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Fashion’s new order

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From fashion weeks without shows to brands abandoning the traditional schedules, Covid-19 has thrown the industry into a state of flux.

by Zanita Careem

As the pandemic spread and its impacts grew, business world-wide shifted their priorities. The virus has crept almost into every industry including the fashion industry.

It was a hard toll on the industry; fashion weeks got cancelled and major retail departmental stores closed for weeks and months.

The fashion industry is likely to see a shift from consumer spending in large department stores and choosing independent shops. The reason is because social distancing is a necessity. The pandemic slowdown affected the industry, the new normal made consumers to show down their purchases. The designers saw a huge shift in consumer behaviour, affecting the fashion designers and retailers alike.

To evaluate the impact of Covid-19 on the industry we caught up with some of the reputed designers whose names are synonymous with fashion. Senake de Silva said the future is bleak and until things go back to normal, (but how long) it will it take months or perhaps years. Even if we recover it will never be the same again. “We might get back to 70 per cent of what the industry was by next may be,” Senake said.

The Sri Lankan apparel industry was one of the most significant contributors to the country’s economy. “We even had the first ever Sri Lankan apparel fashion show at the then Hotel Oberoi. It was possibly the very first time that a top French Couturier was in Colombo,” recollected Senake.

Sri Lankan apparel categories include sportswear, lingerie bridal wear and swimwear. These were of high quality and were exported to many countries. Recently the industry was affected by regular disturbances of the Covid-19. Fashion shows were cancelled, designers had no work. Fashion industry is one of the primary employers too. With supply chain broken and sales down and unsold stock in retail outlets we had to face major crises. This was all against a backdrop of consumer habits changing and attitudes shifting to consumptions said Lou Ching Wong. We cant compare ourselves to the west said Lou Ching .

Despite the lock-down, major cities in Europe had their fashion shows. The luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, YSL, Armani and Chanel to name a few. But here at home with complete closure, there were no shows or glamour events.

Sri Lankans have now started to reassess and re-prioritize what they spend money on. This resulted in fashion trends slowing down with designers left with nothing. Major fashion brands and retailers have been cancelling orders, including products made and waiting to be sent to stores. The reality is that we are forced to stay at our homes and many of us are financially burdened by lay-offs and the desire to buy new clothes is a distant dream. How long can you think the domestic fashion industry can sustain without sales? “We work in a very high circle and the fact is there are no demands so, I am not sure this will be sustainable. And unfortunately we are not like a Western economy that can afford to payout salaries.”

The industry is going to take a long recovery time. The only positive, if at all is hopefully to be able to use it to recalibrate the lifestyles that suit our people said Lou Ching Wong.

“The virus has left me vulnerable confronting an obliteration of sales, wage loss and employee lay-offs,” Ramani Fernando, a fashion icon and beautician said. “However, we are slowly but steadily working towards providing services to our customers under strict health guidelines. Now things are changing and I find many brides advancing their dates and calendars are filling up. However, I feel this crisis could present an opportunity to rethink of the industry.”

For Dinesh Chandrasena, an internationally recognized designer and a leading creative educator, the future seems bright!

“The fashion design and apparel manufacturing industries like all other businesses have been continuously evolving despite the Covid-19 pandemic. We, like the other industries, have been finding methods and systems to not just survive but actually maintain a positive business movement. I have worked in the fashion industry in Los Angeles since the mid-1990s and I have many colleagues who speak about their plans and strategies. I notice that the long term systematic outcomes that they work towards, are based on utilizing these uncertain times to re-evaluate and re-structure their immediate sphere in order to maximize efficiency while still underlining creative excellence”.

“As a creative practitioner and educator, I look at everything with a ‘glass half full’ mentality and believe it is up to us to find, create, and enhance methodologies that would bring a successful turn to these times” Dinesh said.

The designers expect fashion to come back in a big way, after the pandemic. They believe that people will return to the world in glamorous, trendy outfits once more. ‘Fashion is a pendulum’ goes an adage. It goes from one extreme to another and that will happen again here too.



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Life style

Aalam Travels shared vision for future

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Aalam International Tours and Travels marked 34 years of excellence with a gathering to celebrate strong relationships, loyal customers and a shared vision for the future of travel at the Ahase Loung. ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo. There were many invitees, diplomats, and loyal customers and partners

Aalam travels have the credit of crafting unforgettable journeys that reflects travel aspirations while embracing many memories of a truly Sri Lankan holidays. Endless destinations, mesmerizing sceneries and travelling adventures resonate strongly with Aalam travels

Founded in 1991, Aalam International has built a distinguished reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s leading tour operator. Specializing in group tours, pilgrimage services and tailor-made travel solutions for destinations worldwide, they have been delivering personalized, hassle-free travel experiences for over 34 years. From offering end-to-end services including visa processing and accommodation arrangements to guided tours, Aalam International has consistently been a trusted name in the industry, known for their attention to detail and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

This event is a milestone in Aalam International’s journey. It’s not just a celebration of their past achievements, but also an opportunity to honor the strong relationships they’ve built with their loyal customers, partners, and distinguished guests, including ambassadors from various nations.’

This high tea is more than just an afternoon gathering; it’s a celebration of the connections that have been fostered over the years and the exciting journeys yet to come. (Zanita)

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Sri Lanka’s First Super-Specialty Acne Lab

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Christell Luxury Wellness unveiled its state-of-the-art Christell Acne Lab, a first-of-its-kind super-specialty clinic in Sri Lanka dedicated to advanced acne treatment. At the core of the Acne Lab is Christell’s unique and fivestep pathway to glow with confidence, a scientifically designed methodology that offers a personalized, holistic approach to acne care.

With over three decades of experience in skincare innovation, Christell’s Acne Lab promises not just clear skin but also a renewed sense of confidence for patients of all ages and skin types.

The five -step pathway to glow with confidence

Pre-consultation – building the foundation

Every patient begins their journey with a detailed initial assessment, including imaging, lifestyle analysis, and skincare product reviews. The process is designed to identify underlying factors like dietary habits, stress levels, and past reactions, ensuring a tailored approach to treatment.

Doctor consultation – crafting your personalized plan

Patients undergo an in-depth medical history review, skin examination, and precise diagnosis with Christell’s expert doctors. A customized treatment plan is created, addressing both the visible effects and root causes of acne while setting achievable goals.

3. Post-consultation and treatment – transforming skin,one step at a time

clinical support specialist walks patients through their personalized plan, explaining product usage, scheduling treatments, and providing support materials. Treatments are carefully executed, focusing on pre-treatment assessments, in-session care, and post-treatment recovery, with real-time progress reviews.

4. Progress assessment and lifestyle support – your Christell buddy

Christell’s continuous care approach includes regular check-ins with a dedicated support specialist, skin analysis, and lifestyle adjustments. Patients also gain access to exclusive resources, such as the Acne Community, workshops, and expert advice for holistic skincare management.

Celebrate progress – rewarding your glow-up

The Christell Acne Lab celebrates every milestone with rewards, including exclusive discounts, advanced face analyses, wellness treatments, and Christell’s signature goodie bags.

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FarCry Boutique Hotel in Wasgamuwa – Re-opens it’s doors!

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By Zanita Careem

FarCry Is a hidden gem in Wasgamuwa situated between the majestic Knuckles mountain range and the great Mahaweli, a serene location, perfect for travellers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Marrying together every element of the jungle with a chic, modern twist is a marvel to venture into the gateway of Sri Lanka’s wild to enjoy the rustic of local life and the gracious hospitality.

The resort is a mosaic of rustic charm, tasteful features and gracious hospitality. With six rooms , a restaurent and a pool,this place blends into its surroundings offering a haven for the wild cry enthusiasts and a gateway to the dis

Nadine Fernando

cerning traveller. This location is perfect to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka and the large pool at the resort is an exceptional place to swim and relax with family and friends or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings overlooking the Great Mahaweli. The resort is close to many popular tourist attractions including the Wasgamuwa National Park home to majestic elephants, leopards, sloth bear and many rare sighting of exotic birds and the Maduru Oya National Park, Veddhas of Dambana, Mahiyangana Temple and Sorabora Lake.

FarCry resort offers a wide range of activities within the premises from a dip in the pool to long walks in thier five acre property or explore the Great Mahaweli and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The only sounds you hear are the rustling of the leaves,cry of rare species of birds, or beautiful peacocks displaying its fan of feathers or perched up and camouflaged at the top of the tall trees which are a common sight. It is also a a sanctuary for elephants roaming freely in the surrounding jungles,making Far Cry resort a must place to visit for wild life lovers.

Comfort is a top priority at FarCry The resort offers personalised service with a touch of class. The rooms, each named after local wild life like Diviya, Muwa, Aliya, Monara,Hava to mention a few are designed to accomadate families and groups

These spacious luxury rooms, each tucked deeply within luscious foliage, also offer privacy and seclusion.

FarCry Resort offers a serene escape where guests can re-connect with nature and indulge in a memorable experience. Each room has state of the art facilities, with tea and coffee making facilities and spacious toilets.

FarCry has made a name for its traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with bold flavours and exotic spices said Public Relations manager Nadine Fernando. We had the opportunity to taste the authentic rice and curry made to perfection, village style. We were served with rotti, kiribath and Sri Lanka spicy sambol, onions and tomatoes for morning breakfast The resort has successfully embedded on ideal, secluded dining experience The minimalist accentuate of this location brings out a sense of class, a touch of locally attributed gastronomy and the vibrant colours of Sri Lankan food to the table.

At the FarCry Resort there are many activities you can enjoy right in our premises said Nadine. For something even more exotic , a barbeque in the woods is an option, and we are hoping to revive the concept of ‘Gami Gedera’ for family style dining and other corporate functions.

Nadine also said the majority of the nature reserve is free from human interference, with its close proximity to Wasgamuwa National Park, the reserve sees frequent visits by a wide variety of birdlife and guests who will delight in seeing many rare species around the premises making it a true haven for bird watchers. Red faced malkoha,painted stork,white necked stork black headed ibis and spoonbills are seen around for a bird watcher this is a paradise!

FARCRY FARM

The onsite farm allows our guests the unique opportunity to participate in a range of activities built around rural farm life; and there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing the delicious meals we prepare were made from wholesome produce picked fresh from our farm and gardens just before it reached your table!

What is so unique about Far Cry ?

The people and the dedicated staff of six from the local village adds extra vibes of hospitality for those seeking to escape the busy city life. Soak in the sun and the jungle sounds,watch the birds in all thier glory Far Cry provides travellers with a chance to escape the city and immerse themselves in the true beauty of nature!

 

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