Fashion

Magic force behind Colombo Fashion Weeks

Published

8 months ago

2025/04/27

Ramani Fernando and her team has been an intergral part of Colombo Fashion Weeks.She is still riding the high of Colombo Fashion Weeks from inception. Ramani Fernando salons has continued to create stunning hairstyles and make-up looks for the models. Through the eyes of fashion enthusiasts and attendees, Colombo Fashion week sponsored by Master Card presents itself as a series of perfectly organised catwalks, presentations and events. An entire array of stylists from ramani fernando salons works backstage at alldays making sure every part of the show runs smoothly but it is Ramani who is just one of the creatives behind Colombo Fashion Weeks, hair and make-up looks Here she breaks down the inspirations behind the scenes moments, and creative process that brings Colombo Fashion Week to life.

Ramani Fernando, one of the legends in the fashion world, garners the highest praises throughout the Colombo fashion weeks and beyond whether she’s creating a sleek pony tail, crafting an avant garde hairdo or the iconic looks ..

She speaks about the backstage , the buzz behind the scenes and how she colloborates with different designers to create looks ,what brands she is is using with each hairstyle on the models Immense success at all the fashion weeks from inception,has put her in the fashion map leading her to win many accolades and awards.

I absolutely love fashion weeks and the lead up to it. Being part of the designer vision,understanding who they want thier cast to look and feellike when they walk the runaway and executing the look is the most intense but creatively dynamic experience’ she says.

Fashion weeks are a marathon,not a sprint. It’s all about asking the right questions. My job is to dip deep,piece together the creative puzzle and bring out the vision .the designer My work is all about the designer’s vision and never aligning bound or answering to trends sometimes. Each fashion sh was a celebration of diversity and creativity showcasing hairstyles and make up that are unique and authentic as the collections.

Your work at fashion weeks has been legendary. Can you walk us through what it’s like to be backstage at these major fashion shows? How do you find inspiration to create new looks for almost all the runway shows a year?

Backstage is an exhilarating mix of chaos and creativity. There’s a pulse – a certain kind of eclectic feeling that runs through everyone, from stylists to designers to models. It’s fast, intense, but incredibly exciting My inspiration comes from everywhere—architecture, nature, street fashion, even music. But ultimately, it’s the designer’s vision that guides the look. I take that vision and elevate it with a twist that brings edge, elegance, or drama, depending on the brief.

Its no secret that many of the signature looks of your styles lean more toward the avant-garde than traditional styles. What’s your opinion on that?

That’s very true—and intentional. While we absolutely respect timeless, classic beauty, I believe hair should also be an expression of individuality and art. The avant-garde allows us to push limits, question norms, and celebrate boldness. It keeps creativity alive in the salon and challenges us to stay at the forefront of global trends.

How does it all start coming together?

It usually begins with understanding the designer’s vision. From there, I experiment with textures, shapes, and styles to find what best complements the collection. Once we have the direction, I work closely with my team to define the look so it’s practical, beautiful, and ready to handle the fast-paced environment backstage.

What’s it really like backstage for you?

It’s adrenaline-fueled! There are moments of pressure, of course—but also moments of pure magic. You see an idea you’ve carried in your mind come to life in real time. And that buzz, that intensity—it never gets erased and Love the camaraderie, the unspoken communication, the rhythm. It’s like a well-choreographed performance where everyone knows their part.

You’ve had the chance to work with many celebrities, models, and high-profile clients. Can you share some standout moments?

There have been many special moments, but what stands out most is the trust they place in me. Whether it’s for a show or a shoot, it’s always exciting to help someone feel confident and look their best. Every client brings a unique experience.

What’s in your backstage kit?

Oh, everything! A wide range of brushes and combs, of course. My go-to styling products—texturizing spray, heat protectant, finishing spray, strong-hold gel. Pins in every shape and size. A good hairdryer, flat iron, curling wand. And then there are the wild cards—glitter, feathers, hair nets, even sculpting tools—because you never know what the look might demand.

What’s it like to work at fashion weeks so many years?

It’s the most thrilling rollercoaster you’ll ever ride. The pace is fast, the expectations are high, and yet the creative freedom is unmatched. It’s also deeply collaborative—everyone brings out their best. You walk away exhausted but completely fulfilled, with a sense of pride that’s hard to describe.

Who is your favourite designer to work on?

That’s a tough to answer! Each designer brings a unique energy and perspective. But I’ve always loved working with those who aren’t afraid to take risks—who use hair as an extension of their collection’s narrative. I’ve had incredible collaborations with both local and international names, but the ones who trust you to co-create something bold—those are my favourites.

How do you see the evolution of styles from your early days to now?

It’s been fascinating. When I started, there was a strong focus on structured, polished looks. Over time, we’ve embraced more texture, more individuality, and more rebellion. Styles now celebrate diversity, authenticity, and imperfection—and I love that. The industry has grown more inclusive, and that’s reflected in the hairstyles we create today.

You are the recipients of many awards and how has that influenced your career?

Awards are a beautiful recognition of hard work, but they’re also a responsibility. They push me to keep evolving, to mentor others, and to give back to the industry that’s given me so much. They remind me never to settle—and to always aim higher, not just for myself, but for the teams I lead and the young stylists who look up to me.

Pix by Thushara Attapathu

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Fashion

NH collection ignities Christmas spirit

Published

2 weeks ago

2025/12/14

Thilina Walpola

Christmas vibes

NH collection transformed its sleek urban facade into a beacon of Christmas magic. The hotel’s grand Christmas Tree lighting ceremony unfolded with a sense of elegance and warmth that felt unmistakably NH.

There were many corporate guests and media glided into the lobby greeted by a soft grow of gold and amber lights.. The centre piece stood tall and proud – a soaring Christmas tree dressed in a shimmering ornaments brushed with twinkling lights that caught the eye from every angle – a symbol not first of the season but of the hotel’s commitment to creating extra ordinary moments. The moment the lights flickered on a burst of warmth, radiated across the lobby accompanied by the first sweet notes of the choir. The hotel glowed with festive décor, reflecting the vibes of the season

NH Collection Colombo marked the start of the festive season with its elegant Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, celebrated on 3rd December 2025, bringing a touch of warmth and seasonal charm to the heart of the city. This year, the event embraced a meaningful new approach, reflecting not only the joy of the season but also a message of confidence, resilience, and renewed positivity for Sri Lanka. The lobby transformed into a festive gathering space as guests, team members, and well-wishers came together to witness the first illumination of the Christmas tree.

General Manager Yann Decaix making welcome speech

This year’s tree, beautifully decorated in traditional Christmas colours, stood as the centrepiece of the celebration, symbolising joy, togetherness, and the timeless spirit of Christmas. By lighting our tree here at NH Collection Colombo, we are sending a message to the world — that Sri Lanka remains a warm, welcoming, and safe destination to travel. Our land of paradise is once again inviting tourists back with warmth and confidence, and our hotels continue to operate with the same passion, hospitality, and spirit we are known for. Soft carols, sung by our team members, enhanced the atmosphere as the lights came to life, creating a moment filled with festive cheer and an extraordinary sense of seasonal magic.

Guests were welcomed with a selection of festive delights, including cocktails, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and an array of hot and cold canapés complemented by mini mince pies. A graceful solo music performance added to the charm of the evening, building anticipation for the ceremonial lighting. Once illuminated, the celebration continued as guests enjoyed the warm, festive atmosphere.

Speaking at the event, Yann Decaix, General Manager of NH Collection Colombo, said:

“At NH Collection Colombo, we have curated a bundle of offerings for the festive season, designed to bring people together and create uplifting moments throughout December. This tree-lighting ceremony marks the beginning of a series of celebrations that reflect our commitment to extraordinary and memorable hospitality in the heart of the city.”

To complement the ceremony, NH Collection Colombo has unveiled a thoughtfully curated festive programme throughout December. Guests can look forward to a range of seasonal experiences, including the Christmas Eve Buffet at AYU, joyful Christmas Day celebrations, a flavourful Thai-inspired Christmas Night feast at Thai Rasa, and multiple New Year’s Eve events such as the grand Masquerade Gala Dinner in the Ballroom, the vibrant Rooftop NYE celebration at Vistas, and a family-friendly Kids’ NYE Programme at Adityaa. Each event is designed to deliver memorable dining, live entertainment, and uplifting festive moments for guests of all ages.

The full festive programme can be explored via the brochure here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/707707998/6/ The Christmas Tree Lighting served as a delightful prelude to the hotel’s festive programme, setting the tone for a season filled with refined experiences, heartfelt celebrations, and the signature warmth of NH Collection hospitality.

Fashion

Ethical beauty takes centre stage

Published

3 weeks ago

2025/12/7

Thilina Walpola

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.

Fashion

Ladies’ Night lights up Riyadh

Published

3 weeks ago

2025/12/7

Thilina Walpola

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!