Fashion
Global advocate for humanity
Charming Anudi Gunasekara (25y) is the reigning Miss World Sri Lanka 2024/25. Hailing from Anuradhapura where she studied at Central College, Anuradhapura, she is a graduate from the University of Kelaniya with a Second Upper BA (Hons) degree in International Studies.
She also holds a Diploma in International Relations from the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS)
An Honorary Member of Rotary International 3220, Anudi is the Founder of Saheli, a non-profit organization to combat period poverty in Sri Lanka.
She represents Sri Lanka at the Miss World grand finale in India in May this year.
Begun in 1951, the Miss World pageant is the world’s oldest beauty pageant. In 1972, Miss World became the first major international pageant to feature a dedicated charity program, “Beauty with a Purpose,” which has since raised millions of dollars for causes such as education, disaster relief, and child healthcare.
Excerpt of interview with this ethereal beauty.
We can see a glow in your face and it looks like you are excited to be part of the Miss World Contest?
Absolutely! Competing in Miss World has always been a dream of mine. Wearing the Sri Lankan sash with pride and representing my country on such a prestigious stage is truly a dream come true. I’m incredibly excited for the main competition!
What made you choose your journey in the world of beauty pageants?
I’ve been modelling since I was 19, and Miss World was always a milestone I aspired to achieve. It wasn’t an overnight decision but rather something I’ve been preparing for over the years. What truly drew me to Miss World is its purpose beyond physical beauty, it made me realize that this is my calling.
Did your parents appreciate your choice of entering into pageantry. If no how did you convinced them?
They have always been incredibly understanding and supportive. As the eldest among my siblings, I grew up as an independent child, and that has built a strong sense of trust. They believe in me and know that I can handle whatever comes my way.
You are not only representing Sri Lanka, but the entire world which also adds responsibilities on your shoulders. One such responsibility will be your association with humanity. Tell us how you will deal?
As Miss Sri Lanka and a participant in Miss World, I recognize that my role extends beyond representing my country, it is also about embracing the responsibility of being a global advocate for humanity.
One of the most effective ways to uphold this responsibility is by using my platform to address pressing social issues, particularly those affecting marginalized women. Through my Beauty with a Purpose project, I have already committed to tackling period poverty in Sri Lanka by raising awareness, improving access to sanitary products, and advocating for policy changes. However, the issue of menstrual equity is not confined to one country; it is a global concern that affects millions of women.
Whether it is period poverty, gender inequality, or access to education, my approach will always be rooted in compassion, action, and sustainable solutions.
Who would be your role model from Miss World pageantry?
Manushi Chhillar was the Miss World who truly inspired me to pursue this journey. Her story and purpose resonated with me, reinforcing my desire to be part of Miss World.
Could you walk as through your prep routine diet, fitness, personality training etc. What will you do if you win the title?
The Miss World Sri Lanka team and I work tirelessly to ensure that I represent myself in the best way possible. Fitness has been a key focus as I prepare for the sports and fitness segment, and while I’m mindful of my diet, I make sure not to restrict my body to the point of discomfort. Balance is important. Additionally, I undergo daily training to refine my personality and overall presentation, ensuring I bring my best self to the competition.
What is beauty according to you and how do you drive purpose in beauty?
To me, beauty is not just about appearance, it is a reflection of one’s character, values, and the impact they create in the world. True beauty lies in kindness, resilience, and the ability to uplift others. I drive purpose in beauty by ensuring that my voice, actions, and platform contribute to meaningful change. As Miss Sri Lanka, I have used my role to advocate for menstrual equity through my Beauty with a Purpose project, addressing period poverty and empowering women with knowledge and resources. Beauty becomes purposeful when it is used as a force for good, when it inspires confidence, creates opportunities, and fosters a sense of belonging.
There are many who debate whether beauty pageants are still relevant or not, what is your stand on this?
Beauty pageants, particularly Miss World, remains highly relevant because they have evolved beyond physical appearance to become platforms for advocacy, empowerment, and social change. When done right, pageants are not just about crowns and titles, they are about purpose, passion, and making a difference. That is why I stand firmly in support of their continued relevance.
Lastly your message for all those aspiring girls who wants to win a beauty pageant?
Don’t approach it as a race, but see it as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. You don’t need to win a title to make a meaningful impact on society. What truly makes you a queen isn’t the crown you wear, but how you treat others and the positive changes you bring to the world.
By Zanita Careem
Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe has died in London aged 80.
Costelloe became one of the best-known names in British and Irish fashion and was personal designer to the late Diana, the Princess of Wales.
His family issued a statement on Saturday saying they were “deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness”.
They added: “He was surrounded by his wife and seven children and passed peacefully in London.”
He was born in Dublin where his father ran a successful company making raincoats.
After studying at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design he moved to Paris where he took a course at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris.
He set up his own label in 1979, Paul Costelloe Collections, and presented collections at London Fashion Week, as well as in Paris, Milan and New York.
In 1983 he was appointed personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a collaboration which continued until her death in 1997.
Costelloe often used traditional Irish fabrics and textiles in his designs, including Irish linen and tweed.
He collaborated with Dunnes Stores and was the closing designer for the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in October this year.
He was criticised in 1998 when he said that Irish women lacked style.
“Irish women have difficulty with style because it’s not in their inner nature… like the Italians,” he said at the time
However, during an interview with Irish broadcaster RTÉ this year, he said he felt that Ireland was more European than years ago.
Taoiseach (Irish PM) Micheál Martin said he was “very saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Costelloe”.
“An icon of design, Paul elevated Irish fashion to the global stage,” he said.
Tánaiste (deputy PM) Simon Harris said Costelloe had “led a remarkable life”.
Harris added: “He built a hugely successful business through incredible talent, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
“He leaves behind a body of work that shaped modern Irish fashion and will continue to shape it in the years to come. He will be greatly missed and warmly remembered.”
[BBC]
Colombo Fashion Week CFW marked a glittering milestone this season -22 glamorous years of elevating Sri Lankan fashion. CFW ‘s evolving platform has shaped designers,nurtured creativity and positioned the island on the global style map
While becoming one of the most influential style platforms in South Asia,what began as a visionary initiative has grown into a movement shaping designers, nurturing talent, reviving craftsmanship and bringing global attention to the region’s extraordinary design language.
This anniversary will shimmer with nostalgia, innovation and unmistakable South Asian flow.
From handwoven saris reimagined for the modern woman to bold menswear, resort wear, sustainable collections and couture dipping in embellishments.
CFW has proved once again that Sri Lanka stands proudly among the region’s fashion capitals.
Over the past decades CFW has redefined the region’s fashion identity.it created opportunities for young designers to open pathways to international markets, revived craft communities, and built a culture where fashion is both creative and responsible.
Today, its influence extends beyond Sri Lanka attracting designers and fashion lovers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and the wider South Asian sphere.
No celebration is complete without acknowledging the artistry of Raman Fernando, whose beauty direction has shaped the CFW aesthetic since its inception.Her partnership has been integral to elevating the event’s aesthetic from the backstage transformations to the signature looks that complemented each designer’s wish.
Twenty two years on CFW, remains more than a fashion show, it has shaped Sri Lanka’s design voices, contributed to the region’s fashion economy and created a dynamic bridge connecting South Asian talent with the world.
As CFW celebrates its 22 year journey one great thing is clear – the next chapter promises more brilliance, innovation and South Asian glamour. CFW continues to champion young talent through its emerging designer programmes giving newcomers the guidance needed to enter the industry with confidence.
This November Colombo fashion week steps into a bold new chapter with the launch of its latest season titled Couture and Trousseau .a refined platform dedicated to craftsmanship, luxury and modern elegance. This new edition will spotlight Sri Lankan and South Asian designers who specialise in refined couture techniques, artisanal detailing and timeless elegance.
The Couture and Trousseau Edition aims to showcase fashion as both art and heritage where modern silhouettes meet meticulous handicrafts and where designers elevate their creations to the realms of treasured pieces.
The new theme, I am sure will promise a unique runaway rich in sophistication, drama and the signature glamour for which CFW is known for
Couture and Trousseau – the season that redefines Sri Lanka fashion
A new era of elegance, couture and trousseau takes over
Beyond the runway presentations, CFW has established a substantive track record with at least 80% of featured designers having emerged from its ecosystem, with particular emphasis on nurturing Sri Lankan talent. Designers who have developed their craft through CFW have subsequently achieved international recognition, demonstrating that sustained commitment and strategic focus deliver results in an industry often characterized by transient trends.
At 22 years, CFW stands as one of only four fashion weeks in Asia to surpass the two-decade mark, a feat that underscores both its resilience and its relevance. Unlike many regional events that have come and gone, CFW has evolved into a diplomatic force, fostering reciprocal partnerships with fashion weeks across the BRICS nations, the Commonwealth, and South Asia.
This extends beyond runway presentations. CFW generates measurable economic impact through tourism, hospitality infrastructure development, and the creation of business opportunities that benefit host cities and their broader communities. The platform’s model demonstrates how strategic cultural investment can drive commercial growth across multiple sectors simultaneously.
Since 2003, CFW has systematically expanded its scope, inviting designers from neighbouring nations to share the platform with Sri Lankan counterparts. The result is a distinctive space where regional diversity is celebrated rather than marginalized and where collaboration supersedes competition. In a geopolitical climate frequently defined by division, CFW presents an alternative narrative: fashion as shared language, commerce as common ground.
This November 2025, CFW’s new season titled ‘Couture and Trousseau,’ strategically focusing on a segment of fashion that presents significant growth opportunities for Sri Lankan designers: bridal and destination weddings. This expansion reflects South Asia’s burgeoning bridal market and positions Sri Lankan designers to capture a larger share of this lucrative sector. By identifying and activating relevant commercial opportunities prior to each season, CFW continues to demonstrate that regional collaboration and sustained investment in creative talent can reshape not only an industry, but the economic landscape of an entire region.
The Couture + Trousseau season of CFW was presented in partnership with Nations Trust Bank American Express, Cinnamon Grand, Lanka Tiles, IDL, Vision Care, Hameedia, ITC, Beauty by Rosh, Ramani Fernando Salons, , Emerging Media, Hardtalk and Acorn whose continued collaboration strengthens CFW’s commitment to celebrating innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship within Sri Lanka’s fashion industry.
Two Miss Universe judges have resigned days before the annual beauty pageant, with one of them accusing organisers of rigging the selection process.
Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch, who announced his resignation from the eight-member jury on Instagram, alleged that an “impromptu jury” had pre-selected finalists ahead of the competition, set to be held on Friday in Thailand.
Hours later, French football manager Claude Makélélé also announced he’d pulled out, citing “unforeseen personal reasons”.
The resignations come two weeks after several Miss Universe contestants walked out of a pre-pageant event over controversial comments made by an official from host nation Thailand.
“An impromptu jury has been formed to select 30 finalists from among the 136 participating countries, without the presence of any of the real eight members of the jury, including me,” Harfouch wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday, saying he had discovered this via social media.
The unofficial jury comprises “individuals with a significant potential conflict of interest due to some personal relationships with some of the Miss Universe contestants”, he claimed.
Harfouch did not elaborate on how this “impromptu jury” would function, or how it would override the official jury’s decision.
The Miss Universe Organisation on Tuesday put out a statement to rebuff Harfouch’s claims, saying that “no external group has been authorised to evaluate delegates or select finalists”.
It suggested that Harfouch may have been referring to the Beyond the Crown programme: a “social impact initiative” that operates independently from the Miss Universe competition, and has a separate selection committee.
The Miss Universe Organisation announced the Beyond the Crown selection committee on Monday. In its statement on Tuesday, the organisation said that Harfouch’s allegations had “mischaracterised” the programme.
Mr Makélélé, who also announced his resignation via Instagram, described it as a “difficult decision”. “I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard. The platform represents empowerment, diversity, and excellence – values I have always championed throughout my career,” he wrote.
The beauty pageant drew backlash earlier this month after its Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, at a pre-pageant event for not posting promotional content on her social media platforms.
In videos that have since gone viral, Ms Bosch and several other contestants could be seen walking out of the event, and some could be heard shouting at Nawat.
Mr Nawat later claimed that some of his words were misunderstood – but his conduct nevertheless prompted a stern rebuke from the Miss Universe Organisation, which has since sent a delegation of international executives to take over running the competition.
[BBC]
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