Today we add some bling to this collection of images with the "For Him" collection, only available at Tiesh. Today, no look is complete without some subtle or even over-the-top pieces for that shining look. As it's a growing trend today, I thought I would highlight some ready to wear pieces from Tiesh. I spoke to Thiyasha and Ayesh De Fonseka. 

Why did you guys decide to create the "For Him" collection? 

With an increasing number of men wearing jewellery and buying jewellery for themselves together with the many requests for men's gift items we have had. It was a natural step to take to meet our clients' demands and to introduce the beauty of gold and silver accessories to the men's world. There's a major design shift in men's jewellery - rich, precious materials and a new style mood are the game changers. 

How do you decide what you wanted to create? 

Most of the time, the inspirations come about upon my travels overseas. The fashion trends, the colours and precious metals that are in trend and by adding our own unique Tiesh touch to these trends, we create new and wonderful designs. 

What were your inspirations for the designs you create? 

For the "For Him" collection, it was easy. I thought what would I like to wear to accent my outfits to make it a tad special and also at the same time what is keeping with today's fashion sense and trends. 

How do you select the materials you use to create the pieces? 

We at Tiesh try extremely hard to use only Ceylon sapphires and Ceylon gemstones so selecting materials as in gemstones that are in fashion, and furthermore all Tiesh jewellery is handmade, as they are items created by our local craftsmen based in both in our workshops in Colombo and head office in Kandy. 

Beyond applying basic techniques, how does the jewellery designer evoke an emotional response to their jewellery? 

I believe staying in close touch with what is in fashion and trending in the world of fashion helps create an immediate response from our clientele. Also, the fact that most of our designs are one of a kind and unique and that helps evoke a special response. 

What kind of materials work well together, and which ones do not? 

I have a great example. Most Sri Lankan love coloured stones so most coloured stones work well with gold, rose gold, white gold or silver, but some colours look unattractive when used in the same item. For example, rose gold and pink sapphires look too similar in colour and there is no contrast so it won't look attractive when created into jewellery together. 

Who do you envision wearing your work? Do you think about this when you work on designs? 

Actually Danu, you are someone we always thought would be a great person to wear our men's collection, but we have designs to fit everyone, from simple cufflinks, tie pins, and the more flamboyant lapel pins or collar bars. 

What are some new pieces you are working on. What are your plans for the coming future? 

We always have some new designs in the pipeline. The next line for the men's collection we have are some designs using animal shapes, the first of which was a dragonfly lapel pin, which we had a great response to, so we will keep working on some new designs. 

Furthermore, we have a new ladies' collection we are working on which will be launched later on this year. Let me just say it is spectacular, but you will have to wait to see it. 

What prompted you to work on and create an exclusive range for men? And how has the feedback been? 

As I mentioned before, there were many requests from men wanting to get themselves something and ladies wanting to get the special men in their lives something nice. Hence, we wanted to be the first jewellery brand in Sri Lanka to have a dedicated collection for men. 

On the negative aspect, some people have forgotten that we are mainly fine jewellery manufacturers set in gold but we enjoy the new markets we have been opened up to since the launch of the "For Him" collection. 

How would you describe the fashion and style of Sri Lankan men? 

Two words I would use is unique and wonderful. 

Sri Lankan men's fashion has come a long way in the last 5 years. It's wonderful to see men finally wearing a jacket for formal events and I think Sri Lankan men have been stuck in the "smart casual" fashion mentality for far too long but now you can see men having their own sense of fashion unique to each individual which is wonderful. 

Speaking to Arantha Sirimanne, this is what he had to say.. 

What are your thoughts on the "For Him" collection? 

Well, jewellery is normally considered as something women desire to have. But with Tiesh's new "For Him" collection, we men have a chance of adorning ourselves with their creative pieces. 

What was the biggest challenge in photographing this minute collection? 

As a photographer, shooting jewellery is one of the most difficult pieces to photograph mainly because they are reflective items. And especially with keeping the details intact. 

Do you feel that Sri Lankan men will like to be bold with such a collection? 

Definitely, as Sri lanka has potential in men's fashion. A lot of Sri Lankan men are experimenting with fashion and they believe in dressing up well. 

What would be your pick from this collection? 

I'm really impressed with the bling ring collection they have, as I am more of a ring person. 

Designer - Gitano Shirts 
Photographer - Arantha Sirimanne (ARANTHA PHOTOGRAPHY) 
Video - X IRIS (Nuwan and Menaka)