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Flaunting your tummy- is now a trend

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From the red carpet to the high street – as modelled by Gwyneth Paltrow and Marilyn Monroe – styles that reveal the bare stomach are everywhereThis season might have been a washout, but that’s not immediately obvious when walking down a typical UK high street. Along with sandals, sunglasses and shorts, any fashion-conscious observer might notice something else: the ubiquitous midriff. In Sri Lanka the trend is crop tops showing midriffs, and it is a fashion statement.

Making a showcase of this part of the body is not so much a trend as a given for young consumers – so much so, in fact, that this year marks 10 years since the midriff became an established fashion statement.

In 2013, cropped garments began to appear on the catwalk by brands including Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and Roksanda Ilin?i?. Celebrities including Miley Cyrus and January Jones started to display their stomachs more. The bare midriff as fashion statement was given a major credibility boost when Beyoncé appeared on the cover of British Vogue for the first time, wearing a high-waisted skirt and cropped T-shirt by designer Jonathan Saunders.

Yet despite its longevity, the look appears to have reached its peak this summer, thanks to various midriff-baring items all being fashionable at the same time.

From crop tops to low-rise jeans, hip-slung skirts to shrunken baby tees, stomachs are on display like never before.

Fashion resale app Depop reports that searches for baby tees, crop tops and low-rise jeans have soared during August. Tagwalk, the search engine that collates trends at fashion shows, say that since 2019 about 15% of all clothing on the catwalk for spring/summer shows has shown midriffs.

This month, Fashion Museum Bath announced that its Dress of the Year for 2022, chosen by Elle UK’s editor-in-chief Kenya Hunt, wasn’t a dress at all – it was a micro-miniskirt and cropped sweater.

Designed by Miuccia Prada for Miu Miu, it swiftly went viral thanks to celebrities including Emma Corrin and Hunter Schafer, and DIY tutorials on TikTok.

The post-pandemic world is part of why we are seeing more midriff, say some trend watchers. “Post Covid, the womenswear wardrobe was very oversized and had a tendency to hide the body,” says Alexandra Van Houtte, founder of Tagwalk. “Since then, there has been a boost in women’s attitude, with powerful bodycon dresses, crop tops and bold colours.”

Gen Z is also crucial. While Nicole Kidman has worn the Miu Miu skirt and Gwyneth Paltrow trialled the so-called “midlife midriff” on the red carpet, most of the people showing this part of the body are young. “The ‘baggy pants-tiny top’ method is something Gen Z does often,” says Aiyana Ishmael, associate editor of Teen Vogue. “It’s the perfect formula when getting dressed for the day.”

Before this decade, the last time that we saw a lot of midriff was the early 00s when stars like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Destiny’s Child regularly showed acres of toned stomach. This era – often known as Y2K – is in focus for twentysomethings.

The baby tee is a wholesale revival from this era. Vanna Youngstein launched her baby tee brand in 2016, inspired by the Y2K era. Her designs have been worn by celebrities including Emily Ratajkowski and in hit TV show Euphoria, and they frequently sell out. Youngstein says the style is successful because it covers several bases: “you can wear them with anything and the silhouette will look fresh and modern as well as nostalgic-looking.”

The corset is another popular item that sees its wearer expose their midriff. Alexia Elkaim’s brand, Miaou, is a favourite.

She says this part of the body is key: “I typically like to design corsets that are shorter on the sides to accentuate midriff.”

Elkaim herself wears this style – baggy trousers and a short corset is her go-to outfit. Fashion curator Shonagh Marshall says the midriff can be seen in western fashion throughout the 20th century. She references Chicago’s World Fair in 1893 as important, with belly dancing from the Middle East performed. “I think people thought it was something a bit daring. It was probably an area that no one apart from you had ever really seen.”



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Fashion

Magic force behind Colombo  Fashion Weeks

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Ramani Fernando and her team has been an intergral part of Colombo Fashion Weeks.She is still riding the high of Colombo Fashion Weeks from inception. Ramani Fernando salons has continued to create stunning hairstyles and make-up looks for the models. Through the eyes of fashion enthusiasts and attendees, Colombo Fashion week sponsored by Master Card presents itself as a series of perfectly organised catwalks, presentations and events. An entire array of stylists from ramani fernando salons works backstage at alldays making sure every part of the show runs smoothly but it is Ramani who is just one of the creatives behind Colombo Fashion Weeks, hair and make-up looks Here she breaks down the inspirations behind the scenes moments, and creative process that brings Colombo Fashion Week to life.

Ramani Fernando, one of the legends in the fashion world, garners the highest praises throughout the Colombo fashion weeks and beyond whether she’s creating a sleek pony tail, crafting an avant garde hairdo or the iconic looks ..

She speaks about the backstage , the buzz behind the scenes and how she colloborates with different designers to create looks ,what brands she is is using with each hairstyle on the models Immense success at all the fashion weeks from inception,has put her in the fashion map leading her to win many accolades and awards.

I absolutely love fashion weeks and the lead up to it. Being part of the designer vision,understanding who they want thier cast to look and feellike when they walk the runaway and executing the look is the most intense but creatively dynamic experience’ she says.

Fashion weeks are a marathon,not a sprint. It’s all about asking the right questions. My job is to dip deep,piece together the creative puzzle and bring out the vision .the designer My work is all about the designer’s vision and never aligning bound or answering to trends sometimes. Each fashion sh was a celebration of diversity and creativity showcasing hairstyles and make up that are unique and authentic as the collections.

Your work at fashion weeks has been legendary. Can you walk us through what it’s like to be backstage at these major fashion shows? How do you find inspiration to create new looks for almost all the runway shows a year?

Backstage is an exhilarating mix of chaos and creativity. There’s a pulse – a certain kind of eclectic feeling that runs through everyone, from stylists to designers to models. It’s fast, intense, but incredibly exciting My inspiration comes from everywhere—architecture, nature, street fashion, even music. But ultimately, it’s the designer’s vision that guides the look. I take that vision and elevate it with a twist that brings edge, elegance, or drama, depending on the brief.

Its no secret that many of the signature looks of your styles lean more toward the avant-garde than traditional styles. What’s your opinion on that?

That’s very true—and intentional. While we absolutely respect timeless, classic beauty, I believe hair should also be an expression of individuality and art. The avant-garde allows us to push limits, question norms, and celebrate boldness. It keeps creativity alive in the salon and challenges us to stay at the forefront of global trends.

How does it all start coming together?

It usually begins with understanding the designer’s vision. From there, I experiment with textures, shapes, and styles to find what best complements the collection. Once we have the direction, I work closely with my team to define the look so it’s practical, beautiful, and ready to handle the fast-paced environment backstage.

What’s it really like backstage for you?

It’s adrenaline-fueled! There are moments of pressure, of course—but also moments of pure magic. You see an idea you’ve carried in your mind come to life in real time. And that buzz, that intensity—it never gets erased and Love the camaraderie, the unspoken communication, the rhythm. It’s like a well-choreographed performance where everyone knows their part.

You’ve had the chance to work with many celebrities, models, and high-profile clients. Can you share some standout moments?

There have been many special moments, but what stands out most is the trust they place in me. Whether it’s for a show or a shoot, it’s always exciting to help someone feel confident and look their best. Every client brings a unique experience.

What’s in your backstage kit?

Oh, everything! A wide range of brushes and combs, of course. My go-to styling products—texturizing spray, heat protectant, finishing spray, strong-hold gel. Pins in every shape and size. A good hairdryer, flat iron, curling wand. And then there are the wild cards—glitter, feathers, hair nets, even sculpting tools—because you never know what the look might demand.

What’s it like to work at fashion weeks so many years?

It’s the most thrilling rollercoaster you’ll ever ride. The pace is fast, the expectations are high, and yet the creative freedom is unmatched. It’s also deeply collaborative—everyone brings out their best. You walk away exhausted but completely fulfilled, with a sense of pride that’s hard to describe.

Who is your favourite designer to work on?

That’s a tough to answer! Each designer brings a unique energy and perspective. But I’ve always loved working with those who aren’t afraid to take risks—who use hair as an extension of their collection’s narrative. I’ve had incredible collaborations with both local and international names, but the ones who trust you to co-create something bold—those are my favourites.

How do you see the evolution of styles from your early days to now?

It’s been fascinating. When I started, there was a strong focus on structured, polished looks. Over time, we’ve embraced more texture, more individuality, and more rebellion. Styles now celebrate diversity, authenticity, and imperfection—and I love that. The industry has grown more inclusive, and that’s reflected in the hairstyles we create today.

You are the recipients of many awards and how has that influenced your career?

Awards are a beautiful recognition of hard work, but they’re also a responsibility. They push me to keep evolving, to mentor others, and to give back to the industry that’s given me so much. They remind me never to settle—and to always aim higher, not just for myself, but for the teams I lead and the young stylists who look up to me.

Pix by Thushara Attapathu

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Breaking barriers and building champions

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Sri Lanka’s largest female-focused Esports event, Pond’s Women’s Cyber Games (WCG) powered by Anchor Newdale, took place recently at One Galle Face Mall, Colombo. Organised by Gamer.LK, the event brought together female gamers from across the country to compete in a range of video game titles and celebrate the growing presence of women in Esports. With this year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Champions,” the competition empowered female gamers by providing a platform where they could showcase their skills, stand out, and take their place at the forefront of Esports.

Since its inception in 2019, WCG has played a vital role in fostering female participation in Esports, encouraging players to step into the competitive scene. Expanding beyond gaming, this year’s event also featured a women’s cosplay competition, giving young women across the country a platform to showcase their creativity, embrace their passion for cosplay, and express themselves within the gaming community.

This year’s event was backed by Pond’s as the Title Sponsor and powered by Anchor Newdale, leading the way in embracing Esports as the sport of the future and empowering young women to rise in the industry.

Pix by Thushara Attapathu

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Festive glamour at Nethara

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Nethara Collection ,is a world of export quality garments in Diulpitiya, Boralesgamuwa, is infused with an ultra festive spirit this season catering to the women of today. Unbelievable offers and discounts from Nethara for Sinhala anTamil new year. On selection of women’s clothing, ranges from casual options to formal occasion wear,all at friendly prices,to enhance your wardrobe this festive season.

Nethara collection, started small in 2017, but soon it outgrew, today with an ever increasing customer base, branded and non branded clothing this shopping centre has become very popular. Export quality , stylish dresses, crop tops, fancy blouses, trousers and many more to flaunt yourself and enhance your wardrobe.Their extensive collection, maintain low pricing allowing everybody to have a chance to shop till they drop dead. From casual wear to formal wear,they have women to men’s items like tee shirts, shirts for every occasion.

Nethara clothing has long remained a name that has struck a chord with Sri Lankan shoppers. “We believe our success has been based up on the premise that absolute sincerity towards customers and no matter what the economic situation that prevails, we try our level best to keep our prices low and within everybody’s budget, said managing director, Nethara Collection Sampath Kumara.

This April season Nethara collection brings an all new collection of export quality seasonal wear. Celebrate the season with exclusive offers made just for you! Dresses, blouses, casual, formal wear denim, men’s shirts and many more… world of limitless style and joy!

This festive season Nethara unwraps a celebration of warmth, style and sophistication. Immense yourself in a vibrant festive atmosphere as you explore thier collection under one roof 345 Boralasgamuwa With a focus on quality, affordability and customer satisfaction, Nethara export quality boutique invites you to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in style.

(Zanita)

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