Colombo Fashion Week draws to an end... 

HSBC Colombo Fashion Week concluded on a high note with a grand finale by Pakistani designer Rizwan Beyg who presented a dramatic collection of opulent fashion. Setting the tone for the evening Spanish designer Gaetano Navarro presented a collection which celebrated his two decade career in the international fashion arena. Colombo Jewellery Stores also presented a stunning collection of gem encrusted jewellery which proved to be a hit. Sri Lankan designers Ramona Oshini, Upeksha Hager, Dimuthu Sahabandu and Annika Fernando flew the flag for Sri Lankan fashion with great collections which wowed. 

Gaetano Navarro 

Spanish designer Gaetano Navarra is a creator of a concept of elegance and a style of attitude that are multifaceted and original, yet full of poetry and enchantment. “I’ve been in the fashion industry for 2 decades and the collection you saw was a representation of that” 

 

 

 

 

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Pond's White Beauty 

Ponds presented a selection of models with different make up looks. Professional make-up artist Pallavi Symons from India revealed BB+ Priviledged Looks for 2016 which ranged from daytime, evening and night.  

 

 

 

 

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Ramona Oshini 

The strength of this designer is in her ability to understand the female form and create silhouettes which are flattering. Her use of embellishments and intricate detailing give her collection a unique edge with a luxe look and feel to it. 

“My collection celebrates the femininity of women.The delicateness and beauty of the wisteria flower has been my inspiration for this collection” 

 

 

 

 

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MAUS 

One of Sri Lanka’s uber chic fashion labels, Maus is a reflection of its creator Annika Fernando’s effortless chic style. This ladieswear brand maintains a strong focus on wardrobe essentials which are stylish and versatile. 

“The signature Maus style is a fresh summer look and colours for the new Summer 2016 collection” 

 

 

 

 

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Dimuthu Sahabandu 

Contemporary designer Dimuthu Sahabandu is an established designer who has the ability to create both couture and ready to wear with equal aplomb. His couture creations are glamourous and red carpet worthy while his ready to wear capsule collection is fashionable and functional. 

"My collection was inspired by the journey of the lotus flower. How it grows emerging from the water until it blooms and remains in splendour. I have used a mix of drapes and structure into my creations" 

 

 

 

 

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CJS 

World renowned Colombo Jewellery Stores, one of Sri Lanka’s finest jewellers is a regular fixture at CFW. Presenting a collection in gold and white gold with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, pearls and a host of other exquisite stones, Colombo Jewellery Stores has created an excellent range for their Love, Obsession and Romance. 

“The jewels seduce one into the world of Love, Obsession and Romance, that is the theme of this year’s campaign by CJS” 

 

 

 

 

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U by Upeksha 

A much looked forward to designer at CFW, U by Upeksha is a label that is associated with a classic aesthetic and technical rules which designer Upeksha spins into fresh creations each season. She is known for her feminine style and girly flourishes. 

“Lightly inspired by urban architecture and urban life, this collection has clean lines. I have used navy, black, white and beige with little floral bursts. While they are all classic silhouettes, I have tried to position straight and stiff against frills" 

 

 

 

 

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Rizwan Beyg 

Pakistan based designer Rizwan Beyg is no stranger to Colombo Fashion Week. His label Limited Editions carries bridal, pret and couture women’s and menswear in addition to textile prints. His embroidery house has helped him to experiment and perfect his art  of creating a virtual renaissance of Mughal embroidery traditions. “I think it went off well. My collection is based on the history of costume with a bit of modernization”

 

 

 

 

 

Ajai Vir Singh 

"Oh wow. It was so cool. Gods smiling, heaven’s smiling. You know, it feels good.We added a new production technique, hardly any commentary and it moved very well. The whole format worked. We are getting into the next levels. I’m so excited!"

 

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana and Panchali Illankoon 

Photographs by Manoj Ratnayake