Fashion

Ramzi Rahaman – The master craftsman

Published

2 years ago

2024/02/4

Thilina Walpola

Ramzi Rahaman

by Savitri de Alwis

It is said that a woman’s crowning glory is her ‘hair’ and it’s the crown she never takes off! For centuries ‘hair’ has been seen as a symbol of strength and beauty in women and from the dawn of civilisation, hair’ has been a fashion statement. Queen Cleopatra’s intriguing braids to heavily sprayed and back-combed beehive and bouffant hairdo of the 70s, to posh bobs and cute fringes, hair curled or waved in rollers, dreadlocks, braids, chignons, buns et al, in all forms and shapes have dominated fashion over time. And truly a good hair day is a boost to one’s self confidence to take on the world.

In that light Ramzi Rahaman the celebrated and sought after hairdresser has been living and breathing it all for 50 in turning the ‘ordinary’ into ‘extraordinary’ with his remarkable talent & skill. He is a master craftsman in his trade, a technically perfect skilled veteran in the industry for half a century. He is also a famed beautician – in the art and craft of make-up and reputed for his bridal creations in making brides breathtakingly beautiful on their unforgettable day.

Ramzi was born into a Malay family of seven (six boys and a girl). Born and raised in Colombo, his father, an accountant, very early recognised that Ramzi was a ‘cut’ above. His natural talent swayed for art & oil painting and to hone his skills his father sent him to the acclaimed Ivor Baptist, a landscape artist, even though he could ill afford the lessons.

As much as Ramzi enjoyed painting, he was fascinated by his maternal grandmother’s long hair which she skilfully wove into chic styles. She became his Muse – a creative influence to inspire Ramzi to take on hair dressing seriously. However, as the culture dictated then, in the 1970s Ceylon, it was an industry commanded by females such as Salon Moira, Janet Dias, Salon Gladys etc. It was almost impossible for Ramzi to enlist as a student for hair-dressing in a profession which was meant exclusively for females.

Nevertheless, dauntlessly and relentlessly he pursued his goal to learn the craft that he was passionate about and finally he was enlisted as the only male student in a class full of females where he topped the batch. He speaks of his guru Logi Mariathasan with deep affection for giving him the opportunity.

Ramzi with Chandrika Kumaratunga

Dressing Shiranthi Rajapaksa as a bride

Thereafter having gained some practical experience upon his local qualification he went to London to learn the technicalities to be a skilled craftsman in the trade he loved at the famous Morris School of Hairdressing and then on to other reputed schools in the UK to keep abreast of the demanding skills and trends as required of a top stylist.

Upon his return in the 1970s, Ramzi’s humble beginnings were acknowledged as he launched himself as a ‘Coiffeur’ in a rented room for a salon at Barnes Place, Colombo 7. This was only possible with the financial support of his family with makeshift equipment due to an austere period in the country. Imports were limited, even the basics such as backwash hair basins were lacking. Neither was there any hair products readily available and he would improvise with stale beer to shape and fashion his hair creations with a perfect result. But Ramzi lived through it all, built his clientele and adapted to the changing scenes as the Hair & Beauty industry evolved in Sri Lanka into a mega industry which catapulted him to fame.

With Rosy Senanayake

Ramzi Rahaman’s impressive client list includes a former President of Sri Lanka, Mrs Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, a former first lady (a past beauty queen) as a bride on her wedding day as she wed Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, a host of past beauty queens of Sri Lanka including Mrs. Rosy Senanayake on her first pageant and also other well-known personalities.

His Salon located off D.S Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 8 continues to be frequented by his loyal clientele. His numerous international awards adorn the walls of his salon with his A listers and creations. A staunch disciplinarian as a Salon Keeper, his commitment to hard work has been his weapon for success. His sound advice to freshers in the industry is ‘love your hair, love your work and do not chase after money.’

With his youthful looks and a vibrant personality Ramzi Rahaman continues to do what he loves best – making his clients ‘feel’ beautiful. He is acknowledged hugely for his invaluable contribution to the Hair & Beauty Industry in Sri Lanka. And, his inherent talent & skill as a hairdresser, fashion designer, beautician, an artiste par excellence whose creations and craft are immensely valued by women experiencing and celebrating their inner beauty.

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Fashion

NH collection ignities Christmas spirit

Published

3 weeks ago

2025/12/14

Thilina Walpola

Christmas vibes

NH collection transformed its sleek urban facade into a beacon of Christmas magic. The hotel’s grand Christmas Tree lighting ceremony unfolded with a sense of elegance and warmth that felt unmistakably NH.

There were many corporate guests and media glided into the lobby greeted by a soft grow of gold and amber lights.. The centre piece stood tall and proud – a soaring Christmas tree dressed in a shimmering ornaments brushed with twinkling lights that caught the eye from every angle – a symbol not first of the season but of the hotel’s commitment to creating extra ordinary moments. The moment the lights flickered on a burst of warmth, radiated across the lobby accompanied by the first sweet notes of the choir. The hotel glowed with festive décor, reflecting the vibes of the season

NH Collection Colombo marked the start of the festive season with its elegant Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, celebrated on 3rd December 2025, bringing a touch of warmth and seasonal charm to the heart of the city. This year, the event embraced a meaningful new approach, reflecting not only the joy of the season but also a message of confidence, resilience, and renewed positivity for Sri Lanka. The lobby transformed into a festive gathering space as guests, team members, and well-wishers came together to witness the first illumination of the Christmas tree.

General Manager Yann Decaix making welcome speech

This year’s tree, beautifully decorated in traditional Christmas colours, stood as the centrepiece of the celebration, symbolising joy, togetherness, and the timeless spirit of Christmas. By lighting our tree here at NH Collection Colombo, we are sending a message to the world — that Sri Lanka remains a warm, welcoming, and safe destination to travel. Our land of paradise is once again inviting tourists back with warmth and confidence, and our hotels continue to operate with the same passion, hospitality, and spirit we are known for. Soft carols, sung by our team members, enhanced the atmosphere as the lights came to life, creating a moment filled with festive cheer and an extraordinary sense of seasonal magic.

Guests were welcomed with a selection of festive delights, including cocktails, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and an array of hot and cold canapés complemented by mini mince pies. A graceful solo music performance added to the charm of the evening, building anticipation for the ceremonial lighting. Once illuminated, the celebration continued as guests enjoyed the warm, festive atmosphere.

Speaking at the event, Yann Decaix, General Manager of NH Collection Colombo, said:

“At NH Collection Colombo, we have curated a bundle of offerings for the festive season, designed to bring people together and create uplifting moments throughout December. This tree-lighting ceremony marks the beginning of a series of celebrations that reflect our commitment to extraordinary and memorable hospitality in the heart of the city.”

To complement the ceremony, NH Collection Colombo has unveiled a thoughtfully curated festive programme throughout December. Guests can look forward to a range of seasonal experiences, including the Christmas Eve Buffet at AYU, joyful Christmas Day celebrations, a flavourful Thai-inspired Christmas Night feast at Thai Rasa, and multiple New Year’s Eve events such as the grand Masquerade Gala Dinner in the Ballroom, the vibrant Rooftop NYE celebration at Vistas, and a family-friendly Kids’ NYE Programme at Adityaa. Each event is designed to deliver memorable dining, live entertainment, and uplifting festive moments for guests of all ages.

The full festive programme can be explored via the brochure here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/707707998/6/ The Christmas Tree Lighting served as a delightful prelude to the hotel’s festive programme, setting the tone for a season filled with refined experiences, heartfelt celebrations, and the signature warmth of NH Collection hospitality.

Fashion

Ethical beauty takes centre stage

Published

4 weeks ago

2025/12/7

Thilina Walpola

Body Shop team

The Body Shop marked a radiant new chapter in Sri Lanka with the opening of its boutique at One Galle Face Mall, an event that blended conscious beauty, festive sparkle and lifestyle elegance. British born and globally loved beauty brand celebrates ten successful years in Sri lanka with the launch of its new store at the One Galle Face Mall. The event carried an added touch of prestige as the British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick to Sri Lanka attended as the Guest of honour.

His participation elevated the event highlighting the brand’s global influence and underscored the strong UK- Sri Lanka connection behind the Body Shop’s global heritage and ethical values.

Chief guest British Ambassador Andrew Patrick at the Body Shop

Celebrating ten years of the Brand’s presence in the country, the launch became a true milestone in Colombo’s evolving beauty landscape.

Also present were the Body Shop Sri Lanka Director, Kosala Rohana Wickramasinghe, Shriti malhotra, Executive chairperson,Quest Retail.The Body shop South Asia and Vishal Chaturvedi , Chief Revenue Officer-The Body South Asia The boutique showcased the brand’s

complete range from refreshing Tea Tree skin care to the iconic body butters to hair care essentials each product enhancing the Body Shop’s values of cruelty ,fair trade formulation, fair trade ingredients and environmentally mindful packaging.

The store opening also unveiled the much anticipated festive season collection.

With its elegant atmosphere, engaging product experiences and the distinguished present of the British High Commissioner, it was an evening that blended glamour with conscience With its fresh inviting space at Colombo’ premier mall, the Body Shop begins a a new decade of inspiring Sri Lankan consumers to choose greener beauty.

Fashion

Ladies’ Night lights up Riyadh

Published

4 weeks ago

2025/12/7

Thilina Walpola

Queens of grace

The Cultural Forum of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia brought back Ladies’ Night 2025 on November 7 at the Holiday Inn Al Qasr Hotel. After a hiatus of thirteen years, Riyadh shimmered once again as Ladies’ Night returned – an elegant celebration revived under the chairperson Manel Gamage and her team. The chief guest for the occasion was Azmiya Ameer Ajwad, spouse of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to K. S. A. There were other dignitaries too.

The show stopper was Lisara Fernando finalist from the voice Sri Lankan Seasons, wowed the crowd with her stunning performances. The excitement continued with a lively beauty pageant, where Ilham Shamara Azhar was crowned the beauty queen of the night. Thanks to a thrilling raffle draw, many lucky guests walked away with fabulous prizes, courtesy of generous sponsors.

The evening unfolded with a sense of renewal, empowerment and refined glamour drawing together the women for a night that was both historic and beautifully intimate. From dazzling couture to modern abayas, from soft light installation to curated entertainment, the night carried the unmistakable energy.

Once a cherished annual tradition, Ladies’ Night had long held a special space in Riyadh’s cultural calendar. But due to Covid this event was not held until this year in November. This year it started with a bang. After years Ladies’ Night returned bringing with a burst of colour, confidence and long-awaited camaraderie.

It became a symbol of renewal. This year began with a vibrant surge of energy. The decor blended soft elegance with modern modernity cascading its warm ambient lighting and shimmering accents that turned the venue into a chic, feminine oasis, curated by Shamila Abusally, Praveen Jayasinghe and Hasani Weerarathne setting the perfect atmosphere while compères Rashmi Fernando and Gayan Wijeratne kept the energy high and kept the guests on their toes making the night feel intimate yet grand.

Conversations flowed as freely as laughter. Women from different backgrounds, nationalities and professions came together united by an unspoken bond of joy and renewal. Ladies’ Night reflected a broader narrative of change. Riyadh today is confidently evolving and culturally dynamic.

The event celebrated was honouring traditions while empowering international flair.

As the night drew to a close, there was a shared sense that this event was only the beginning. The applause, the smiles, the sparkles in the air, all hinted at an event that is set to redeem its annual place with renewed purpose in the future. Manel Gamage and her team’s Ladies’ Night in Riyadh became more than a social occasion. It became an emblem of elegance, and reflected a vibrant new chapter of Saudi Arabia’s capital.

Thanks to Nihal Gamage and Nirone Disanayake, too, Ladies’ night proved to be more than event,it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and an unstoppable spirit of Sr Lankan women in Riyadh

In every smile shared every dance step taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sr Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show unstoppable. Ladies’ Night is simply the spotlight that will shine forever .This night proved to be more than an event, it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and the unstoppable spirit of Sri Lankan women in Riyadh.

In every smile shared, every dance steps taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sri Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show that their spirit is unstoppable. Ladies’ Night was simply the spotlight and the night closed on a note of pride!