Fashion
Deeply Passionate about modelling and the fashion industry
01. Tell me something about yourself:
Hey there! I’m a 30-year-old guy, deeply passionate about modelling and the fashion industry. Every day is an exciting adventure as I get to work with incredible designers, photographers, and stylists to bring their visions to life. My job takes me to various locations, from bustling cities to serene landscapes, for photo shoots and runway shows. I love the creativity and versatility this career offers, allowing me to express myself through different styles and concepts. It’s a fast-paced world, but I thrive on the energy and challenges it brings.
02. What made you decide to be a model?
I decided to become a model because I have a deep passion for fashion, creativity, and self-expression. The opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals in the industry, such as designers, photographers, and stylists, was a major driving force. Overall, modelling allows me to showcase my unique personality and style while pursuing a career that fuels my passion for creativity and expression.
03. What do you think sets you apart from other models?
A combination of factors; Passion and Dedication: I have a deep passion for modelling and the fashion industry, which is evident in my commitment to my craft and continuous pursuit of excellence. Versatility: I thrive on the diversity of styles and concepts in modelling, showcasing my ability to adapt and excel in various fashion trends and themes. Adventurous Nature: The willingness to travel to different locations for assignments and embrace new challenges shows my adventurous spirit and openness to new experiences. Creative Expression: My work reflects a unique blend of creativity, personality, and style, setting me apart and making my presence memorable in the competitive world of modelling. And, working seamlessly with designers, photographers, and stylists demonstrates my strong collaborative skills and professionalism, making me a valuable asset on any project.
04. What clothing do you prefer to model?
The cloths I prefer to model are outfits that have style, class and sophistication.
05. What do you think is the most important aspect of modeling?
The most important aspects of modelling are professionalism, versatility, confidence, health, and networking. These elements collectively contribute to a successful and fulfilling career in the industry.
06. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
The ability to not take things too serious.
07. School?
I schooled at St Peter’s College Colombo, and during my schooling years I took part in many sports, including swimming, rugby, and table tennis. Also, I was a scout and part of the stamp club at the time.
08. Happiest moment?
My happiest moment is when I get to travel to new place and experience new cultures, flavours, and making unforgettable memories.
09. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Unique blend of creativity, personality and style
Believing in perfect happiness is why I value love, meaningful connections, and personal fulfillment. I find joy in relationships, pursuing meaningful goals, and appreciate the little moments in life. Balancing work and personal well-being is important to me, leading to a sense of contentment and inner peace.
10. Your ideal girl?
My ideal girl would likely be someone who shares similar values and priorities as me. I would be attracted to a woman who values love, meaningful connections, and personal fulfillment. She would appreciate the importance of nurturing loving relationships and finding joy in shared experiences with me. She would also be driven by meaningful goals and passions, complementing my own aspirations and supporting me in achieving them. Balancing life with personal well-being should be important to her, and she should value a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Overall, my ideal girl would be someone who brings joy, love, and mutual growth to my life.
11. Which living person do you most admire?
I currently have no one that I admire.
12. Which is your most treasured possession?
My silver Cross.
13. If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like as your companion?
Maybe my future wife…that’s if I ever find her!
14. Your most embarrassing moment?
Not one but many and I don’t think you would have the space to mention all.
15. Done anything daring?
I love doing daring things like…yes, swimming with sharks, diving, cliff jumping and so much more; anything that would get my heart racing.
16. Your ideal vacation?
My ideal vacation would be travelling through the Swiss Mountain, in the train, and taking in the scenic beauty, that the country has to offer, while sipping on some hot Swiss chocolate.
17. What kind of music are you into?
I enjoy instrumental and country music…where the music speaks to me.
18. Favourite radio station:
I enjoy listening to Sun FM, especially on Sundays, where they play slow-flow music all day long.
19. Favourite TV station:
No time for TV.
20. Any major plans for the future?
In the future, I envision a life filled with personal growth, meaningful experiences, and cherished relationships. I aspire to excel in my career or passion, finding fulfillment in my work, while also enjoying moments of adventure and exploration. Building strong connections with loved ones and creating lasting memories together are priorities for myself. I look forward to discovering new passions, travelling to new places, and embracing opportunities for learning and self-discovery. Overall, my future plans are centred around leading a balanced, fulfilling life, enriched by meaningful experiences and meaningful relationships.
Award-winning floral designer Samitha Wijayasekara, owner of The Wedding Flowers Gallery Pvt Ltd. and a proud WCIC member, recently presented a stunning collection of floral wearable art at WCIC Ramp Up 2024. Using a unique wire technique, the fresh flower designs were paired with garments by fashion designer Charith Wijesekera. The event, produced and directed by Lou Ching Wong, took place at the Hilton Colombo. Dress designer: Charith Wijesekera. Photos: Achira Jayasinghe
Samitha Wijayasekara, founder of The Wedding Flowers Gallery (Pvt) Ltd., is recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s top floral designers. Her journey into floristry began unexpectedly after starting her career in accountancy. Fascinated by the beauty of flowers from a young age, Samitha transitioned into floristry, founding her business in 2008. Over time, The Wedding Flowers Gallery became renowned for its creative and bespoke floral designs for weddings and events.
Samitha’s commitment to excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including:
= 2015: Women’s Entrepreneur of the Year (Bronze Award)
= 2016: National Excellence Award, 2nd Runner-Up (Medium Category)
= 2016: Entrepreneur Award, Western Province Merit Award
= 2023: Sri Lanka Wedding Awards (SLWA) – Appreciation Award
Her international training, including courses with renowned floral designers such as Wendy Andrade, Gregor Lersch, and Pirjo Koppi, has further solidified her reputation. In 2015, she became the first Sri Lankan member of the World Flower Council and introduced “Wearable Floral Art’ to Sri Lanka, blending fashion with floristry in a sustainable way.
A video of a fashion shoot in India has gone viral and unexpectedly turned a group of underprivileged school children into local celebrities.
The footage shows the children, most of them girls between the ages of 12 and 17, dressed in red and gold outfits fashioned from discarded clothes.
The teenagers designed and tailored the outfits and also doubled up as models to showcase their creations, with the grubby walls and terraces of the slum providing the backdrop for their ramp walk.
The video was filmed and edited by a 15-year-old boy.
The video first appeared earlier this month on the Instagram page of Innovation for Change, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in the city of Lucknow.
The charity works with about 400 children from the city’s slums, providing them free food, education and job skills. The children featured in the shoot are students of this NGO.
Mehak Kannojia, one of the models in the video, told the BBC that she and her fellow students closely followed the sartorial choices of Bollywood actresses on Instagram and often duplicated some of their outfits for themselves.
“This time, we decided to pool our resources and worked as a group,” the 16-year-old said.
For their project, they chose wisely – a campaign by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, one of India’s top fashion designers who has dressed Bollywood celebrities, Hollywood actresses and billionaires. In 2018, Kim Kardashian wore his sequinned red sari for a Vogue shoot.
Mukherjee is also known as the “king of weddings” in India. He has dressed thousands of brides, including Bollywood celebrities such as Anushka Sharma and Deepika Padukone. Priyanka Chopra married Nick Jonas in a stunning red Sabyasachi outfit.
IMehak said their project, called Yeh laal rang (the colour red), was inspired by the designer’s heritage bridal collection.
“We sifted through the clothes that had come to us in donation and picked out all the red items. Then we zeroed in on the outfits we wanted to make and began putting them together.”
It was intense work – the girls stitched about a dozen outfits in three-four days but, Mehak says, they had “great fun doing it”.
For the ramp walk, Mehak says they studied the models carefully in Sabyasachi videos and copied their moves.
“Just like his models, some of us wore sunglasses, one drank from a sipper with a straw, while another walked carrying a cloth bundle under her arm.”
Some of it, Mehak says, came together organically. “At one point in the shoot, I was supposed to laugh. At that moment, someone said something funny and I just burst out laughing.”
It was an ambitious project, but the result has won hearts in India. Put together on a shoestring budget with donated clothes, the video went viral after Mukherjee reposted it on his Instagram feed with a heart emoji.
The campaign won widespread praise, with many on social media comparing their work to that of professionals.
The viral video has brought enormous attention to the charity and its school has been visited by several TV channels, some of the children were invited to participate in shows on popular FM radio stations and Bollywood actress Tamannah Bhatia visited them to accept a scarf from the children.
The response, Mehak says, has been “totally unexpected”.
“It feels like a dream come true. All my friends are sharing the video and saying ‘you’ve become famous’. My parents were full of joy when they heard about all the attention we are getting.
“We are feeling wonderful. Now we have only one dream left – to meet Sabyasachi.”
The shoot, however, also received criticism, with some wondering if showing young girls dressed as brides could encourage child marriage in a country where millions of girls are still married off by their families before they turn 18 – the legal age.
The Innovation for Change addressed the concern in a post on Instagram, saying they had no intention to encourage child marriage.
“Our aim is not to promote child marriage in any way. Today, these girls are able to do something like this by fighting against such ideas and restrictions. Please appreciate them, otherwise the morale of these children will fall.”
[BBC]
The Christmas season officially began at Taj Samudra, Colombo with the annual Christmas cake mixing ceremony held on Friday, November 8th, at the stunning Samudra Ballroom!
Hosted by Samrat Datta – Area Director of Taj Maldives and Sri Lanka, the event was a festive delight, complete with an elegant cocktail spread and joyful vibes. Cheers to a season filled with warmth, tradition, and sweet memories!
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
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- Onitha, Samrat, Senuri and Shafiya
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- US envoy Julie Chung with Jennifer and General Manager Samrat
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- Ashish, Russel and spouse, Samrat and Sai
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- Trieshan
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- Naeema
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- Guests
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- Nelum
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- Priyanthi Fernando
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- Tanya
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