Collection that embodies confidence

by Zanita Careem

Shanith Fernando, a renowned designer with over 20 years of experience crafting one-of-kind continue outfits have adorned many celebrities and feshionistas He said “clothing is a form of self experience and a way to showcase one’s individuality. So when women wear my design. I want them to experience a sense of beauty, confidence, and a deep connection with their personal strengths.”

Shanith was the youngest in the family W.S. . He was a student of Alethea International School and engaged in many social activities. He studied medicine at American National College and transferred to Yoke University Toronto, Canada. He completed his degree in Missouri. Shanith had a passion fashion from a very small age. He designed his first ever bridal outfit when he was just 13 years of age. It was a hand embroidery dress this propelled Shanith to kick start his designing career.

Shanith launched his clothing line ‘Bellesza’ back in 2006 and later joined a five star airline in the Middle East and travelled the world. His designer label ‘Bellesza’ encompasses bridals and is a one stop shop for all bridal needs. The focus of his speciality is that he designs to bring out the personality in you and creates a fashion statement. “

Q:When did your passion for fashion arise?

A: My passion for fashion arose many decades ago while I was in primary school and later drawn to the world of couture of the modern day woman,blending cascading silhouettes,dynamic cuts, and elegant handcrafted touches.

Clothes, designs and the colours always fascinated me and my mother’s sense of fashion was also another reason that drew my attention and love for fashion from a very young age.

Q:Who have you been most inspired by though your designs?

A:I will not be able to pin point and declare an exact name but I can assure you everything around me including some popular individuals and fashion houses do inspire me. I draw my inspirations from nature, day to day activities and life and also from the travels I embark on to explore the world.

Q:What does innovation of western and eastern fashion forms mean to you?

A: It is an absolute necessity in terms of elevating the standards and creativity and comfort of garments to being cost effective. What I love about this idea is that it can give the world amalgamation of creativity.

Innovation and creativity are two main requirements for the sustenance of our industry and the forward movement of fashion. The dynamic fashion scene and appreciation of luxury provide the perfect platform to showcase my unique vision.

Q: Many designs explore modern day glamour what that means to you?

A: The world is now a click away to most consumers. Therefore, modern day glamour plays a vital role. People have moved on to be simple and elegant in thier dressing styles. Modern day glamour is all about simplicity. My omnipresence and sheer richness of design leaving competition if any miles apart, the beauty being that I take it all purely on the merit of my creative cadence,originality of design and depth of knowledge.

Q: How would you define the fashion scene in Sri Lanka and how it evolved over the years?

A: Fashion scene today is escalating to better standards and new heights. Many have entered the industry both as retailers and as companies catering to the mass market.Gone are the days when the market was monopolized by a few designers, today we have so any in the market and this I see as a good sign for the future of the fashion design.

Q:How do you manage to empower though the world of fashion?

A: Empowering, philanthropy, giving back to society and magnanimity are principles I live by.

I have provided employment to many for years. I believe helping a family to provide employment is far better than a simple alms giving or one time assistance. Paving a way for living is a great deed and I believe in creating more opportunity for people.

Working with orphanages is also another way I empower young and the homeless. Conducting workshops and channeling help through all my friends to support the kids is something I find immense pleasure.

Q: How has your work evolved since you began your own label?

A: I see it as a great journey that catapulted with one wedding saree at the age of thirteen. Today I run two labels; Bellesza for the ladies and Chulo for the men. I have further expanded my career into cake making and savouries under my company label Heavenly Treats.

Mahima Bridal Studio in Borella town is my beauty salon where my clients get the opportunity to treat themselves to all thier beauty needs while Bellesza Design studio in kalubowila seeks to cater to all customers seeking my designer label.

I have showcased my fashion shows at many international pageants,especially in India and dressed countless models,film stars and factionists here and abroad I take this journey as a blessing from God above and my parents who are looking down upon me from heaven.

Can you talk about your bridal attire ? My gowns are designed to flatter a woman’s figure with carefully crafted silhouettes that accentuate curves and create a stunning profile. I keep in mind the body shapes and personal preferences.

Q: What role do you think social media and digital content play in the world of fashion today?

A: Social media and digital content have revolutionised the fashion industry. They provide a global platform to showcase our work, connect with a broader audience, and stay in touch with our customers. They have made fashion more accessible, and its a powerful tool for brand visibility and engagement with fashion enthusiasts.

Now he has his own labels and a trailblazer in Sri Lanka’s fashion scene.