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The best looks from the coronation weekend

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It’s been a weekend of celebrations and history in the making for the coronation of King Charles. Last week some of the most fashionable celebrities, heads of state and members of royal families across the globe attended the official coronation at Westminster Abbey, which saw over 2000 guests witness the historical ceremony.

Although guests came dressed to the nines, they were actually asked to dress down for the occasion, breaking royal tradition as part of the King’s attempt to add an element of modernisation to the coronation. So, tiaras were swapped for fascinators and, with the exception of the King, Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales in royal regalia – robes and grand ceremonial garments were eschewed for more relaxed look. The result? Some stunning fashion moments from everyone from Katy Perry to Princess Beatrice.

Then on Sunday 7 May, the new King and Queen were thrown a star-studded concert with thousands of cheering members of the public – some 20,000 of them – in the audience in the grounds of Windsor Castle. The evening was hosted by Downtown Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville and saw the likes of Katy Perry, Nicole Scherzinger and Tiwa Savage take to the stage. Meanwhile, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, gave us a lesson in summer suit dressing (in her go-to Alexander McQueen, of course).

The evening also saw Prince William pay a touching tribute to his father and late grandmother, saying: “Pa, we all so proud of you,” before continuing: “I know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us.”

Kate Middleton

In keeping with the Alexander McQueen theme of the weekend, the Princess of Wales wore a red McQueen suit and her hair in soft waves to attend the coronation concert celebrations.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry stunned on stage in a metallic gold ball gown with matching opera-length gloves, and her hair slicked back into a sleek updo.

Sonam Kapoor

Making a spoken word performance at the coronation concert, actor Sonam Kapoor wore a floral gown co-designed by Anamika Khanna and Emilia Wickstead.

Kate Middleton

The Princess of Wales wore formal regal robes and a deep blue Royal Victorian Order mantle edged in

scarlet over an embroidered silk dress by Alexander McQueen for the coronation on Saturday 6 May. She didn’t opt for a tiara or flower crown, but a crystal and silver bullion leaf headpiece by Jess Collett for Alexander McQueen.

Rania Al Abdullah, Queen Consort of Jorda

Queen Rania wore a lemon yellow silk pencil dress by Tamara Ralph Couture.

Queen Letizia of Spain

Queen Letizia of Spain wore a fuchsia two-piece with a blush netted hat.

Pippa Middleton

We love the soft yellow shade of Pippa Middleton’s gown.

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson arrived at Westminster Abbey in a red rose print coat from Emilia Wickstead over a black dress with black satin bejewelled pumps by Roger Vivier.

Princess Beatrice

Princess Beatrice wore a pink belted dress with a pearl clutch bag, statement headband and jewels by Garrard.

Jill and Finnegan Biden

Jill Biden wore a blue skirt with matching jacket, while granddaughter Finnegan Biden wore a custom Markarian sommer seamed corset dress with a matching cape in yellow silk crepe. The colours together appear to be a tribute to Ukraine, and the pair were seated next to Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska.

Zara Tindall

Zara Tindall wore a cornflower blue belted dress with a brooch belonging to her mother, Princess Anne.

Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan

Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan wore a traditional kira in a beautiful purple shade as she arrived at Westminster Abbey with King Jigme Khesar.

Kate Middleton has arrived at Westminster Abbey ahead of the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, a hugely historic event, so it’s no wonder the Princess of Wales chose to pay touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana with her choice of jewellery.

To pay tribute to the two royal women who came before her, the Princess of Wales wore the late Queen’s George VI Festoon necklace, three tiers of stunning diamonds which was originally created in 1950 as a gift from King George VI to his daughter, then Princess Elizabeth before being crowned Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Meanwhile Kate also honoured Princess Diana by wearing her pearl and diamond earrings, which she’s worn many times before.

To pay tribute to the two royal women who came before her, the Princess of Wales wore the late Queen’s George VI Festoon necklace, three tiers of stunning diamonds which was originally created in 1950 as a gift from King George VI to his daughter, then Princess Elizabeth before being crowned Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Kate also honoured Princess Diana by wearing her pearl and diamond earrings, which she’s worn many times before.

The Princess of Wales wore formal regal robes and a deep blue Royal Victorian Order mantle edged in scarlet – at the request of the King and Queen – over an embroidered silk dress by Alexander McQueen. She didn’t opt for a tiara or flower crown, but a crystal and silver bullion leaf headpiece by Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen. The embroidery work of rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock symbolised the four nations of the UK. Princess Charlotte dressed the same in an adorable mini-me moment, matching her mother in an ivory Alexander McQueen dress with the same floral embroidery and Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece.

Between the Royal Family, A-listers and the international elite, the Coronation of King Charles III was always going to be a fashion spectacle for the ages.

The pomp and pageantry of the ceremony lived up to expectation, and while spouts of protest accounted for moments of ruckus outside, guests making their way to the 2000-strong congregation did so in spectacular style.

Inevitably, it was the Firm’s chief of glamour, the Princess of Wales, who won hearts with the most fashionable look from the family – this time, with the added presence of her mini-me. Catherine enlisted the help of Alexander McQueen’s creative director Sarah Burton, her longtime trusted designer who was behind her 2011 lace wedding dress, to craft the ivory crepe gown, embroidered with roses, thistles, daffodils, and shamrocks she wore under her blue state robe.

Importantly, McQueen worked with London based milliner Jess Collett to make Greek-like, silver floral headbands in the place of a tiara squashing months of speculation over whether she would be borrowing from the Royal collection, and fears of a flower crown more suited to Glastonbury. Making headlines, however, was her daughter Princess Charlotte, who at 8 years old won hearts in her matching McQueen white cape, sparkling headpiece, and white ballet pumps, alongside her brother Prince Louis who, though restless in ceremony, looked smart in navy.

Ranking high in grandeur was Princess Anne, who wore her her Blues and Royals uniform and the green velvet Thisle cloak complete with a red feathered, bicorne hat. Her daughter, Zara Phillips, was less stoic but still elegant in a baby blue dress coat, matching Strathberry bag and diamond brooch last worn by Princess Anne in 2017.

Sisters Princess Eugenie and Beatrice took opposing routes, the former in subdued navy Fendi and the later a hot pink Beluah dress, a label whose tagline is “fighting slavery through fashion”. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh was respectful in her Suzannah London white gown which, designer Suzannah Crabb told The Standard, “features a beautiful hand embroidered train inspired by gowns and regalia from the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.” While not heaving with Hollywood superstars like a Royal Wedding, a number of famous faces did pull focus. Dame Emma Thomspon was an early arriver, doing so in a flamboyant red and black rose woven opera coat by Emilia Wickstead. She was joined by Lionel Richie, who was dapper in a top hat and Garrad diamond brooch, Ant and Dec, in three-piece morning suits and Nick Cave who was ever the vamp in a black suit with dark hair slicked back.

Also outside the Abbey was Dame Joanna Lumley, who is infamously fond of the royal family, and looked thrilled to be in attendance wearing her 60s style navy dress with a contrast white collar and white bowler hat. Stealing focus, though, was a sugar-pink Katy Perry who wore a bespoke suit from Vivienne Westwood, UK fashion’s late Queen of Punk, as she arrived with British Vogue’s editor in chief Edward Enninful. Left and right came together as streams of UK politicians made their way into the Abbey for the ceremony. It was Penny Mordaunt, the Tory MP who is the Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Privy Council, who stole the spotlight as she demonstrated impeccable upper body strength holding up the mighty 17th-century Sword of State for the duration of the service.

Her outfit, a teal caped dress with golden fern embroidery from Hand and Lock, was more controversial, giving way to a string of less favourable memes. UK Prime Minster Rishi Sunak arrived with wife Akshata Murty, who opted for a soft blue, jacquard dress by London based designer Claire Mischevani. “It was an absolute pleasure to dress Mrs Murty, for such a momentous, British occasion,” the designer told The Standard. “As an independent British brand, it means so much to see our pieces worn to such occasions.”

Former Prime Ministers included David Cameron and his wife Samantha, who wore a floral red frock with scarlet hat, Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie, who opted for a blue dress and navy tweed jacket, as well as Liz Truss and Thersea May who both braved shots of orange in their looks.

And with no fear of controversy, it was Suella Braverman who won prize for most outlandish head piece as she demanded attention wearing an huge, cream organza fascinator and grey suit.

The Coronation would not have been complete without a helping of international razz-matazz – and there was no shortage of that. Led by the woman dubbed Spain’s answer to Kate Middleton, Queen Letizia did not disappoint in a hot pink peplum skirt suit by Carolina Herrera, complemented by a wide brimmed hat as she made her way into the Abbey with husband, King Felipe. Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece was another adopter of the popular powder blue in her custom look by Mary Katrantzou, which she finished with an unconventional clutch – a model of Marcel Proust’s novel In Search of Lost Time. Rounding off the best dressed European royals was Princess Charlene of Monaco, who was ever-striking but understated in a pale beige, button-up skirt and blazer complete with sash-style drape.

Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, opted for a periwinkle power suit, with matching gloves and ribbonned headpiece nestled in blonde hair. It comes after her shocking hot pink statement as she met with Akshata Murty at No.10 Downing Street yesterday. First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, wife of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also made an inspiring appearance alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in a monochromatic, pale-teal look.

Her smart overcoat featured side pleats, worn over a coordinating slip dress and finished with drop pearl earrings and white heels. French president Emmanuel Macron wore an all black suit and tie as he was joined by his wife Brigitte, who channelled quiet luxury in an uber-chic pastel pink dress and matching coat designed by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton. Elsewhere, looking resplendent in their respective national dress, were King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan, Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho of Tonga, and  Crown Princess Kiko of Japan.

 



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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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