In a unique collaboration with industry stakeholders across the board, Founder and CEO of Lovi Ceylon, Asanka de Mel recently launched the LOVI Ceylon’s Groom collection. Each groom’s look was paired with extraordinary creations from Sri Lanka’s top bridal designers, jewellers, florists, hair and make-up artists and was captured by story-telling photographers. “Together we’re creating moments of happiness and cherished memories for the new couple and their families,” said de Mel.

Explaining the rationale behind the collaborative effort, de Mel stated: “we want our Groom and all of the men in the wedding including the groomsmen, dads, young boys and friends, to be themselves--to feel rooted in culture, well dressed and at ease on the wedding day.” 

Celebrating the religious and cultural traditions including Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Kandyan, Malay, Muslim, Sinhala, Tamil and western traditions of the island LOVI Ceylon’s Grooms' range presented modern sarongs paired with formal shirts, jackets, kurtas and more. They were paired with sarees, dresses, lehengas, pantsuits and an array of breathtaking outfits painstakingly made by renowned designers Dhananjaya Bandara, Rishard Raheem, and Michael Wijesuriya as well as Indi Yapa Abeywardena of Brides by INDI, Sonali Dharmawardena, Darshi Keerthisena of Buddhi Batiks, Ramona Oshini, Sandani Perera of IKIGAI Bridal, and Jaish Parathalingam of Aashkii.  Realising a lifelong dream of creating bridalwear Anusha David also presented her couture creations under the label, Gabriel. 

Photographed over three days at the Taj Samudra and Shangri-La hotels the father-son duo of Dinuka and Dineth Fonseka of Studio3000 captured some stunning images as the anchor photography partner. The works of Ashene Bernard, Amarante Studio, Geeshan Bandara, and Portrait Culture were also presented in imaginative and artistic captures.

Over 30 leading designers from across the board worked hand in hand to infuse fresh ideas, celebrate cultural diversity and show-off Sri Lankan couture using the island’s handcraft heritage. Lovi along with the bridal designers offered many looks for the Sri Lankan diaspora, as well as couples seeking inspiration for destination weddings.
As the designs progressed from sketch to stitching, jewellers such as Careems, Lalitha, Mallika Hemachandra, Tiesh and Vogue jewellers completed the outfits with handcrafted fine jewellery made of precious metals encrusted with diamonds, sapphires and rubies. Adding to the beauty were the latest floral creations by  Designer Flowers, Flowers by Joan and Karen Forbes, Lassana Flora, and Supreme Flora.

Playing a pivotal role in adding beauty to the brides were Nadiya Fernando and her collaborator Omesh Wijeratne who were the hair and make-up anchors of the shoot while Ramani Fernando Salons, Shane Perera, Viran Peter, Brides by Leena and Talia designs, also worked their magic on the models who were from Brian Kerkoven and The Agency. Adding an interesting dimension over the two days was poet and author Ashok Ferry who cut a dashing figure clad in Lovi while providing an eloquent commentary as MC of the shoot.

Speaking further on this unique collaboration, de Mel also stated “we have world-class craftsmanship here, it’s fun to work with so many experts, who just happen to be friends, to present a beautiful collection that could nudge the course of Sri Lankan clothing identity” said Asanka when asked about the work that went into this.” 
 Of his collection for grooms, he rightly reminded the gentlemen to choose wisely, "on that special wedding day, when all eyes are on her--her eyes are on you!".