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Charini’s stunning couture adds to vibrant tapestry of local fashion

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Charini shines at Colombo Fashion Week

Herbert de Givenchy once said “The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress”. This adage resonates with Charini Suriyage’s design philosphy. She strives to create pieces that flatter and enhance the natural beauty of the wearer, rather than overpowering or restricting them.

Her rise in the fashion world is a powerful narrative of grit, ambition and relentless innovation. A rising star, Charini has transformed her passion into a flourishing business empire, becoming a much sought after name in the fashion industry. Charini is more than a designer. She’s a story teller weaving artistry and ethical practices into her collection. Her keen eye for details and unmatched creativity made her atelier stand out in a crowded industry.

Q As one of Sri Lanka leading fashion designers could you share the notable challenges, you encountered during the early stages of your career?

During the early stages fortunately for me creating brand awareness happened quite spontaneously. I launched the brand with Colombo fashion week and then worked on expanding my clientele locally .. at that point the biggest challenge at the start has been delivering the orders exactly the way I envisioned as I didn’t have a strong enough team at the start who could make my vision of the design beacons reality.

Q What transformation have you witnessed in the fashion industry that benefit newcomers?

The biggest transformation I see is the fact that the clients are more aware of designer wear as opposed to fast fashion driven high street brands and also takes pride in shopping locally supporting Sri Lankan talent . That’s a huge benefit as scalability in a small island can be quite a challenge .

Q What do you believe sets your fashion label apart from others in the industry?

I don’t want people to just shop for a piece of clothing , I want people to own a part of a story .. I want them to belong to a brand that’s unique and dressing up to be fun . We aim to make ever client feel bold and sophisticated and above all comfortable irrespective of shape and size.

Q Sustainability and eco -conscious fashion have become increasingly important in recent years. How do you incorporates these principles into your designs and production?

While I was studying for my masters at London College of Fashion I studied in detail on how fashion brands could be ethical for my thesis .

Then I took part at London fashion week showcasing my designs at the ethical fashion showcase and was mentored by pioneers in the ethical fashion sector in the UK. This made me analyze every single step of the process in the manner international brands are expended to do . After moving back to Sri Lanka I still practice how we can make circular fashion the way to go for the brand . At the moment together With CFW responsibility meter we monitor ten streps of how each garment can be eco -conscious.

Q What inspired you to embark on your journey of improving the livelihood of artisans?

CHARINI as a brand has always taken a variety of steps to do what’s right by the community and the planet . We work alongside a number of diverse traditional Sri Lankan craft communities to develop our collections. We maximize material usage minimizing wastage with smart pattern cutting techniques .

We use eco- friendly printing methods so that we reduces chemical wastage . We have a line of batiks and other craft incorporated collections that is continuously retailed at the store which have given these age old crafts a modern twist that’s more appealing to the current customer base.We believe in timeless fashion where our customers take pride in re wearing what we have created for years . That’s definitely a testament of how a brand can reduce their impact on the planet .

Q Your brand has expanded internationally. Can you discuss the challenges and opportunities you’ve have encountered while taking your designs to a global audience?

It has been a wonderful journey starting a brand from scratch and working hard to make it grow . The brand was retailing with international platforms in UK and Europe and now is focusing on UAE and south east Asia as these are the potential markets for what the brand offers.

Q What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?

I’m generally a person who is quite fascinated about a lot of things .. life on its own inspire me everyday At the moment it’s painting techniques… be it water colour art or temple paintings

Q How did you decide to start your own label?

I started setting up the brand while I was working at MAS doing a full time job . I started in a small scale and then when the brand was ready to stand on its own I opened a studio in Colombo 03 with a design office , sewing facility and a retail area where we cater to bespoke needs of the clients as well.

Q You are known for your unconventional prints and silhouettes and being fearless to experiment? Your views

As a designer I feel it’s our responsibility to create our own canvas . And for me it’s creating prints with a concepts and stories . The silhouettes are what makes these canvases into beautiful art on the body . I have always liked fluid drapy silhouettes as I feel it’s a great way to make feminine and sensual designs that are comfortable for the body . End of the day we live in an island and for me it’s important that we make fashion for the context that we are in .

I never shy from experimenting with unique silhouettes that complement the wearer . I think that’s what we should offer and differentiate ourselves from mainstream designers .



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Fashion

Season of sparkle: Priyanthi’s Christmas soiree

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Family affair- son-in-law Oyvind, daughter Shiranthi, Priyanthi and grandson Lucas

The festive spirit was in full swing as Priyanthi Fernando welcomed friends and family to her annual Christmas party at Gregory’s Road.

The evening combined warmth, laughter and seasonal elegance with every detail thoughtfully curated to celebrate the joy of the season. Guests were greeted by twinkling lights and festive decor that transformed the residence into a holiday haven, the ambience struck the perfect balance between glamour and comfort sparkling armaments, candle lit corners and lovely music by a two piece band, the décor not only set the tone for the evening but also created a picture perfect corners that delighted guests and embodied the true spirit of Christmas.

As the night drew on, the celebrations remained intimate yet vibrant,a reflection of Priyanthi Fernando’s flair for hospitality,this soiree stood out as a testament to the timeless charm of Christmas cheer shared in good company (ZC)

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Shaping the future of style

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Pride, passion and professionalism

Ramani Fernando Sunsilk Hair and Beauty Academy

Ramani Fernando Sunsilk Hair and Beauty Academy marked their graduation of their latest cohort of aspiring hair professionals in a ceremony held at Kingsbury Hotel.

Senaka de Silva, creative force behind Ramani’s shows

For over two decades, the Ramani Fernando Sunsilk Hair and Beauty Academy has stood as a beacon of excellence in beauty education in Sri Lanka. Founded by industry icon Ramani Fernando, the Academy has built a reputation for producing highly skilled professionals who go on to make their mark in salons, both locally and internationally. As the newly minted graduates step out into the world, they carry forward not just certificates, but also the promise of creative authority and personal empowerment.

The chief guest for the occasion was Rosy Senanayake, a long-standing supporter of the Academy’s mission. Addressing the graduates her message echoed her enduring belief that the beauty industry is not merely about aesthetic but about. confidence, self-worth and future leaders.

Over months of rigorous training, these young professionals honed their skills in cutting colouring, styling and contemporary artistry readying themselves to set trends rather than follow them.

Each graduate walked the stage with confidence, their dedication signalling a promising future for Sri Lanka’s beauty and fashion industry! With this new generation of stylists preparing to raise the standard of professional hairstyling.

Ramani Fernando, addressing the audience reflected on the academy’s mission to cultivate not only skills but vision and confidence in every student.

She urged the graduates to embrace continuous learning to take risks with creativity .The world of beauty is ever evolving, stay curious, stay bold and never underestimate the power of your talent, she added emphasising the importance of confidence, discipline and passion in carving a successful career in shaping the future of style.

These graduates are stepping into a world of endless possibilities. They are future of the country, who will carry a forward legacy of creativity. Behind every successful graduate at Sun silk Hair Academy stands a team dedicated to excellence. While Ramani Fernando serves as a visionary Principal and it is Lucky Lenagala, her trusted person who ensures that the academy runs seemingly.

From overseeing training sessions to guiding students, through hands on practice, Lucky plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of hairstylists.

Kumara de Silva, who has been the official compere Ramani’s, Hair graduation ceremony, from inception has brought energy, poise and professionalism. The Sunsilk Hair Academy is a celebration of talent and mentor ship for the graduates stepping confidentially into the next chapter of their careers, ready to make their mark on Sri Lanka beauty landscape

A moment of pride Ramani with chief guest Rosy Senanayake

Statement in style

Gliding in romance and sophistication

Pix by Thushara Attapathu

By Zanita Careem ✍️

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Capturing the spirit of Christmas

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Romesh Atapaattu, overseas the magic behind every cut and style at Capello salons

During this season, Romesh Atapattu’s Capello Salon buzzes with a unique energy – a blend of festive excitement and elegance. Clients arrive with visions of holiday parties, office soirees, seeking looks that capture both glamour and individuality. The salon itself mirrors this celebrity mood. Warm lights, tasteful festive décor create an atmosphere where beauty and confidence flourish.

Romesh Atapattu himself curates the festive décor, infusing the space with his signature sense of style. His personal eye ensures that the décor complements the salon’s modern interiors.

As Colombo slips effortlessly into its most glamorous time of year, the Christmas season brings with it more than twinkling lights and celebrity soirees – it signals a transformation season at salons across the city. Capello salons are no exception.

At the heart of this festive beauty movement is Romesh Atapattu of Capello salons, a name synonymous with refined hair artistry, modern elegance and personalised style.

Christmas is about confidence and celebration. Romesh believes ‘People want to look their best without losing who they are”. Our role is to enhance, not overpower. This philosophy is evident in the salon’s seasonal approach.

Beyond trends, what sets Atapattu apart is the attention to individuality. Each consultation is treated as a creative collaboration – face shape, lifestyle, hair texture and personal style all play a role in creating the best for Romesh.

Stepping into Romesh’s salon during the Christmas season is an experience in itself. The space hums with festive energy while maintaining an atmosphere of calm sophistication.

The décor embraces the Christmas spirit with understated elegance. Tastefully adorned décor, beautiful Xmas tree, soft gold and ivory tones, and gentle hints of red are woven seamlessly into the salon’s contemporary design.

His staff, known for their warmth and professionalism also plays a key role in shaping the salon’s atmosphere—friendly, stylish and always welcoming. The Capello staff combine skill and creativity to deliver results that have a lasting impression.

Beyond trends, what sets Romesh Atapattu apart is the attention to individuality. Each consultation is treated as a creative collaboration – face shape, lifestyle, hair texture and personal style all play a role.

He is a professional who blends technical mastery with a deeply personal approach to style. His dedicated team of skilled professionals, operate with quiet confidence ensuring styles that create an atmosphere of trust, turning every appointment into a personalised and memorable experience.

(ZC) ✍️

Pic by Rohan Herath

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