Dhananjaya Bandara’s fashion spectacle

nowned couturier Dhananjaya Bandara celebrated a major milestone – 25 years of remarkable years in bridal and fashion couture with a dazzling show at the Colombo Hilton. He also launched DB Ceylon, a tribute to Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. The swan logo depicted a mother and son in embrace symbolising his deep emotional attachment to his mother.

This event was not just a celebration, it was a cultural tribute woven into an evening of styles, elegance, heritage and innovation. This popular couturier journey continues to reflect the evolution of Sri Lankan bridal couture, and DB Ceylon marks an exciting chapter in our fashion calendar. Veteran Actor Sangeetha Weeraratne stole the spotlight wearing exquisite jewellery and a show stopping saree with minimalist lines and maximalist drama curated by Bandara.

The highlight of the evening was a prestigious line up of icons including Mrs. World Rosy Senanayake, Ramani Fernando, Sheereen Kumaratunga, Sujeeva Nelson, Apsara Tillekeratne and Carolyn Jurie all draped in Dhananjaya bridal couture. Hilton Colombo was transformed into a place of dreams showcasing heritage elegance and reinvention, choreographed by the legendary Lou Ching Wong with Hair and Makeup by Ramani Fernando.

The bridal ensembles busting with subtle details, fine beading, luxurious fabrics in soft pastel hues were the highlights to the evening. At every event on the ramp, Dhananjaya Bandara emphasized authenticity with innovation, retaining Sri Lankan bridal aesthetics, but adding a modern twist to the ensembles. This show was a landmark moment for bridal couture in Sri Lanka. The venue glowed in hues of ivory, rosé gold and pearl echoing muted opulence of the collection. From intricately beaded Kandyan sarees to bold and structured silhouettes in silks and lace whispered luxury and craftsmanship

The highlight of the show was the standing ovation from the audience. The show was not just a fashion event but it was stories of love, identity and art As the lights dimmed and the final notes of traditional drums faded. One thing was loud and clear “It was the beginning of DB Ceylon, a legacy, a brand born and proved that Sri Lankan fashion can be global, glamorous and grounded in its own traditions. Complementing the bridal splendour were the dazzling spectacle of Lovi Sarong. It wasn’t just any sarong; it was bold contemporary revival by Assanka de Mel. Lovi sarong, is a pioneering label known for giving the traditional wrap a new life.

Miss World Sri Lanka 2024 Audu Gunasekara took centre at the Darange bridal show. She walked in a DB Ceylon bridal ensemble adding a touch of pageant ready elegance to the cultural showcase. From the very first model to the final bow, the ballroom pulsed with admiration, respect and love gasps, cheers and even a few tears marked the star studded night – culminating in a standing ovation that honoured not just a designer but a designer who has shaped bridal fashions in Sri Lanka.

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

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