A chat with Gowri Galapatha... 

As a fashion designer at Mondy what brings out your creativity?

Life events like people, colours, places and pieces of art influence my design inspiration. Designing is the way I find my vision, and quite simply to express myself hence my design specialty consists of womenswear for every category such as office, leisure, smart casual and jeans. 

Which city has most inspired you in your creations?

I would say Paris, especially the grand architectural designs all over the city and the culture. Architecture provides me with immense inspiration and I would like to quote Coco Chanel here: “Fashion is architecture, it is a matter of proportion”. Visiting the Champs-Élysées street in Paris inspired me whilst also visiting designer brand stores such as Valentino, Christian Dior and Michael Kors. Gazing at their super chic trends itself is immensely motivational.

Your two best dressed celebrity picks?

Anne Hathaway’s fashion style is soft, feminine and is a sophisticated style, whilst Taylor Swift has the whole retro glam look going for her, in addition to accentuating her lips with bright red lipstick. 

A celebrity with the best street style?

Taylor Swift.

Best red carpet outfit?

Emma Stone.

How did your influences from Sri Lanka find their path into your work?

Sri Lankans have a proud history and culture of grand unique architecture, cultural arts and crafts such as paintings, carvings, antiques, furniture, ancient jewellery, traditional masks, temple frescoes and so on. These elements inspire me. 

By Sandra De Zilva