Fashion

Ramzi Rahaman – The master craftsman

Published

1 year ago

2024/02/4

Thilina Walpola

Ramzi Rahaman

by Savitri de Alwis

It is said that a woman’s crowning glory is her ‘hair’ and it’s the crown she never takes off! For centuries ‘hair’ has been seen as a symbol of strength and beauty in women and from the dawn of civilisation, hair’ has been a fashion statement. Queen Cleopatra’s intriguing braids to heavily sprayed and back-combed beehive and bouffant hairdo of the 70s, to posh bobs and cute fringes, hair curled or waved in rollers, dreadlocks, braids, chignons, buns et al, in all forms and shapes have dominated fashion over time. And truly a good hair day is a boost to one’s self confidence to take on the world.

In that light Ramzi Rahaman the celebrated and sought after hairdresser has been living and breathing it all for 50 in turning the ‘ordinary’ into ‘extraordinary’ with his remarkable talent & skill. He is a master craftsman in his trade, a technically perfect skilled veteran in the industry for half a century. He is also a famed beautician – in the art and craft of make-up and reputed for his bridal creations in making brides breathtakingly beautiful on their unforgettable day.

Ramzi was born into a Malay family of seven (six boys and a girl). Born and raised in Colombo, his father, an accountant, very early recognised that Ramzi was a ‘cut’ above. His natural talent swayed for art & oil painting and to hone his skills his father sent him to the acclaimed Ivor Baptist, a landscape artist, even though he could ill afford the lessons.

As much as Ramzi enjoyed painting, he was fascinated by his maternal grandmother’s long hair which she skilfully wove into chic styles. She became his Muse – a creative influence to inspire Ramzi to take on hair dressing seriously. However, as the culture dictated then, in the 1970s Ceylon, it was an industry commanded by females such as Salon Moira, Janet Dias, Salon Gladys etc. It was almost impossible for Ramzi to enlist as a student for hair-dressing in a profession which was meant exclusively for females.

Nevertheless, dauntlessly and relentlessly he pursued his goal to learn the craft that he was passionate about and finally he was enlisted as the only male student in a class full of females where he topped the batch. He speaks of his guru Logi Mariathasan with deep affection for giving him the opportunity.

Ramzi with Chandrika Kumaratunga

Dressing Shiranthi Rajapaksa as a bride

Thereafter having gained some practical experience upon his local qualification he went to London to learn the technicalities to be a skilled craftsman in the trade he loved at the famous Morris School of Hairdressing and then on to other reputed schools in the UK to keep abreast of the demanding skills and trends as required of a top stylist.

Upon his return in the 1970s, Ramzi’s humble beginnings were acknowledged as he launched himself as a ‘Coiffeur’ in a rented room for a salon at Barnes Place, Colombo 7. This was only possible with the financial support of his family with makeshift equipment due to an austere period in the country. Imports were limited, even the basics such as backwash hair basins were lacking. Neither was there any hair products readily available and he would improvise with stale beer to shape and fashion his hair creations with a perfect result. But Ramzi lived through it all, built his clientele and adapted to the changing scenes as the Hair & Beauty industry evolved in Sri Lanka into a mega industry which catapulted him to fame.

With Rosy Senanayake

Ramzi Rahaman’s impressive client list includes a former President of Sri Lanka, Mrs Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, a former first lady (a past beauty queen) as a bride on her wedding day as she wed Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, a host of past beauty queens of Sri Lanka including Mrs. Rosy Senanayake on her first pageant and also other well-known personalities.

His Salon located off D.S Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 8 continues to be frequented by his loyal clientele. His numerous international awards adorn the walls of his salon with his A listers and creations. A staunch disciplinarian as a Salon Keeper, his commitment to hard work has been his weapon for success. His sound advice to freshers in the industry is ‘love your hair, love your work and do not chase after money.’

With his youthful looks and a vibrant personality Ramzi Rahaman continues to do what he loves best – making his clients ‘feel’ beautiful. He is acknowledged hugely for his invaluable contribution to the Hair & Beauty Industry in Sri Lanka. And, his inherent talent & skill as a hairdresser, fashion designer, beautician, an artiste par excellence whose creations and craft are immensely valued by women experiencing and celebrating their inner beauty.

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Fashion

Global advocate for humanity

Published

2 weeks ago

2025/03/23

Thilina Walpola

Charming Anudi Gunasekara (25y) is the reigning Miss World Sri Lanka 2024/25. Hailing from Anuradhapura where she studied at Central College, Anuradhapura, she is a graduate from the University of Kelaniya with a Second Upper BA (Hons) degree in International Studies.

She also holds a Diploma in International Relations from the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS)

An Honorary Member of Rotary International 3220, Anudi is the Founder of Saheli, a non-profit organization to combat period poverty in Sri Lanka.

She represents Sri Lanka at the Miss World grand finale in India in May this year.

Begun in 1951, the Miss World pageant is the world’s oldest beauty pageant. In 1972, Miss World became the first major international pageant to feature a dedicated charity program, “Beauty with a Purpose,” which has since raised millions of dollars for causes such as education, disaster relief, and child healthcare.

Excerpt of interview with this ethereal beauty.

We can see a glow in your face and it looks like you are excited to be part of the Miss World Contest?

Absolutely! Competing in Miss World has always been a dream of mine. Wearing the Sri Lankan sash with pride and representing my country on such a prestigious stage is truly a dream come true. I’m incredibly excited for the main competition!

What made you choose your journey in the world of beauty pageants?

I’ve been modelling since I was 19, and Miss World was always a milestone I aspired to achieve. It wasn’t an overnight decision but rather something I’ve been preparing for over the years. What truly drew me to Miss World is its purpose beyond physical beauty, it made me realize that this is my calling.

Did your parents appreciate your choice of entering into pageantry. If no how did you convinced them?

They have always been incredibly understanding and supportive. As the eldest among my siblings, I grew up as an independent child, and that has built a strong sense of trust. They believe in me and know that I can handle whatever comes my way.

You are not only representing Sri Lanka, but the entire world which also adds responsibilities on your shoulders. One such responsibility will be your association with humanity. Tell us how you will deal?

As Miss Sri Lanka and a participant in Miss World, I recognize that my role extends beyond representing my country, it is also about embracing the responsibility of being a global advocate for humanity.

One of the most effective ways to uphold this responsibility is by using my platform to address pressing social issues, particularly those affecting marginalized women. Through my Beauty with a Purpose project, I have already committed to tackling period poverty in Sri Lanka by raising awareness, improving access to sanitary products, and advocating for policy changes. However, the issue of menstrual equity is not confined to one country; it is a global concern that affects millions of women.

Whether it is period poverty, gender inequality, or access to education, my approach will always be rooted in compassion, action, and sustainable solutions.

Who would be your role model from Miss World pageantry?

Manushi Chhillar was the Miss World who truly inspired me to pursue this journey. Her story and purpose resonated with me, reinforcing my desire to be part of Miss World.

Could you walk as through your prep routine diet, fitness, personality training etc. What will you do if you win the title?

The Miss World Sri Lanka team and I work tirelessly to ensure that I represent myself in the best way possible. Fitness has been a key focus as I prepare for the sports and fitness segment, and while I’m mindful of my diet, I make sure not to restrict my body to the point of discomfort. Balance is important. Additionally, I undergo daily training to refine my personality and overall presentation, ensuring I bring my best self to the competition.

What is beauty according to you and how do you drive purpose in beauty?

To me, beauty is not just about appearance, it is a reflection of one’s character, values, and the impact they create in the world. True beauty lies in kindness, resilience, and the ability to uplift others. I drive purpose in beauty by ensuring that my voice, actions, and platform contribute to meaningful change. As Miss Sri Lanka, I have used my role to advocate for menstrual equity through my Beauty with a Purpose project, addressing period poverty and empowering women with knowledge and resources. Beauty becomes purposeful when it is used as a force for good, when it inspires confidence, creates opportunities, and fosters a sense of belonging.

There are many who debate whether beauty pageants are still relevant or not, what is your stand on this?

Beauty pageants, particularly Miss World, remains highly relevant because they have evolved beyond physical appearance to become platforms for advocacy, empowerment, and social change. When done right, pageants are not just about crowns and titles, they are about purpose, passion, and making a difference. That is why I stand firmly in support of their continued relevance.

Lastly your message for all those aspiring girls who wants to win a beauty pageant?

Don’t approach it as a race, but see it as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. You don’t need to win a title to make a meaningful impact on society. What truly makes you a queen isn’t the crown you wear, but how you treat others and the positive changes you bring to the world.

By Zanita Careem

Fashion

Mythical Ceylon Collection by CHARINI

Published

3 weeks ago

2025/03/16

Thilina Walpola

By Zanita Careem

CHARINI is a well-known brand renowned for its bold yet elegant statement designs and unique concepts. This season,popular designer CHARINI will be presenting a collection that gives Sri Lankan traditional art a contemporary twist, bringing the mythical creatures of Sri Lankan history to life, beautified with floral elements from ancient paintings.

Each element has been meticulously hand-drawn with intricate details, staying true to the rich heritage of Sri Lankan artistry. These hand-drawn illustrations have then been carefully transformed into artworks, which are printed onto fabric to seamlessly blend tradition with modern design. This fusion of craftsmanship and innovation brings a unique depth to each piece in the collection. This is… the Mythical Ceylon Collection by CHARINI.’’

Fashion

Nescafé Fashion Café

Published

3 weeks ago

2025/03/16

Thilina Walpola

Nescafé Sri Lanka launched their “Nescafé Fashion Café” at Colombo Fashion Week 2025, a first-of-its-kind experience blending coffee with fashion, serving as the official coffee partner for the event. It was designed to be a unique hub for designers, artists, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts to connect As a brand that awakens senses and fuel ambition, the Nescafe Fashion Cafe will be a creative space where the energy of thr runway meets the warmth of a perfectly brewed cafe. This is a celebration of creativity,individuality, that resonate values deeply with Nescafe said Bernie Stefan Managing Director Nestle Lanka