The Show - An Evening of Glamour and Comedy!
It was an evening with a difference for the guests who filled the foyer of the Colombo Hilton when they came for ‘The Show’. The layout was unique. As you walked in, one could wonder what was taking place here. The models were all around, and so were the designers. Instead of sitting down and watching a fashion show, here, the guest were walking around enjoying their cocktails and looking at what they wanted to see.
Big names in the industry such as Buddi Batiks, Indi, Koca, Olive Couture, Ramona Oshini, Aslam of GEEBEES and Ramzi were all there, at the foyer. The designers and their unique creations! These premier designers were given a platform to create one “Show Stopper” piece which they displayed during the cocktails. As the official hair and make-up partner, Ramani Fernando completed the look of the models with her expertise. Tiesh Jewellers did a great job of adorning the models with their stunning jewellery, as well as giving the guests amazing discounts for the night.
MINI, from Prestige Automobile (Pvt) Ltd, the presenting sponsor of the event, had on exhibit, a couple of their ‘cool’ cars. As the brand stands for lifestyle, fun and originality, it suited the whole theme perfectly. They also had a photo booth where people were able to get their photographs taken.
The fun filled evening included pre-dinner cocktails, followed by a scrumptious 3-course dinner, prepared by the award winning Hilton Colombo chefs.
The highlight of the evening was the performance by well-known British comedy hypnotist Alan Bates, who delivered an interesting show. After explaining to the audience that everyone may not be susceptible to hypnotism, and he would have to pick a few to perform his act, he called up twelve people from the audience and asked them to sit on stage. Then he kept eliminating them until he was left with just four ladies. These ‘stars of the stage’ as he called the ladies, found themselves winning the lottery on stage, meeting celebrities at the Oscars, conducting an orchestra at The Royal Albert Hall and playing an imaginery piano. It was indeed a hilarious interactive show.
Latika Alok of Colombo VIP Nights, the producer of this event, had done a fabulous job of making it a night to be remembered.
Daily Mirror Life spoke to some of the designers and guests to get their views on the event.
Latika Alok
This evening is dedicated to comedy and glamour. It has all the elements of fun, food and fashion. I am delighted to support the Hilton Colombo’s CSR programme and will be raising funds for Sooriyawewa Pradeepa Pre School to help construct a building and provide related school equipment for approximately 50 students between the ages of 3 and 5 years.
Ramzi
I wanted to create something that would add glamour to this event. I wanted it to be stunning, different and colourful. So I thought of this unique creation. I did the body painting on the model myself. It took a long time, but worth all the effort. Although she is smiling I’m sure my model is totally exhausted as she’s been dressed from 11am.
Aslam
My showstopper creation was a bridal outfit. The whole piece is worked with elegant gold thread-work roses. Ramani Fernando also helped me with this creation.
Ramani
I’ve done the hair and make up for most of these models. This concept is new here and it has worked out well. Most of these people don’t know who the designers are. Even if they come for fashion shows they hardly get a chance to meet the designers. So this is an interesting concept.
Girija Sinha
I’m from India. I love all the stalls and specially the jewellery. The girls here are absolutely drop dead gorgeous. You think the models are mannequins but then you see them move. It’s a brilliant idea.
Ravin
I think the get up is really nice and unusual. I see a mix of mannequins and real models. First time I’ve witnessed something like this in Colombo. Maybe a bit stressful for the models because they are standing in one place for so long. Lovely novel idea.
Nayana
Concept is good. Dinner was excellent and the ambience was great.
Sujeewa
It’s nice to see new things happening in Colombo. Good to see Colombo booming. We haven’t had a comedy hypnotist performing before. Perfect to have a cocktail evening going into a dinner theatre. They should have more of it. Great crowd. Good party.
Chris
It’s a very unique concept. It will work really well in Sri Lanka. This is a good opportunity to speak to the designers and get to know their thinking process.
Andrew
It’s really nice to come for a beautiful event such as this. Aunty Latika has done an amazing job. I came mostly to see Alan Bates.
Menaka
These designers have showcased their work really well. Fantastic exciting designs, creations, hairstyles and makeup. Absolutely amazing. The layout is totally different to what we usually see.
Stephanie
What I find very charming is the way new companies introduce themselves at this event. They all come together because all the products are of high quality.
Alan Bates
I’ve been doing this for thirty five years and I’ve developed my own brand. You can’t hypnotise someone if they don’t want to be hypnotised. There’s got to be willing cooperation between the two parties. It’s not a magic wand so it does not work for everybody!
Hawa
I think Alan Bates was super! I was one of the four stars on stage. When Alan was hypnotising me I think I fell asleep. I must say, he definitely did have some control over my mind. What took place on stage is like a vague memory. To me, it seemed like everything happened in just a few minutes, but apparently, to my surprise, we had been on stage for over one hour!
Roshi
Having these live models around and interacting with them, is a new concept and it’s very cool. It’s nice to meet the designers in an informal way. These mini showcases are a good idea. Alan Bates was amazing. I think the people who were willing, really did get hypnotised. I think it was very real. Super performance.
Piyum
Hats off to Latika. She pulls off these events so beautifully with such class. Fabulous show. Ramzi’s model is fabulous. I’ve never seen something like that in Sri Lanka. It’s definitely International standard. All the models are fabulous. I think Alan Bates was really good. I was on stage as a volunteer to be hypnotised, and the girl next to me couldn’t move her fingers when she was under hypnosis and she was petrified. I kept telling her to move her fingers but she could not. He had some power over her.
Reviewed by Niro Waidyaratne
Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi
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