Today on the buzz I have a fun, bubbly person, Sharmila who is a passionate soul with an eye for beauty even in the simplest and mediocre things of day to day life, where in her mind she unravels the threads, dislocates the atom sand reassembles the structure, re-imagining the design. She has wowed us on the runway with her very easy going fashion, which is simple and trendy
Today she speaks about what makes her, and her life in the fashion world
Full Name - Thilani Sharmila Ruberu
Hometown- Colombo
Status- committed
Birthday- 28th June 1969
Passions- travel, new adventures and experiences
Favorite Colors - Black, White, Navy Blue, Green, Red, Orange
Why did you choose a career as a Fashion Designer?
It kind of chose me. I took a leap of faith with CFW and here I am!
Who has been the biggest support in your life?
My family. They're my biggest critics too!
Tell me about your style of work
Easy, Effortless, Elegant
What are some of your most defining moments in life?
Bringing 3 amazing daughters to this world, Being selected to showcase at CFW many years ago and going on to win the Gen Next Award at the very first attempt.
Tell me about your design studio?
My studio is wherever I feel like working that day. I like the idea of being inspired by
my surroundings so I try not to limit myself to one working space.
What has been your favorite travel destination and why?
So far, Paris but my dream is Ireland for all the magic it holds!
What is your favorite part about being a Fashion Designer?
Being able to make someone smile/happy with the use of something I was gifted with. The best feeling is the confidence you see in a person when they're dressed in something that's just them!
Who are your favorite designers internationally and Locally?
Internationally, would definitely be Stella McCartney for making sustainable fashion luxurious! Local would be Dharshi and Sonali just for the elegance they bring to the field and Maus for its versatility in simplicity.
How do you handle stress and pressure?
Lol. By bawling my eyes out! But I'm so much calmer now and it gets 'handled' so to speak
How do you work on your designs?
Once an idea/inspiration is 'cannon balled' in to head, the physical doing of it unspools itself
Where do you want to see your brand showcasing?
Where ever my calling would take me :) (by naming places I'd only be limiting myself)
Tell me about your family?
I have been blessed with some pretty awesome human beings for a family.
What has been the best experience being a part of CFW?
The exposure and unparalleled platform, the unending support of Fashion Week Colombo, from Ajai to Fazeena to the team, the constant mentoring, the opportunity to have followed Project Seven, a creative teaching methodology by Ajai Vir Singh, winning the Gen Next Award the very first time my fashion journey began and of course the whole dealing with the pressure and the adrenaline rush that's pretty amazing
If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be?
Meryl Streep, Cher, Ellen.
If you could live in any sitcom, which one would it be?
Modern Family
If you could have been told one thing that you weren't told when you were a teenager, what would you like to have heard?
I know I wouldn't have liked hearing it but it would have gone something like 'Go easy on the sweet stuff - it'll never lead to anything good'
If a movie was being made of your life and you could choose the actress to play you, who would you choose and why?
Diane Keaton. Her multitude of talents, effortless expression of her creative abilities, her sense of style, sense of humour, compassion, charisma and the list goes on
In the Spot!
What are your thoughts on the rise in strikes?
Citizens in a democratic setting are entitled to the right to express their objections and grievances in a legitimate and peaceful manner but contrary to that the strikers resort to various methods to get the attention of the politicians, not giving a damn about the general public who end up being the ultimate victims of this so-called tug of war. This madness could only be controlled by having very strong leadership with right and proper decision-making abilities
What are your thoughts on the local fashion industry?
It's evolving in leaps and bounds with so much of talent and creativity around.
Do you feel it's a healthy environment, what would you like to change in the world of fashion locally?
Definitely! The amount of support offered to up and coming designers is so encouraging to see. If something was to be changed it would be to teach new designers the value of having a sustainable brand and make them understand the impact the fashion industry, which they are a part of, has on the environment.
What do you say is the biggest issue that the youth faces today in Sri Lanka?
Acceptance of mental health issues and support systems to help them deal with it.
Fun
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
Ms Wayomi Fernando. I was little and she was a beautiful lady who dressed in the most beautiful and vibrant sarees and I always looked forward to our math lessons
What makes you feel the most secure?
Being around ones I love who love me unconditionally.
Who do you admire the most?
My mother. She was such a strong woman who was in the judiciary in Sri Lanka at a time when women weren't so commonly seen in positions of power. Now, I see my daughters becoming women like that and that makes me so proud.
Have you ever had a reoccurring dream? What was it?
I hardly remember dreams when I wake up but since my mother passed away a couple of years ago I remember every time I have dreams of her and it brings on such a warm feeling
What was your nickname growing up, or now?
Maiya, Myce, Maiki
Who was your hero when you were a child, and what did you do to be like them?
Didn't really have one
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