Injecting a feminine vibe into her creations, designer Upeksha Hager's creations are unique. Soft drapes, flattering silhouettes, and complementary colours are her hallmarks. As a designer, Upeksha is quick off the mark to know exactly what her customer wants, this has held her in good stead in the industry, making her label U by Upeksha a “go to” for women with a certain je ne sais quoi! 

What made you embark on a career in fashion? 
I always had asense about clothes, the fit, the feel, the mood of them, and used to wear my own designs as a teenager. I studied Costume Design and worked in theatre for a while. Once we moved to Sri Lanka, it felt natural to pick up fashion as a career.  

What is your latest collection called? 
‘Sunkissed' and 'Essential You' 

Describe this new collection? 
Two easy-breezy collections with a certain delicateness coupled with a surprise element. It’s the kind of clothes that make you shine before the dress. It fits just right and it becomes you. They are all made of natural fabric. 

How long have you been a designer for? 
10 years in fashion design. 

What inspired this collection? 
It was an abstract idea that came to mind as a pattern, a cool silhouette of a dress that overlaps in the back and a loose fit. Then I explored it and I was inundated with many ideas that made it possible to make the collection. 

What are the challenging aspects of running a fashion business in Sri Lanka? 
Quality production capacity is my biggest challenge. 

Where do you retail your stuff? 
I will be at Trunk Boutique at Cinnamon Grand and I have a studio in Battaramula. 

What is your top fashion tip? 
Go with the classics. Mind the fit before the trend. A goodfit, transforms you. Trends, kind of sit on you like a that. 

Where do you like to shop in Sri Lanka? 
There isn't one shop I can say I frequent. I shop at most of the popular boutiques in Colombo, but also get some made for myself and order online at times. 

Who is your muse? 
I don’t have a particular person. But many different types of women inspire me, and I can spin a whole collection in myead, when I meet them. 

Fashion prediction for next season? 
More and more fashion doesn't come out in seasons as homogeneously as we used to see. Seems there are many different trends to help individuality shine. I saw boho romantic to utilty look in trend forecasts. 

Who would you like seeing dressed in your creations?
Women that are confident, interesting and interested in good things. I know many that aren’t famous. Michelle Obama and Amal Clooney could be lovely to dress. 

How do you balance creativity with commerce? 
One has to be honest about the design and its production. So, commerce ends up not considered much. I need help with that. 

Which designers are you influenced by? 
I like so many. But Cristian Dior, Alberta Ferretti, Elie Saab, Prabal Gurung, Vivienne Westwood, Anna Sui are some.