popular for outdoor activities and exercise during the decade. In the forties, as a result of the war, shoes became more conservative and practical. Women’s shoes were usually made with flatter heels and had either cork or wooden soles.

Flat shoes, sandals, heels and pumps with rounded toes and feminine lines were worn by women in the 1950s. Saddle shoes, white lace up shoes with brown or black leather accents, were also popular for both men and women. Canvas basketball shoes (high-tops) or black leather oxfords were worn by men. Suede shoes also enjoyed moments of popularity during this decade. In the 1960s, black slip-on boots (most likely of leather or faux leather material) were popular for men and women, and heels became thinner on pumps. Vinyl boots, moccasin-style loafers with wide heels, wedge heels, and slip-on heels with leather cut-out patterns were all popular in the 1970s. Sandals and western style cowboy boots were also popular with both men and women.

In the 1980s, pumps were designed with higher and thinner heels than in decades before and they became more of a hit. For casual wear, tennis shoes (both high-tops and standard ankle high shoes) and leather dress shoes were very popular. Flats became popular too, especially with working women. By the 1990s, styles had returned to Earth and the casual look was key. During this decade leather substitutes became more popular due to environmental concerns, and cork-soled sandals like Birkenstocks defined the alternative look early in the decade. Walking shoes had bulkier heels, and gym-type athletic shoes were most people’s every day choice. As with the late 1980s and 1990s, branding became a driving force behind shoe sales. People would show off their Reebok, Nike or Adidas shoes with pride and special editions would sell for hundreds of dollars.

Hairstyles

Short boyish haircuts were popular throughout the 1920s to the late 1930s. In the Forties, hair was often still hid under hats, but usually was longer and tied in a bun or other up-do. During the Second World War, scarves and turbans were also popular. Hats and turbans (sometimes even worn together) remained popular until the 1960s. After this time women began to perm and/or dye their hair. Wigs were more popular after this time as well, and the wearing of hats declined dramatically. Men’s hair (just like the short women’s cuts) of the 1920s and 1930s was usually neatly combed and groomed, and usually parted to the side. Hair for men was “greased” back. In the 1950s hair was still greased back, but hairstyles usually consisted of more hair on the top of the head (especially biker styles).

For women in the 1950s, hair was waved and fit to frame the face, or to be pulled back. Some actresses had wore their hair extremely short-way above the ears, as if it had been cut with a hair trimmer.

In the 1960s, beehive and flip-style hairdos were more popular for women. For the men, bowl cuts, such as the ones that are similar to what the Beatles wore are very popular as well. These looks continued on to the late 1960s. From the 1970s on, long, straight hair was popular for women, as well as for some men. Hairstyles were usually parted down the middle. Large puffy hair worn by Motown singers were considered stylish from 1969 on to the 1970s, and short wavy hairstyles like Jodie Foster wore in 1976 were popular too. During the seventies layered haircuts were also popular and this trend continued into the 1980s. From the mid to late eighties big hairstyles that were teased and curly or wavy with bangs were very popular. In the early 1990s straight hair and long spiral perms became popular, while later in the decade angled bobs and shaggy, mid-length haircuts were made popular by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox on the TV show Friends.

From the 1970s to the current time punk hairstyles such as shaved heads, Mohawks, and painted hair were worn. These were usually the hairdos of those who wanted to make a statement, or just simply to be different from mainstream society. Many mainstream and independent artists had punk hairdos. Heavy metal hairstyles for men were quite popular, especially after the 1980s. Male heavy metal rock groups would tease and/or color their hair, which usually was let to grow long. There are still standards for hairstyles in the present. For the workplace hairdos are very conservative, usually in a straight style, or sometimes waved or slightly permed.

Names of designers that were alive during the 1920s and the 1950s include Jeanne Lanvin, “Coco” Chanel, and Pierre Cardin. Each these designers have set his or her personal mark.

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Life style

The last kings of the wilderness: vanishing tuskers

Published

5 days ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

In the vast dry-zone wilderness of Sri Lanka, where ancient reservoirs mirror crimson sunsets and monsoon winds whisper through forests untouched for centuries, there still roams a giant who has become both legend and symbol.

His name is Mahasen — perhaps the most celebrated wild tusker Sri Lanka has ever known.

To wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, researchers, and villagers across the North Central Province, Mahasen is not merely an elephant. He is the living embodiment of Sri Lanka’s ancient wilderness, a reminder of a time when giant tuskers ruled the forests that surrounded the island’s great hydraulic civilisation.

Secretary and Chief Coordinator of Wild Tuskers of Sri Lanka, Chandika Lakmal, describes Mahasen as “one of the greatest living treasures of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.”

“When people see Mahasen, they are not simply looking at a wild elephant,” he said.

“They are witnessing history, culture, ecology, and wilderness all combined into one magnificent animal. Tuskers like Mahasen are extremely rare, and losing such an elephant would mean losing a part of Sri Lanka’s identity itself.”

Sri Lanka has long shared a sacred bond with elephants. Ancient kings regarded tuskers as symbols of sovereignty and divine authority.

From the kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to the Kandyan era, elephants marched beside rulers during ceremonies and wars alike. Within Buddhist culture, elephants became revered symbols of strength, wisdom, and spiritual purity.

Yet among all elephants, the tusker has always occupied a special place.

Unlike African elephants, only a very small percentage of male Asian elephants develop tusks. This makes Sri Lankan tuskers exceptionally rare. Over centuries, they became deeply embedded in folklore, temple art, and village legends.

Mahasen stands today as perhaps the finest surviving example of that ancient legacy.

Mahasen, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wild tuskers, photographed during his majestic prime in 2014 and in 2025 as the ageing giant continues his struggle for survival in the island’s shrinking wilderness

The legendary tusker was first photographed in 2002 by renowned wildlife photographer Vajira Wijegunawardena. During those early years, wildlife enthusiasts referred to him as the “Somawathiya Tusker” because he was frequently sighted around the floodplains near Somawathiya before travelling towards Minneriya and Kaudulla during the season of the great elephant gathering.

Later, the giant elephant was named Mahasen in honour of the ancient King Mahasen, the visionary ruler who built the magnificent Minneriya Tank. The name reflected not only strength and majesty, but also a deep connection to the same historic landscape shaped by kings, forests, and elephants thousands of years ago.

Today, Mahasen is believed to be around 60 years old, making him one of the oldest surviving wild tuskers in Sri Lanka. Towering above most elephants, he possesses perhaps the largest pair of tusks ever documented among Sri Lanka’s wild elephants, stretching beyond six feet in length.

For decades, Mahasen became one of the greatest attractions of the famous elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park and Kaudulla National Park — one of the largest congregations of Asian elephants anywhere in the world.

Photographers from across the globe waited patiently for hours hoping to capture the old king emerging from the dusty grasslands, at dusk, his enormous tusks glowing beneath the golden evening light. For many wildlife lovers, witnessing Mahasen in the wild became an unforgettable experience.

“Mahasen carries an extraordinary presence,” Chandika Lakmal explained. “Even among large elephants, he stands apart. There is a certain calmness, confidence, and dignity in the way he moves. You immediately understand why ancient people considered tuskers sacred.”

Yet beyond his beauty and fame, Mahasen also represents the fragile future of Sri Lanka’s elephants.

Modern conservation science identifies elephants as “keystone species” and “umbrella species,” meaning their survival protects entire ecosystems. Elephants create pathways through forests, disperse seeds, maintain grasslands, and help sustain biodiversity across vast landscapes.

“Elephants are ecosystem engineers,” Chandika Lakmal said. “The forest itself depends on them. Without elephants, the structure of these ecosystems begins to change. Protecting tuskers, like Mahasen, means protecting entire habitats and countless other species.”

Sadly, Sri Lanka’s wild elephants now face mounting threats.

Habitat fragmentation, shrinking forests, electric fences, roads, railway accidents, illegal shootings, and human-elephant conflict continue to endanger their survival.

Nearly 60 percent of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants live outside protected national parks, surviving within fragmented forests and ancient tank ecosystems increasingly surrounded by human settlements.

Traditional elephant migration corridors that existed for centuries have now been blocked by agriculture and development projects. As elephants lose access to food and water, they are increasingly forced into villages and farmlands, creating dangerous encounters between humans and wildlife.

Even Mahasen has not escaped these pressures.

In recent years, the ageing tusker’s movements have become increasingly restricted. Wildlife observers believe the enormous weight of his tusks, combined with old age, has forced him into smaller forest patches between Kakirawa and Maradankadawala where food and water are available within shorter distances.

Several months ago, Mahasen was discovered with a serious wound on his back believed to have been caused either by a gunshot injury or a clash with another elephant. Wildlife officials intervened quickly and treated the giant tusker, offering hope that he would recover once again.

However, concern continues to grow among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts as sightings of Mahasen have become increasingly rare in recent months.

For many Sri Lankans, the thought of losing Mahasen is deeply emotional.

“Mahasen is not just another elephant,” Chandika Lakmal said quietly. “He is one of the last living symbols of Sri Lanka’s ancient wilderness. Future generations deserve the chance to see such animals alive in our forests, not only in photographs or history books.”

Despite his immense ecological and cultural importance, many villagers living near elephant habitats still struggle with fear and economic hardship caused by crop raids and property damage.

Conservationists stress that long-term coexistence can only be achieved through proper land-use planning, protection of elephant corridors, community awareness, and sustainable conservation policies.

Across the forests of Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Gal Oya National Park, and Wasgamuwa National Park, Sri Lanka’s remaining tuskers continue their silent struggle against an uncertain future.

But among them all, Mahasen remains special.

He is more than an old tusker wandering through fading forests.

He is the last king of a vanishing wilderness.

And as long as Mahasen still walks beneath the ancient trees of Sri Lanka’s dry zone, the spirit of the island’s wild heritage continues to survive majestic, untamed, and unforgettable.

By Ifham Nizam

Life style

Stars shine bright

Published

5 days ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

Leading figures from the industry graced the ‘Tharulya’ Muhurat ceremony

An auspicious beginning for ‘Tharulya’

The Muhurath ceremony of ‘Tharulya’ the newest teledrama directed by Sudarma Jayewardena, was held in a graceful setting at Waters Edge recently, bringing together artistes, television personalities and invited guests from the entertainment industry.

The auspicious occasion marked the official beginning of the much-awarded teleseries, with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp adding colour and glamour to the evening.

Cast members and crew joined Sudarma in celebrating the launch while industry well-wishers extended their support for the production.

Sudarma is known for her emotionally rich story telling and distinctive creative touch. When asked about her new tele-serial, she expressed optimism ‘Tharulya’ is expected to bring a fresh narrative to the local television audiences. For her ‘Tharulya’ can be described as a reflection of dreams, emotions and human relationships, woven into meaningful teledrama narratives. The word ‘Tharulya’ evokes a poetic sense of stars, hope and destiny, symbolising the journeys and emotional bonds explored through the story.

Sudarma Jayewardena is known for her work as a actress, director, producer and creative visionary behind several acclaimed teledramas. Over the years she has build a reputation for presenting emotionally layered stories that explore family dynamics, social realities, women’s experiences and human relationships with sensitivity and depth .

Her teledramas are known for strong story telling, refined casting and cinematic production.

The teledrama, ‘Ganga Adare’, directed by Sudarma, is among the well known television production.

This tele-series became popular on the small screen for its emotional story telling, strong character development and family centred narrative style that resonated with Sinhala TV audiences.

Sudarma’s involvement in musical events, like ‘Sonu Nigam,’ highlighted her versatility beyond teledramas, showcasing her ability to create large scale entertainment events that combined glamour, culture and audience appeal.

Sudharma, who is no stranger in the entertainment industry, is the Managing Director of Star Events. ‘Tharulya’ was produced by Saranga Mendis. This much talked about teleserial is all set to unspool on Derena TV.

Beyond teledramas , Sudarma also contributed to musical and entertainment programmes, expanding her influence within Sri Lanka’s media industry. Her productions are often noted for their polished presentation and emotional story telling. (Zanita) Pix by Thushara Attapathu

: Smile,glamour and anticipation for the young star

: Powerful performances expected as he steps into a key role

: Moments from the launch

: Soulful voice adds magic

: Creativity in motion as Director Sudarma Jayewardena leads the cast with her spouse

: Invited guests marked the launch

Life style

Sri Lanka and Viet Nam soar into a new era of co-operation

Published

5 days ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

Landmark visit celebrating diplomacy, connectivity and growing economic partnerships

Air Bridge of Friendship

The state visit of the Party Secretary and State President, To Lam of Viet Nam, to Sri Lanka, heralds a defining moment in bilateral relations, where diplomacy and aviation converge in a new era of connectivity. With the launch of Viet Nam air services, linking the two nations, the partnership soars behind traditional statecraft -opening a seamless corridors for tourism, trade and cultural exchange between South and South East Asia.

My interview with the Ambassador for Viet Nam in Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi Tam, went as follows:

(Q) How significant is the State visit to Sri Lanka by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam?

(A)Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s visit to Sri Lanka is highly significant as it takes place when the two countries have just celebrated 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Viet Nam is the first ASEAN members to visit Sri Lanka, and is also the first ASEAN country that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited after assuming office. More, importantly, both sides agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership on this occasion, opening a new chapter for cooperation in politics, trade, tourism, culture, education, and connectivity. The visit reflects the strong mutual trust and the shared determination to deepen cooperation in the years ahead.

(Q) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share centuries old Buddhist links. How can these spiritual and cultural ties be transformed into stronger people-to-people tourism?

(A) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share centuries-old Buddhist and cultural links, which create a very strong foundation for closer people-to-people relations. These spiritual ties can be transformed into stronger tourism cooperation through Buddhist pilgrimage tours, exchanges between temples and universities, cultural festivals, and tourism promotion programmes. Increased air connectivity and easier travel arrangements will also encourage more visitors to explore each other’s cultural heritage and strengthen mutual understanding between the two peoples.

(Q) Direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City has generated great excitement in Sri Lanka. How important is this milestone for tourism and bilateral relations?

Proud moment for Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam

(A) The launch of direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City by Viet Nam Airlines (national carrier) and Viet Jet (a private airline) is a historic milestone for bilateral relations. It not only shortens travel time but also creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, business cooperation as well as people-to-people and cultural exchange. This achievement comes at a very meaningful moment, following the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to enhance practical cooperation and strengthen connectivity between Southeast Asia and South Asia.

(Q) Do you think this direct flight will significantly increase Vietnamese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka within the next few years?

(A) Yes, we believe the direct flights will significantly increase Vietnamese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka over the next few years. Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly attractive to Vietnamese travellers because of its beautiful beaches, Buddhist heritage, natural landscapes, and hospitality. Easier connectivity and tourism promotion activities will help more Vietnamese people discover Sri Lanka. We also expect stronger two-way tourism exchanges, contributing positively to economic cooperation and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

(Q) Do you see Colombo becoming a stronger regional hub connecting Viet Nam with the Indian Ocean region?

(A) Colombo has great potential to become a stronger regional hub connecting Viet Nam with South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic location, combined with improving connectivity and growing economic cooperation, can help facilitate trade, tourism, logistics, and maritime cooperation. Following the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, Viet Nam sees many opportunities to work more closely with Sri Lanka in regional connectivity initiatives and strengthen economic links between Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

(Q) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have enjoyed decades of friendly relations. What makes this partnership unique in Asia?

Proud moment for Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam

Trinh Thi Tam played a key role in celebrating the historic visit

(A) The Viet Nam–Sri Lanka partnership has been built on longstanding friendship, mutual trust, and deep cultural connections rather than only economic interests. The two countries have consistently supported each other over many decades and share common values regarding independence, peace, and international cooperation. President Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam’s Nation Father, stopped over in Sri Lanka on three occasions. Vietnamese people has always treasured the strong, unconditional support offered by Sri Lankan people during our hard struggle against imperialism and colonialism. The recent elevation of bilateral ties reflects the maturity of this relationship and the shared vision to expand cooperation across many sectors in a sustainable and balanced manner.

(Q) How does Viet Nam view Sri Lanka’s role with South Asia and the Indian Ocean together?

(A) Viet Nam highly values Sri Lanka’s important role in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka’s strategic location and historical role as a maritime and commercial centre make it an important partner for regional connectivity and economic cooperation. With Sri Lanka’s keen interest in engaging more with ASEAN (Regional Comprehensive Economic Parnership ) Viet Nam believes Sri Lanka can play an even stronger role in connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, especially in trade, tourism, logistics and maritime cooperation.

(Q) How would you describe the current diplomatic relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka after the Party General Secretary and State President’s visit?

(A) Following the visit, the diplomatic relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka can be described as stronger, more dynamic, and more future-oriented. The establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership demonstrates the high level of political trust and creates a solid framework for expanding cooperation in many important sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, education, digital transformation, agriculture, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

(Q) After the Party General Secretary and State President, what is your vision for Viet Nam-Sri Lanka relations over the next decade?

(A) Over the next decade, we hope Viet Nam–Sri Lanka relations will develop into a stronger, broader, and more practical partnership under the framework of the Comprehensive Partnership. We expect deeper cooperation in trade, tourism, connectivity, digital economy, education, renewable energy, agriculture, and maritime cooperation. At the same time, people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation will continue to grow, creating a solid foundation for long-term friendship and mutual prosperity between the two countries.

(Q) What message does Viet Nam wish to send to Sri Lanka and South Asian Region through the visit?

(A) Through the Party General Secretary and State President’s visits to India and Sri Lanka, Viet Nam wishes to send a strong message of friendship, cooperation, and shared development to Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region. The visits demonstrates Viet Nam’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in South Asia and promoting peace, stability, connectivity, and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.