The Style Files : Racing and Fashion on the 20th of March 

The Royal Turf Club hosts its premier cup on the 20th of March in Nuwara Eliya and fashion forms part of this spectacular event with extravagant creations from incredibly talented established and emerging designers. Horse racing has always been synonymous with fashion and racing events around the world are known as such for their display of flamboyant clothing and exotic hats. 

The event on the 20th of March will feature designs from Ramona Oshini, Charini Suriyage, Angelina Senevirathne, Nayani Fernando and Ridma Samaranayake. 

Ramona Oshini is one of Sri Lankan fashion's most renowned names and her use of sillhouettes that flatter the female form with intricate embellishments and vibrant colours has captivated fashionistas and her pieces are often spotted at Colombo’s fanciest soirees. Ramona with business partner Charini Suriyage recently opened Zudhora, housed in two individual shops. Zudhora is beautifully curated with collections from seasoned local Sri Lankan designers featured alongside new entrants. 

Inspired by her love for experimenting with combinations of the traditional and modern Charini Suriyage has made a mark for herself in the Ethical Fashion arena by being the first Sri Lankan to take part at the London Fashion Week. Combining her heritage with modern design, her uniquely structured handcrafted couture and ready to wear brand is all about elegance, sensuality, glamour and are timeless designs with a contemporary twist. Designed for the sophisticated woman, her collections celebrates by reviving the lost heritage crafts of Sri Lanka, which she incorporates in her creations. 

Angelina Senevirathne launched her label Curves in 2005 and has garnered a faithful following with her love of colour, cut and fit that flatters the curves of a woman. She’s a talented designer and has showcased collections in casual wear, work wear, evening wear and beachwear. 

Much of Nayani Fernando’s work consists of garments that are ready-to- wear with minimal seams and meticulous execution. Her final collection as part of her degree program at the University of Salford titled “Nothingness” was showcased at prestigious London Graduate Fashion week last year. This collection was also shortlisted for the Limerick International Fashion awards, which were held in Ireland. 

Ridma Samaranayake is an emerging designer to watch, her use of colour and proportion are very distinctive and as a graduate of the Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology (LIFT) and University of Northampton Ridma has shown collections at Colombo Fashion Week and the prestigious London Graduate Fashion Week. 

Text by Minoli Ratnayake