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Amalie: A Sri Lankan designer making waves in Nairobi

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Meet the makers:The hands behind Yevanna’s soul

Every stitch is a livelihood, a story, a cultural memory – Amalie Seneviratne

Yevāana sets its sights on global expansion, with plans to enter the USA, Europe, and Asia through exclusive concept stores, curated pop-up showcases, and strategic collaborations that align with the brand’s ethos of conscious luxury.

Amalie Seneviratne, is a Sri Lankan young designer domiciled in Nairobi who is the co-founder of the brand Yevaanaa, a young label dedicated to ethical, hand crafted clothing and the women who make it.

“We wanted to create something that honours our roots. Yet feels modern and international “Amalie says Yevaana is about slowing down fashion and elevating the artisan’s hand. Yevaana’s journey began with this young designer Amalie’s fascination for Sri Lanka’s heritage.

She has built a brand that sources natural fabrics and employs women artisans in rural communities. As she explains, ‘Every stitch is a livelihood, a story, a cultural memory’.

Nairobi is Yevaana’s second home because of its vibrant, youthful style scene. In return, the label absorbed Nairobi’s energy and colour.

Kenya has a dynamic craft culture of its own “Amalie notes. Bringing our Sri Lankan techniques into Nairboi’s artisans and customers felt organic – like two traditions finding common ground. Most of her designer pieces resonate both Sri Lanka and Kenya.

More than a clothing line, Yevaana positions itself as a social impact project. The brand partners with women’s groups to offer training, four wages and flexible working hours. Fashions can be a vehicle for economic independence Amalie says. Our hope is that Yevaana will be a template for how small, heritage-based brands can thrive ethically across borders.’she reflects

As Yevaana,’s brand grows Amali envisions a full circular supply chain and even more cross pollination between Sri Lanka and Africa. ‘Today people want clothes with meaning’, she says . They want to know who made them and how Yevaana is our answer to that call.

More than a clothing line, Yevaana positioned itself as a social impact project. Her workshop offers training, four wages and flexible working hours.

Yevāana is a sustainable womenswear label born from a creative collaboration between Sri Lanka and Kenya, representing the craftsmanship of the Global South. We focus on eco-conscious fabrics, artisanal heritage, and minimalist yet distinctive design. Every collection is produced in small, exclusive batches, highlighting both the uniqueness of each piece and the brand’s commitment to slow, responsible fashion.

Yevāana grew out of the desire to celebrate cultural fusion, ethical fashion, and artisanal craftsmanship. Their vision

is to position the brand as a Global South leader in sustainable luxury, where craftsmanship, cultural narratives, and responsible fabrics come together to create exclusive, collectible statements for the conscious woman.

Yevāana’s mission is to craft limited-edition garments that showcase Global South artisanship within the global luxury space. Every design reflects cultural pride, responsible production, and the rarity that makes each piece a modern heirloom.

The core values are sustainability, – prioritizing natural and eco-friendly fabrics. We use eco-conscious fabrics and slow processes, not as activism, but as deliberate choices that make our pieces more valuable and enduring said

Amalie

Artisanship and women empowerment – preserving traditional skills, especially hand embroidery and smocking. We honor artisans not as “workers” but as creators of couture, elevating their skill to the highest form of luxury.

Exclusivity – producing limited runs to reduce waste and ensure uniqueness. We believe true luxury lies in rarity-small batches, numbered pieces, and garments made to be treasured.

Modern elegance – This brand stands for design that is minimal yet bold, refined yet daring, embodying the spirit of confident, global women. says this young designer Fabrics and sustainability The brand Yevāana works with low-impact and responsible textiles that embody conscious luxury.

We work exclusively with natural, eco-conscious fabric chosen not only for their luxurious feel and breathability, but also for their minimal environmental impact. These materials are biodegradable, kind to skin, and produced without the use of harmful chemicals or synthetic fertilizers.

Each fabric is sourced with intention, in partnership with trusted suppliers, who share our commitment to sustainability and transparency. From the farm to the loom, we trace the origins of most of our textiles to ensure ethical practices at every stage of the journey.

She also points out they favour handwoven or small-batch fabrics wherever possible, celebrating the irregularities and textures that come with craftsmanship. These fabrics hold a quiet beauty that mass production simply can’t replicate. By choosing quality over quantity, we reduce waste, celebrate tradition, and honor the skill and time behind every weave.

Every look, a chapter; every show a journey

Our fabrics are dyed either using natural resources or AZO-free dyes, which are free from harmful, chemicals commonly found in conventional dyeing or dyed using natural ingredients. This ensures our pieces are not only safer for your skin, but also kinder to the This brand

Yevāana presents “The Ancient Promise” — a collection inspired by Africa’s guardianship of land, the resilience of the Maasai, and the urgent realities of climate change. While its narrative draws on East Africa’s spirit of protection and Afrofuturist visions of renewal, the garments are brought to life through South Asian craftsmanship. This cross-continental dialogue reflects Yevāana’s identity as a Global South brand — one that transforms cultural narratives and responsible craftsmanship into exclusive, collectible statements for the conscious woman.

Key Features: Hand-embroidery and artisanal detailing

that showcase Sri Lankan craftsmanship and Global South narratives.

Fluid silhouettes with bold accents , balancing elegance with striking design statements.

Eco-conscious luxury fabrics selected for their responsibility and refinement.

Limited-edition exclusivity , with each piece produced in small batches, reinforcing Yevāana’s slow fashion ethos.

This debut marks Yevāana’s first major fashion week appearance, a milestone in its journey from a regional label to an emerging voice in global sustainable luxury.

Artisans and Impact At the heart of Yevāana is a team of

11 women artisans, the custodians of the brand’s craftsmanship and vision. Their collective skill, patience, and artistry transform fabrics into garments that embody both cultural heritage and contemporary design.

Team Composition: Every member of the team is a woman, specializing in hand-embroidery, smocking, and fine tailoring. These techniques are not only design elements but also living traditions, carried forward with each stitch and silhouette.

Impact: Future Goal: Yevāana’s vision is to expand artisanal employment for women while preserving the exclusivity and craftsmanship that define the brand. Growth will be guided by a commitment to heritage preservation, sustainability, and creating garments that carry both cultural value and personal meaning.

Key Milestones January 2025: Yevāana founded and first collection launched.

May 2025: Participated in the brand’s first invite-only pop-up in Nairobi, Kenya.

September 2025: Began stocking at The Artisanal Gallery

a luxury boutique in Nairobi.

Nairobi Fashion Week will be held in January , marking the brand’s debut on the international stage.

By Zanita Careem



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Life style

Aslam Hussein’s Couture and Trousseau

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At Colombo Fashion Week,held recently at Cinnamon Grand,designer Aslam Hussein delivered a collection that spoke the language of quiet confidence and refined glamour, positioning him firmly as a Fashion Edit, favourite this season.

‘His collection unfolded like a carefully composed symphony – each piece moving with a rhythm of elegance and poise. Aslam Hussein’s runaway was more than a presentation – it was a story of refined luxury, individuality and timeless beauty where couture met emotion and each garment became a living expression of artistry.

Colombo Fashion Week was held this November at Cinnamon Grand ,namely Couture + Trousseau . The event was part of the luxury edit focused on high fashion,bridal wear and destination wedding,celebrating CFW’’s 22 rd anniversary Aslam Hussein opened the runway and his collection balanced sharp tailoring with fluid silhouettes, creating looks that felt both modern and enduring. Clean lines, thoughtful construction and an understated palette allowed craftsmanship to take centre stage. The colour palette was muted yet rich, allowing texture and craftsmanship to speak. Luxurious fabrics caught the light with every step, revealing subtle interplay between movement and form. Each silhouette told a story of – timeless, modern and effortless elegance

Aslam Hussein redefines elegance at CFW

Fluid silhouettes, muted palettes and clean tailoring defined his collection.

On the ramp,models moved with understated confidence, their hairstyles were created by. Ramani Fernando salons,the soft luminous makeup complemented the collection’s quiet sophistication. Each silhouette reflected Aslam’s commitment to craftsmanship, versatility and timeless style. Since establishing his label, he has been a staple on Sri Lanka’s fashion calendar, consistently presenting at Colombo Fashion Weeks and earning recognition for his designs.

His collection this year re-affirmed his mastery of understated elegance and contemporary luxury. Neutral tones were punctioned with occasion, deep shades, allowing fabric, cut and texture to take centre stage. Models carried the collection with measured poise. Make up was luminous yet natural, letting the silhouettes and individual model presence shine. Through his designs, Aslam Huseein has cultivated a following among modern cosmopolitan clientele who appreciate understated glamour, versatility and the quiet power of elegance.

His contributions have solidified his reputation as a designer who bridges Sri Lanka’s rich fashion heritage with an international sensibility.

Colombo Fashion Week is Sri Lanka’s premier event, showcasing the country’s top designers alongside emerging talent and is one of the glamorous events in the fashion landscape. The visionary is Ajay Vir Singh, founder of Colombo Fashion Week, whose leadership continues to elevate Sri Lanka’s premier fashion platform to international level.

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Hairstyle maestro: Niroshan at Ramani Fernando salon at Mount Lavinia

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Ramani Fernando salons is a name that has taken men and women’s grooming to new heights since its inception at Mount Lavinia. The salon has made its mark on the locals and celebrities alike. Over the years, Ramani Fernando Salons has not just set a benchmark for luxury grooming services but has also redefined how men perceive self-care, hair styling, and professional grooming. This salon at Mount Lavinia under its Manager Kappitiya Godage, namely Niroshan known by clients has become a favourite destination for those who sought more than just a haircut. The salon introduces a range of services—from precision styling and beard grooming to men’s makeup for photoshoots. The manager at Mount Lavinia is Niroshan Suresh. His philosophy emphasized that grooming is not just about appearance but also about confidence and self-expression and most importantly – self-care. He says make-up and grooming are not just limited to the opposite gender!

What makes Ramani Fernando Salon at Mount stand out. It is its innovative style and technique to men and women’s grooming. This branch prides itself on using cutting-edge tools and premium products that ensure every client leaves with a polished, customized look. The salon focus is on continuous learning and staying ahead of trends has earned it the loyalty of a discerning clientele.

Working at Ramani salons, Niroshan has spent many years perfecting the craft of styling, cutting and grooming men’s and woman’s hair, blending technical skill with a keen understanding of contemporary fashion trends. With years of experience, he guides clients on hairstyles and on the selection and proper use of styling products. His presence at Ramani Fernando salon at Mount Lavinia reinforce the brand’s reputation for excellence but also highlights the vital role of a skilled male stylist in shaping men and women’s grooming culture in Sri Lanka.

In the evolving world of men’s grooming, where style isn’t just about guiding a haircut but crafting a confident identity Niroshan at Mount Lavinia represent more than just a stylist or a place to cut hair. With Niroshan at the helm, this salon has become a place where style, innovation and meticulous grooming are curated for any client who walks in.

He is part of Ramani Fernando salons creative team, and brings creativity and precision to every look reflecting the high standards of Ramani Fernando’s renowned beauty collection

Niroshan has been with Ramani Fernando for several years and he is popular among his clients for those seeking sharp, modern and personalised hairstyles. With many years of experience, he has combined technical expertise with an eye for current trends ensuring each client leaves the salon looking confident and polished, Niroshan begins with a consultation, he carefully considers face shape, hair texture and personal style before recommending a look: He tailors each style to suit individual preferences, while ensuring easy to maintenance.

Beyond haircuts and grooming, his services include beard shaping, scalp and hair treatments and guidance on styling products. He makes each client of his leave the salon not just with a haircut but walk with confidence. He enjoys seeing his clients happy and self-assured. His experience, professionalism and knowledge make him a standard stylist in Colombo’s competitive grooming scene. He is very grateful to his senior and dynamic hairdresser Kamal for his guidance and expertise and who has been instrumental in shaping his approach to styling and artistry

by Zanita Careem ✍️

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The Kingsbury, Colombo, Welcomes Season of Splendour

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Seasonal cheer wrapped in tradition and luxury

The Kingsbury, Colombo, welcomes the festive season with a spirit of warmth, elegance and celebration. This year’s Christmas and New Year offerings have been curated to bring guests together through moments of comfort, connection and shared joy across the hotel.

Harbour Court sets the tone for the season with its Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet, Christmas Day Brunch and Christmas Dinner on 24th and 25th December, followed by the New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet on 31st December and the New Year’s Day Lunch and Dinner Buffets on 1st January. Kings Steakbar brings festive fine dining to Colombo with its Sunday Gourmet Carvery every Sunday in December, the Christmas Gourmet Carvery on 24th and 25th December, an á la carte Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day and a Seven-course Gourmet Dinner on New Year’s Eve.

Yue Chuan offers authentic Chinese cuisine with its signature Peking Duck Experience throughout December, daily Dim Sum and a special All You Can Eat menu on 24th, 25th and 31st December. At Tenk?, guests can enjoy elegant Japanese cuisine with the daily Teppanyaki Show, festive á la carte menus on 24th and 25th December and a New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu. Ocean highlights the best of coastal cuisine with festive á la carte menus on 24th, 25th and 31st December. Bringing Sri Lankan authenticity to the season, Tavern presents an Arrack Tasting Experience throughout December.

Festive cheer continues outdoors at Honey Beach Club with live music from 19th to 23rd December, poolside Festive party packages, and the signature New Year’s Eve celebration “Dancing Into 2026,” featuring Infinity and DJ E2. At Sky Lounge, guests can enjoy elevated festivities with Corporate Celebration packages, festive set menus, seasonal cocktails and the New Year’s Eve event “Party in the Sky,” featuring The Kingdom. Seas

For those celebrating at home, The Kingsbury offers Seasonal Roasts and festive hampers, available both ready-made and customisable, while Indulgence provides five-star delivery throughout the season. Families can also enjoy special offers, with children below six dining free and children aged six to ten receiving 50% off buffet dining. Seasonal cocktails, wine menus and bottle deals are available across all outlets.

This year, The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites guests to embrace the season with kindness, hope and cherished moments. Whether dining out, gathering with loved ones or gifting thoughtfully, we are honoured to share a season of splendour with you.

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