Life style
The best looks from the coronation weekend
It’s been a weekend of celebrations and history in the making for the coronation of King Charles. Last week some of the most fashionable celebrities, heads of state and members of royal families across the globe attended the official coronation at Westminster Abbey, which saw over 2000 guests witness the historical ceremony.
Although guests came dressed to the nines, they were actually asked to dress down for the occasion, breaking royal tradition as part of the King’s attempt to add an element of modernisation to the coronation. So, tiaras were swapped for fascinators and, with the exception of the King, Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales in royal regalia – robes and grand ceremonial garments were eschewed for more relaxed look. The result? Some stunning fashion moments from everyone from Katy Perry to Princess Beatrice.
Then on Sunday 7 May, the new King and Queen were thrown a star-studded concert with thousands of cheering members of the public – some 20,000 of them – in the audience in the grounds of Windsor Castle. The evening was hosted by Downtown Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville and saw the likes of Katy Perry, Nicole Scherzinger and Tiwa Savage take to the stage. Meanwhile, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, gave us a lesson in summer suit dressing (in her go-to Alexander McQueen, of course).
The evening also saw Prince William pay a touching tribute to his father and late grandmother, saying: “Pa, we all so proud of you,” before continuing: “I know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us.”
Kate Middleton
In keeping with the Alexander McQueen theme of the weekend, the Princess of Wales wore a red McQueen suit and her hair in soft waves to attend the coronation concert celebrations.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry stunned on stage in a metallic gold ball gown with matching opera-length gloves, and her hair slicked back into a sleek updo.
Sonam Kapoor
Making a spoken word performance at the coronation concert, actor Sonam Kapoor wore a floral gown co-designed by Anamika Khanna and Emilia Wickstead.
Kate Middleton
The Princess of Wales wore formal regal robes and a deep blue Royal Victorian Order mantle edged in
scarlet over an embroidered silk dress by Alexander McQueen for the coronation on Saturday 6 May. She didn’t opt for a tiara or flower crown, but a crystal and silver bullion leaf headpiece by Jess Collett for Alexander McQueen.
Rania Al Abdullah, Queen Consort of Jorda
Queen Rania wore a lemon yellow silk pencil dress by Tamara Ralph Couture.
Queen Letizia of Spain
Queen Letizia of Spain wore a fuchsia two-piece with a blush netted hat.
Pippa Middleton
We love the soft yellow shade of Pippa Middleton’s gown.
Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson arrived at Westminster Abbey in a red rose print coat from Emilia Wickstead over a black dress with black satin bejewelled pumps by Roger Vivier.
Princess Beatrice
Princess Beatrice wore a pink belted dress with a pearl clutch bag, statement headband and jewels by Garrard.
Jill and Finnegan Biden
Jill Biden wore a blue skirt with matching jacket, while granddaughter Finnegan Biden wore a custom Markarian sommer seamed corset dress with a matching cape in yellow silk crepe. The colours together appear to be a tribute to Ukraine, and the pair were seated next to Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska.
Zara Tindall
Zara Tindall wore a cornflower blue belted dress with a brooch belonging to her mother, Princess Anne.
Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan
Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan wore a traditional kira in a beautiful purple shade as she arrived at Westminster Abbey with King Jigme Khesar.
Kate Middleton has arrived at Westminster Abbey ahead of the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, a hugely historic event, so it’s no wonder the Princess of Wales chose to pay touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana with her choice of jewellery.
To pay tribute to the two royal women who came before her, the Princess of Wales wore the late Queen’s George VI Festoon necklace, three tiers of stunning diamonds which was originally created in 1950 as a gift from King George VI to his daughter, then Princess Elizabeth before being crowned Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Meanwhile Kate also honoured Princess Diana by wearing her pearl and diamond earrings, which she’s worn many times before.
To pay tribute to the two royal women who came before her, the Princess of Wales wore the late Queen’s George VI Festoon necklace, three tiers of stunning diamonds which was originally created in 1950 as a gift from King George VI to his daughter, then Princess Elizabeth before being crowned Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Kate also honoured Princess Diana by wearing her pearl and diamond earrings, which she’s worn many times before.
The Princess of Wales wore formal regal robes and a deep blue Royal Victorian Order mantle edged in scarlet – at the request of the King and Queen – over an embroidered silk dress by Alexander McQueen. She didn’t opt for a tiara or flower crown, but a crystal and silver bullion leaf headpiece by Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen. The embroidery work of rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock symbolised the four nations of the UK. Princess Charlotte dressed the same in an adorable mini-me moment, matching her mother in an ivory Alexander McQueen dress with the same floral embroidery and Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece.
Between the Royal Family, A-listers and the international elite, the Coronation of King Charles III was always going to be a fashion spectacle for the ages.
The pomp and pageantry of the ceremony lived up to expectation, and while spouts of protest accounted for moments of ruckus outside, guests making their way to the 2000-strong congregation did so in spectacular style.
Inevitably, it was the Firm’s chief of glamour, the Princess of Wales, who won hearts with the most fashionable look from the family – this time, with the added presence of her mini-me. Catherine enlisted the help of Alexander McQueen’s creative director Sarah Burton, her longtime trusted designer who was behind her 2011 lace wedding dress, to craft the ivory crepe gown, embroidered with roses, thistles, daffodils, and shamrocks she wore under her blue state robe.
Importantly, McQueen worked with London based milliner Jess Collett to make Greek-like, silver floral headbands in the place of a tiara squashing months of speculation over whether she would be borrowing from the Royal collection, and fears of a flower crown more suited to Glastonbury. Making headlines, however, was her daughter Princess Charlotte, who at 8 years old won hearts in her matching McQueen white cape, sparkling headpiece, and white ballet pumps, alongside her brother Prince Louis who, though restless in ceremony, looked smart in navy.
Ranking high in grandeur was Princess Anne, who wore her her Blues and Royals uniform and the green velvet Thisle cloak complete with a red feathered, bicorne hat. Her daughter, Zara Phillips, was less stoic but still elegant in a baby blue dress coat, matching Strathberry bag and diamond brooch last worn by Princess Anne in 2017.
Sisters Princess Eugenie and Beatrice took opposing routes, the former in subdued navy Fendi and the later a hot pink Beluah dress, a label whose tagline is “fighting slavery through fashion”. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh was respectful in her Suzannah London white gown which, designer Suzannah Crabb told The Standard, “features a beautiful hand embroidered train inspired by gowns and regalia from the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.” While not heaving with Hollywood superstars like a Royal Wedding, a number of famous faces did pull focus. Dame Emma Thomspon was an early arriver, doing so in a flamboyant red and black rose woven opera coat by Emilia Wickstead. She was joined by Lionel Richie, who was dapper in a top hat and Garrad diamond brooch, Ant and Dec, in three-piece morning suits and Nick Cave who was ever the vamp in a black suit with dark hair slicked back.
Also outside the Abbey was Dame Joanna Lumley, who is infamously fond of the royal family, and looked thrilled to be in attendance wearing her 60s style navy dress with a contrast white collar and white bowler hat. Stealing focus, though, was a sugar-pink Katy Perry who wore a bespoke suit from Vivienne Westwood, UK fashion’s late Queen of Punk, as she arrived with British Vogue’s editor in chief Edward Enninful. Left and right came together as streams of UK politicians made their way into the Abbey for the ceremony. It was Penny Mordaunt, the Tory MP who is the Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Privy Council, who stole the spotlight as she demonstrated impeccable upper body strength holding up the mighty 17th-century Sword of State for the duration of the service.
Her outfit, a teal caped dress with golden fern embroidery from Hand and Lock, was more controversial, giving way to a string of less favourable memes. UK Prime Minster Rishi Sunak arrived with wife Akshata Murty, who opted for a soft blue, jacquard dress by London based designer Claire Mischevani. “It was an absolute pleasure to dress Mrs Murty, for such a momentous, British occasion,” the designer told The Standard. “As an independent British brand, it means so much to see our pieces worn to such occasions.”
Former Prime Ministers included David Cameron and his wife Samantha, who wore a floral red frock with scarlet hat, Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie, who opted for a blue dress and navy tweed jacket, as well as Liz Truss and Thersea May who both braved shots of orange in their looks.
And with no fear of controversy, it was Suella Braverman who won prize for most outlandish head piece as she demanded attention wearing an huge, cream organza fascinator and grey suit.
The Coronation would not have been complete without a helping of international razz-matazz – and there was no shortage of that. Led by the woman dubbed Spain’s answer to Kate Middleton, Queen Letizia did not disappoint in a hot pink peplum skirt suit by Carolina Herrera, complemented by a wide brimmed hat as she made her way into the Abbey with husband, King Felipe. Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece was another adopter of the popular powder blue in her custom look by Mary Katrantzou, which she finished with an unconventional clutch – a model of Marcel Proust’s novel In Search of Lost Time. Rounding off the best dressed European royals was Princess Charlene of Monaco, who was ever-striking but understated in a pale beige, button-up skirt and blazer complete with sash-style drape.
Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, opted for a periwinkle power suit, with matching gloves and ribbonned headpiece nestled in blonde hair. It comes after her shocking hot pink statement as she met with Akshata Murty at No.10 Downing Street yesterday. First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, wife of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also made an inspiring appearance alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in a monochromatic, pale-teal look.
Her smart overcoat featured side pleats, worn over a coordinating slip dress and finished with drop pearl earrings and white heels. French president Emmanuel Macron wore an all black suit and tie as he was joined by his wife Brigitte, who channelled quiet luxury in an uber-chic pastel pink dress and matching coat designed by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton. Elsewhere, looking resplendent in their respective national dress, were King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan, Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho of Tonga, and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan.
EMD Upali, a familiar name in both the Colombo Bar and the Sinhala stage, is gearing up to unveil his latest theatrical venture, Pavul Kana Minihek, the Sinhala adaptation of Iris Murdoch’s acclaimed novel The Black Prince. The play goes on board on December 6 at 7 pm at the open-air theatre of the Sudarshi Hall, Colombo.
Though not physically tall, he stands tall in fame. Upali’s open, friendly nature and ever-present smile make him a respected figure in both legal and theatrical circles. The veteran director is also remembered for introducing the late Jackson Anthony to the stage through his 1983 hit Methanin Maruwenu, a production that went on to win national acclaim.
But his journey began much earlier. As an undergraduate at the University of Colombo, he created Methanin Maruwenu for an inter-faculty drama competition in 1981 and walked away with the Best Director award. The reworked version won him another Best Director title at the 1983 State Drama Festival. Two years later, he repeated the feat with Piyambana Assaya.
Academic commitments kept him away from the stage until 1995, when he returned with Eva Balawa, a Sinhala adaptation of J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls.
“Lucien de Zoysa first staged the English version at the Lionel Wendt in memory of his son Richard,” Upali recalls. “I adapted it into Sinhala using the script by my guru and friend, Upali Attanayake. Eva Balawa went on to win four State Awards, including Best Director (Adaptation).”
He followed this success with Chara Purusha (2000), adapted from Gogol’s The Government Inspector; Wana Tharavi, his staging of Ibsen’s The Wild Duck during the Ibsen Centenary celebrations; and Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard as Idamedi Wikine in 2014.
Pavul Kana Minihek is Murdoch’s philosophical and psychologically charged masterwork, adapted from Prof. J.A.P. Jayasinghe’s Sinhala translation. Produced by Jude Srimal, the play features Sampath Perera as Bradley Pearson alongside theatre stalwarts Lakshman Mendis, Nilmini Sigera, Madani Malwage, Jayanath Bandara, Mihiri Priyangani and Chanu Disanayake. Music is by Theja Buddika Rodrigo.
Behind the curtain sits an equally seasoned crew: production designer Pradeep Chandrasiri, costume designer Ama Wijesekara, lighting designer Ranga Kariyawasam, make-up artist Sumedha Hewavitharana and stage manager Lakmal Ranaraja.
Murdoch’s philosophical depth, Upali notes, is central to both the novel and the play.
“Murdoch’s background in philosophy flows through the narrative,” he says. “The Black Prince grapples with the pursuit of truth, through erotic love, through art, through suffering. She was a Platonist, and that worldview shapes the protagonist Bradley Pearson’s journey.”
Murdoch’s novel, published in 1973, won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize before being adapted for the stage in 1989.
“We condensed the play into a sharp, two-hour production,” Upali says. “With Pradeep Chandrasiri’s design, we recreated both Bradley’s and Arnold Baffin’s homes on stage. Our approach was minimalistic, but every decision was grounded in careful experimentation.”
Upali is candid about the realities surrounding Sinhala theatre especially when adapting world-class works.
“The biggest challenge is funding,” he says. “A proper production costs at least five million rupees. Institutions like the British Council or Goethe-Institut help occasionally, but not enough.”
He points to recent successes such as Nuga Gahak, Kanchuka Dharmasena’s Sinhala adaptation of Tim Crouch’s The Oak Tree, staged with the help of the British Council, and Rajitha Dissanayake’s Ape Gedarata Gini Thiyaida, supported by the Sunera Foundation.
“We must be happy some people get sponsorships. It’s rare. But if we create good theatre, audiences still come.”
The director laments Sri Lanka’s lack of proper theatrical infrastructure.
“In Sri Lanka, theatre is treated as a ahikuntika kalawa, a gypsy art,” he says. “Actors and crew load a bus with props, travel, perform once and return. In developed countries, theatres run the same play for months, sometimes years.”
Venues remain limited and expensive. Lionel Wendt is booked out months ahead; most other halls lack even basic acoustics.
“Many places are just meeting halls. Audiences beyond the middle rows can’t hear the actors. These shortcomings drain the cultural life of the nation.”
With auditorium rentals running between Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 100,000 a day, directors often wait months for dates.
“A play must be staged at least once a month to stay alive,” he remarks. “Theatre isn’t something you can store on a chip.”
Sri Lanka also lacks full-time theatre companies. “Our actors must juggle movies, teledramas, TV ads, political stages, news anchoring — everything,” Upali notes. “They have to. There’s no other income.”
Hiring them for a single performance can cost Rs. 300,000. Full production ranges from Rs. 2 million to Rs. 5 million.
“When we began, even films didn’t cost this much.”
Meanwhile, audiences are shrinking. “We are living in a TikTok world,” he says with a wry smile. “People want instant gratification. Sitting through a two-hour play is becoming harder and harder.”
Yet despite the odds, Upali remains committed to the stage and to bringing global literature to Sinhala audiences.
“I believe in theatre,” he says simply. “And I believe our audiences still care, even in a distracted world.”
Pavul Kana Minihek
opens this week and promises to remind us of that serious theatre still has a place, and a voice, in Sri Lanka.
(Pix by Hemantha Chandrasiri)
The celebration of the National Day of the Sultanate of Oman unfolded with distinguished elegance, as diplomats, dignitaries and invited guests gathered to honour the rich heritage and modern achievements of the Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of Sultan Hatham bin Tarik.
The Ambassador of Oman in Sri Lanka Ahamed Ali Said Al Rashdi delivered a gracious and heart-felt address reflecting on the deep-rooted ties between Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman.
He spoke of the region’s shared maritime history, centuries of cultural exchanges and the growing partnerships that continue to strengthen bilateral friendships between Sri Lanka and with the Sultanate of Oman.
-
- Former Foreign Minister Al Sabry with other guests
-
- The Ambassador of Turkiye Semih Lutfu Turgot with Governor of Western province Hanif Yusuf
-
- Gracious welcome from the Ambassador of Oman, Ahamad Ali Said Al Rashid
The Ambassador also highlighted Oman’s progress under the visionary leadership of the Sultanate, celebrating the nation’s advances in economic and regional co-operation, values that align closely with Sri Lanka’s aspirations.
One of the evening’s best highlights was the culinary journey, specially curated to offer guests an authentic taste of Omani hospitality.
The buffet unfolded a tapestry of flavours, fragrant Omani biryani, slow cooked meats, grilled seafood and an array of vibrant desserts like delicacies especially Omani dates, offering a sweet finale while the aroma of Omani coffee lingered like a gentle cultural embrace.
It was an evening that did far more than celebrate a National Day. It unfolded as a journey into the soul of Oman, wrapped in sophistication and unforgettable charm.
The glamour of the evening was heightened by the graceful flow of distinguished guests in elegant allure, warm diplomatic exchanges and the subtle rhythm of traditional Omani melody.
Rainco’s touch of couture
It was a dazzling evening that merged fashion, function and fine design, as Rainco Sri Lanka’s homegrown brand synonymous with quality and craftsmanship – unveiled its new umbrella collection ‘Be my Rainco’ at Cinnamon Life setting a new standard for stylish innovation.
Chic,sleek,and storm ready
This event graced by a distinguished guest list of fashion connoisseurs, influencers and design enthusiasts was more than a product launch. It was a celebration of form and artistry. The highlight of the evening was a fashion showcase curated by acclaimed designer Brian Kerkovan who brought his international flair to Rainco’s refined aesthetic. Models glided down the runaway carrying striking umbrellas, their balanced elegance and engineering transforming a daily essential into statement of luxury.
Bathed in soft lighting and accompanied by an evocative musical score, the ambience exuded sophistication. The collection crafted with meticulous attention in detail, featured bold silhouettes, luxe finished and innovative textures, echoing the brand’s philosophy of merging practicality with panache.
Speaking at the launch, Rainco’s General Manager marketing and innovation, Awarna Ventures (Ltd)Gayani Gunawardena said with pride his milestone collaboration, noting how the brand’s evolution from a household essential to a symbol of contemporary lifestyle.
The evening concluded with a toast to creativity – a fitting finale for a brand that continues to inspire confidence and styles ,rain or sunshine.
(ZC)
Landslide RED warnings continue to be in force for the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara Eliya
Fakhar Zaman fined 10% of match fee for showing dissent at umpire’s decision
Showers will occur in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern,Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Matale district
IMF pledges additional aid to Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah destruction
Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir takes oath as SJB National List MP
Govt. to roll out loan facilities for new entrepreneurs from next month
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News6 days agoWeather disasters: Sri Lanka flooded by policy blunders, weak enforcement and environmental crime – Climate Expert
-
Latest News7 days agoLevel I landslide RED warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurnegala, Natale, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
-
Latest News7 days agoINS VIKRANT deploys helicopters for disaster relief operations
-
News3 days ago
Lunuwila tragedy not caused by those videoing Bell 212: SLAF
-
Latest News4 days agoLevel III landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya
-
News2 days agoLevel III landslide early warning continue to be in force in the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale
-
Features4 days agoDitwah: An unusual cyclone
-
Latest News5 days agoUpdated Payment Instructions for Disaster Relief Contributions