Welcome to my new column, that is fully focused on fashion for men, so I’m sure ladies, after you read this column, you will have more options to buy a good gift for the man in your life.

Since I was a kid I have always loved the idea of fashion, even my Jaffna days were very annoying for my Mom and Dad, as I would not dress up if my belt and shoes don't match perfectly, but as always I did go through some BAD fashion blunders and now I think I’m on the correct track.

Today I speak to a duo who I simple love and adore, they are simple and a great team to work with. THIRTEEN.THIRTYONE is an excellent brand which really speaks international standards. At THIRTEEN.THIRTYONE, be assured of the highest quality on every garment, handpicked fabrics and absolute originality – with only a LIMITED NUMBER of each design produced.

On set I worked with the well-known fashion photographer Arantha Sirimanne and my video crew is Nuwan and Menaka from (X IRIS). 

“I think it’s a great brand and stitched very well, and the packaging is amazing too, it’s a set of shirts you need to keep in your wardrobe” 

Why did you guys decide to become fashion designers?

I am the fashion designer! Fazil handles the finance and business side of the brand. I have wanted to be a fashion designer ever since I was little! It was something I was always passionate about, so as soon as I was done with school I enrolled at AOD. 

What is your favourite part about being a fashion designer? 

We get to make clothes that we want to wear! 

What were your inspirations for the designs you create? 

Mostly street style and bloggers are the inspiration for most of our designs, we want our clothes to be fashionable and versatile. 

How do you select the materials you use? 

Usually we have a product plan and select materials according to the fit requirement or style we want, we also want the fabric to be comfortable for the wearer. There are also instances where we will see a fabric we like and design into it. 

You told me about a Christmas collection, when is it out? 

Yes! It will be released on the 26th of November. We are launching in time for the 3rd installment of The Closet which will be running for two days this time at Aura Cafe on Bullers Lane. 

What do you think of eco-fashion? 

I think its great that so many people are invested in it after all the fashion industry is the second largest industrial polluter in the world. 

What are your plans for the future? 

We are hoping to expand our product range next year and venture out to displaying our products in stores so our customers have the facility to hand pick and fit on a garment before purchase as currently we operate online. 

What interested you to also work in men's fashion? 

Fazil! THIRTEEN.THIRTYONE was initially going to be a ladieswear brand and Fazil really wanted to start a menswear line since he always complains about the lack of clothes available for guys in Sri Lanka. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? 

With a successfully launched flagship store and with expansion on worldwide deliveries. 

What advice do you have other aspiring fashion designers? 

Is to never give up on your dreams! (everyone says this but that’s what I’m doing) Always give your 100% in whatever you do, be passionate and let your goals drive you. Not everyone’s going to be supportive or like what you do, but if its your vision, then go for it. 

Speaking to Arantha, who is the best in fashion photography about this brand, these are his thoughts... 

How was it working on this shoot?

Well, THIRTEEN.THIRTYONE is a well-known brand in Sri Lanka. I always wanted to capture their outfits through my lens and taking Danu as my muse for the shoot made my work so easy. I basically wanted to highlight how an average person would look glamorous wearing THIRTEEN.THIRTYONE men’s shirts. 

What are your thoughts on this "ready to wear brand"? 

The shirts were designed so well with comfortable material which suites the Sri Lankan climate. Would love to see their shirts in different types of fits which will cater to any body type. 

Do you feel it suits all body types? 

The shirts which we used for the shoot were more slim fit type. 

What are your thoughts on the fashion element of this collection? 

Yes, They were designed to suite the current trends in the market. I feel they are more suited for smart casual occasions. 

What was your favourite piece? 

Mine was the grey shirt with the black lining. 

Featured this week: 

Designer - THIRTEEN.THIRTYONE 

Photographer - Arantha Sirimanne 
Video - X IRIS