Full name : Jaishree Parathalingam Jayesingha

Hometown : Colombo

Status : Married
 
Birthday : 24th July
 
Idols : Halle Berry

Passions : I enjoy life, work, family, friends, my dogs, going to the gym, making cakes at home, travelling and just going out.

Favourite colour : Black

Favourite cartoon : Pocahontas


 

How were you as a kid?
A cute kid



How would you describe a saree?
The saree is the most elegant piece of clothing. It is such a versatile ensemble. Any woman can look stunning in a saree. Draped in the correct way those six yards of fabric can make any woman feel like a queen! To me, without a doubt, the saree is Sri Lanka's answer to the West's LBD!


What do you think about the Buzz with Danu?
An exciting show with a great personality behind it.


What would you say is your biggest challenge in your job?
Managing my time between work, family and pleasure. Designing a saree involves both an analytical and a creative eye. The process which is somewhat painstaking, would require the six yards of fabric to be first draped on a model, thereafter identify the most illustrious hot-spots followed by the design being converted to pen and paper. It is only then that the design is transferred to fabric and dyed accordingly which is perfected by the final adornments that are added on at the very end. Saree designing is not an overnight job and the time taken to create that inimitable silky masterpiece stands as the trademark of my creative fusion freedom.



What is your fashion statement?
Be revolutionary. Bend the norm. Elegance at its Best.



Tell me about your new collection?
The collection has a definite theme – being centred on “the beautiful world of colour”. As such the sarees and the garments are vivid stories in colour; from lime green to magenta, shocking pink or striking black – you won’t find any pale pastels in this collection. The work on the sarees vary; some of them feature prints, some feature delicate Swarovski crystals for a little glitz and glamour, while some use embellishments like beads for a dramatic effect.

It will be launched along with our online store on the 5th of December at the Aashkii Boutique, Arcade Independence Square.



What do you think about fashion in Sri Lanka?
Fashion is growing exponentially in Sri Lanka. Numerous local designers are rising while multiple international fashion houses are joining the market as well. It is becoming a competitive market, yet full of surprises and passion as well.



What do you hope for 2015?
Continued growth and development, but mainly peace and harmony for everyone living and visiting Sri Lanka. I hope to host two or three fashion cocktails at the Aashkii Boutique to bring together my most important clientele. In addition, I hope to spread my new collection Jai by Aashkii to the international Sri Lankan community via our new website and online store.



Tell me a little bit about your family?
Our family comprises four; my husband, Adrian who’s been my backing force since we met; my daughter Aishwarya who’s still in school in Colombo and my son  Jaikishen who’s completing his Master’s degree in the UK. In addition, we consider our four dogs as family too – Sophie, Snuggles, Toffee and Cocoa.



Who would you want to be with on a desert island?
Well may be someone like Tom Ford who inspires me as he  is such an amazing designer, film director and his collections just wow me.



Do you have a New Year resolution?
Push the Jai by Aashkii brand to all areas of the world and to as many countries by the end of 2015 using my online shop which will be launched alongside the launch of Jai by Aashkii on the 05th of December 2014

 

If...

If you were stinking rich, would you only go to places other rich people go to?
Definitely not.



If you had to describe yourself as a flavour, what would it be?
Strawberry?


If money was no object, what would you do all day?
Sleep.


If you were to create a piece of art, what would the subject be?
Life.

 

In the Spot


Your views on the upcoming presidential election?
As long as we can have peace and happiness living in this country it does not matter who wins.


Are you proud, comfortable or ashamed of your body?
Well I think I am comfortable.


Who in your opinion is the biggest Colombo diva?
Danu.


Would you rather have a man’s top half and a woman’s bottom half or vice versa?
OMG what a question.


Who is your favourite Sri Lankan designer?
Michael Wijesuriya

 

Tell me 5 things that I'd see when I walk in your door?
1. White.
2. Bright colours bringing out my works passion.
3. Vast range of types of clothes and accessories.
4. The illusion that the shop continues through the mirror at the far end.
5. The couch which everybody loves to take a break on.

 

For Fun

Go to a play or musical?
Musical


Go to the theatre or a movie?
Movie


Hike or bike?
Bike


Wear jeans or chinos?
Chinos


Crash with friends or stay in a hotel?
Don’t mind either.


Travel by plane or train?
Both.


Have a night out or evening in?
Night out


Watch TV or read a book?
TV