Fashion
Creating the looks for CFW
By Zanita Careem
The Colombo Fashion Week has been a major event in the World of style and fashion.
Although most eyes are on the models on the runaway and the applause is directed towards the designers, but who are the major players behind the scene. We spoke to Ramani Fernando of Ramani Fernando salons who has been part of Colombo Fashion Week from inception. She talks about the pressures of being backstage . Theres plenty to look forward to each day ,from inspiring fashion to avant garde hairstyles,to dazzling make-up She believes Colombo Fashion week is a dazzling spectacular platform of style and creativity.
In Sri Lanka fashion week is the time honoured and highly anticipated tradition presented by Ajay Vir Singh ,founder and president of Colombo Fashion Week. Ramani’s whose career spans decades in the beauty and fashion industry and her name garners the highest praise throughout the fashion week and beyond. The iconic looks of models created by Ramani and her team are far reaching. Each style she crafts comes from deep inspiration and influences the most notable trend of the season.
Ramani’s work at the CFW is highly sought after by the designers. There is always a mixture of excitement, tension, adrenaline time restraints, and it becomes more and more challenging every year Ramani explains.
CFW has been an important event in the fashion calendar and you have been part of it from inception your comments?
For 21 years, I’ve been honored to be a part of Colombo Fashion Week, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Sri Lanka’s fashion landscape.
I believe that hair and makeup are integral parts of CFW, playing a huge role in elevating the overall aesthetic of the event while also contributing to the seamless execution of each designer’s vision. As a trusted partner, my team and I have worked closely with designers and models to create stunning looks that captivate audiences and embody the essence of fashion.
If you could go back to your first year of the fashion week. What things have changed since then?
Looking back at my first year at Colombo Fashion Week, several significant changes have occurred. The event has grown in scale and diversity, with increased international participation and a broader embrace of styles. Advancements in technology have transformed how the event is experienced, with a greater emphasis on sustainability and ethical fashion.
In essence, while much has changed since my first year at Colombo Fashion Week, what remains constant is the event’s dedication to celebrating Sri Lankan fashion, fostering creativity and giving the best.
What distinguishes fashion week for you from other shows. Does it bring anything new or particularly influence your style ?
It’s not just about showcasing individual designers or brands but represents a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and styles within the industry. The dynamic atmosphere of Fashion Week, with its multitude of runway shows, presentations, and events, creates an immersive experience that continuously inspires and challenges my own sense of style. Fashion Week serves as a hub for creativity and experimentation, often introducing new concepts, materials, and techniques that influence my personal style.
You as a veteran stylist do a variety of hair styles and make up on different models. How does your process change with each and every model?
As a veteran stylist, I adapt my approach to each model’s unique characteristics and preferences. I assess their hair texture, facial features, and skin type to customize the hair and makeup accordingly. Communication is key to aligning with their vision, and flexibility allows me to address any challenges or last-minute changes. Problem-solving skills come into play when dealing with diverse hair and skin types, ensuring a flawless final look tailored to each individual.
From the first inception of CFW event has styles changed?
Since the inception of Colombo Fashion Week, styles have undoubtedly evolved but over time, the event has embraced a more diverse range of styles and influences. Global fashion trends, as well as the evolving tastes of designers and consumers, have contributed to this shift. Additionally, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical fashion, reflecting broader societal concerns within the industry. Overall, the styles showcased at Colombo Fashion Week have become more dynamic, inclusive, and reflective of the global fashion landscape.
How did you find inspiration to create new looks for every event?
Keeping abreast of the latest fashion trends and attending runway shows provides valuable inspiration. Observing how designers interpret trends and push boundaries can spark creative ideas for new looks.
Can you tell us more about the creative process, how do you create new styles, make up for each model?
The process begins with gathering inspiration from various sources such as fashion magazines, social media, art, nature, and cultural influences.
Once inspired, the next step is to conceptualize the overall theme or vision for the styling.
Each model is unique, with different facial features, skin tones, hair textures, and personal styles. Assessing the models individually helps determine the most flattering and cohesive hair and makeup looks
What do you look for when assessing the new styles on the runaway every year?
Keeping abreast of current fashion trends is essential. I observe how designers interpret and incorporate trends into their collections, whether it’s through color palettes, prints, or design details. Styles that reflect a contemporary aesthetic while also offering a fresh perspective on current trends tend to resonate with audiences.
What can we expect to see from you next?
Overall, you can expect to see my team and myself continue to innovate and inspire, with a dedication to creativity, sustainability, diversity, and personalized styling, we are committed to delivering unforgettable fashion experiences.
Can you describe a typical day during fashion week. What are the best things about fashion week?
Early morning preparation The day often starts early with preparations for the day’s events. This may involve reviewing schedules, coordinating with the team, and gathering necessary equipment and supplies.
Backstage areas are buzzing with energy as stylists, makeup artists, and hairdressers work diligently to transform models into the vision of the designer. This involves quick changes between shows, ensuring that each model looks flawless before hitting the runway.
Fashion week is a prime opportunity for capturing content for social media?
The fast-paced nature of fashion week and the anticipation of seeing new collections and designs create an atmosphere of excitement and energy that is truly exhilarating.
Overall, fashion week is a thrilling and immersive experience that celebrates the artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation of the fashion industry.
The worst things?
Fashion week can be incredibly demanding, with long hours, tight deadlines, and high-pressure situations. The fast-paced nature of the event can lead to stress and exhaustion, especially for those working behind the scenes.
How do you describe a typical day of hairdressing during fashion week? How do you translate your design and creative ideas into reality?
The day often starts early with preparations at the backstage area. This involves setting up workstations, organizing tools and products, and reviewing the day’s schedule with the styling team.
Before the shows begin, hairdressers assess each model’s hair texture, length, and condition. This helps determine the most suitable hairstyles and any necessary prepping or treatments required.
Hairdressers collaborate closely with designers, makeup artists, and stylists to understand the creative vision for each show. This involves reviewing mood boards, discussing inspirations, and aligning on the desired hair looks for the runway.
Has anything changed, like hairstyles, make up, designer wear, style ?
Yes, indeed, fashion is an ever-evolving industry, and changes are constantly observed in hairstyles, makeup trends, designer wear, and overall style.
Are you proud of your advertisements?
I take pride in long-standing collaborations and successful advertisements, particularly when they represent a commitment to excellence and a positive reputation within the industry. Ramani Fernando salons long-standing partnerships and contributions to events like Colombo fashion wee k and, Ramani Fernando Salons’ 21-year involvement with fashion week has been a strong commitment to the fashion industry and a successful track record of providing hairstyling and makeup services for the event.
By Zanita careem
Modelling is sometimes an undiscovered and unknown way, it might be something that you have dreamed about and to your surprise you are destined to that route.This statement holds so true for Ines, a model from France, she is a model and she knows how to nail it. Ines believes in uniqueness and the moment the camera turns on she is there to give that unique and perfect shot. Her styling secret is to go elegant yet comfortable.Ines loves to work hard to be the perfect one out there and this could be something that could really motivate and inspire other people.
Q: Tell us a little about you and what was life growing up?
A: I’m Ines, born and raised in Paris with a family rich in values, primarily emphasizing independence and an entrepreneurial spirit.
I’ve had a passion for traveling ever since my mother took my brother and me on a year-long world tour when I was 12. Since then, I’ve pursued my studies in hospitality management online, and my journey led me to Sri Lanka, where I’ve been living for five years now.
Meeting people has helped me practice languages, and after traveling to more than 20 countries, I speak 4 languages including Sinhala. I live in the southern part of Sri Lanka where nature, tranquility, and the sound of the ocean reign.
Q: How were you discovered and how has your journey being so far?
A: As a hospitality student during the COVID lockdown, I was approached by clothing brands to work as a model. Prior to moving to Sri Lanka, I had done photo shoots for friends’ brands and especially for my mother’s jewellery line, but I never imagined having a professional career in this field.
I embrace challenges and seize new opportunities, hence I embarked on a career in modelling, which grew to such an extent that I established my own company as a freelance model. Additionally, as a dancer and artistic director, I also work on creative concepts that go beyond the typical photo shoots in Sri Lanka.
Q: Have you always had a passion for fashion and modelling?
A: I discovered this passion when I began posing in front of a camera. As a child, I always enjoyed shopping and dressing up, but I never imagined it would become my profession, especially since I struggled with my weight when I was younger. I believe that nothing in life happens by chance, and if I have fallen in love with Sri Lanka, it is for a reason. This country is full of opportunities; one simply needs to work hard and stand out from the rest.
Q: Biggest hurdle what are some obstacles you faced?
A: I do not encounter specific obstacles in my professional career, but my weakness lies in my sociability. I need to continue working and managing my energy and preserving it for projects that truly bring me happiness. Given the high level of tourism in the southern part of the country, interactions are plenty but can be challenging.
Q: Some latest and up coming projects?
A: The latest project I am currently working on is establishing a career in content creation. I aspire to express and unleash my creativity while collaborating with brands and hotels that hold significance to me. A future project that I have dreamt of for a long time is launching my own clothing brand… but everything takes its own time…
Q: Top tips that keep you looking youthful?
A: Appearing young is of no importance to me; what truly matters is feeling comfortable in one’s own skin and being happy. Youthfulness is largely defined by attitude and energy. What brings me happiness is my family, projects, travels, dancing, and surfing.
Q: What are some of the pros of being a model?
A: The benefits of being a model include constantly being on the move and sometimes even travelling. Additionally, I am deeply grateful for the attention and care that teams provide; it makes me feel like a princess. Representing a brand or company also fosters self-confidence and gratitude.
8. Q: If you could change anything about the fashion industry, what would it be?
A: If I were to change something in the fashion industry in Sri Lanka, it would be to encourage brands to be more creative and accept models of diverse body shapes. Moreover, it’s crucial for them to recognize the beauty of the majority of the population’s natural, dusky skin tones. It’s time to dispel stereotypes associated with fair skin. Sri Lankan dusky skin is beautiful, and it’s imperative to stop labelling it as inferior to fair skin.
Q: What is your mantra?
A: My life philosphy is one of positivity towards everything I do and everything that happens to me. There is always a lesson to be learned
Q: Some of your favourite designers?
A: My favourite designer is Kami Hewavitharane and a brand labelled the Colombo Batik brand.. This brand produces unique and colorful designs and thier collections are breathtakingly beautiful.
Q: If you weren’t a model what would you be?
A: In addition to my career as a model, I work as a manager in hospitality and restaurant management. It’s one of my passions. Otherwise, I would have liked to pursue a career as a professional dancer, but it requires years of practice.
Q: So, has your perception of the fashion industry changed over time?
A: My perception of the industry has not changed much, but I feel now the industry has moved forward for the better. There is originality and creativity amongst most of the designers, and I see an increasing number of women venturing into it, which pleases me.
Q: What was the most important moment in your life?
A: What a difficult question haha! So many beautiful moments, and even the tough ones, have contributed significantly to my growth and evolution. However, the most crucial moment was staying in Sri Lanka despite the COVID conditions and France’s requirement for expatriates to return. I stayed back and took up challenges to pursue my own brand.
Q: What do you think about the state of fashion today?
A: I believe that the state of the fashion industry in Sri Lanka is undergoing significant evolution, with Sri Lankans becoming increasingly independent, liberated, and enterprising.
The little black dress plays such a starring role in our wardrobes that it has its own special designation: the LBD. Vogue’s Hamish Bowles takes us through its history, decade by decade, from Coco Chanel to Cushnie on black dress.
It’s Mademoiselle Chanel who is credited with popularizing the look and, in doing so, making the colour black, previously worn only when in mourning or to express piety (as in ecclesiastical garb), fashionable. In 1926 Vogue dubbed a drawing of one of her snappy, drop-waisted LBDs, “The Chanel ‘Ford’—the frock that all the world will wear.”
They did, and do—men have recently gotten in on the game—though not all carry the Chanel label. In the 1950s, Christian Dior defined the look of the LBD: full-skirted and wasp-waisted. The little black dress Hubert de Givenchy designed for Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s is as representative of the early 1960s as Yves Saint Laurent’s sheer, feather-trimmed number of the latter part of that iconoclastic decade.
Cocktail dresses and LBDs, which are defined by their short(ish) length, are often one and the same. One of the reasons neither will ever go out of style is that there are myriad ways to play “mixologist” with the spare, neat LBD to give it just the kick you want. Cheers!
The little black dress plays such a starring role in our wardrobes that it has its own special designation: the LBD.
In 1926 Vogue dubbed a drawing of one of her snappy, drop-waisted LBDs, “The Chanel ‘Ford’—the frock that all the world will wear.”
From the moment Coco Chanel presented it to the world in the 1920s, the eternal dress became a canvas that almost every designer wanted to weave something of their own into. Although it has moved away from its basic principles, the little black dress has retained the same charm and the same note of seductiveness it once had, and new variations, as with every season so far, also graced the runways in the fall/winter 2024 collections.
Ultra-short models shone on the runways from Tom Ford, Schiaparelli, Givenchy, Giambattista Valli to Ferragamo, as well as many others, proving once again that the little black dress is a garment that will function in every collection and that will, ultimately, also surely be worn. Although the models of these fashion names differ and each has brought their own vision to the iconic dress, what they have in common is that they all serve as a good reminder that the charm of the little black dress does not fade and that we will always return to it, precisely because it is so timeless and versatile.
From the moment Coco Chanel presented it to the world in the 1920s, the eternal dress became a canvas that almost every designer wanted to weave something of their own into. Although it has moved away from its basic principles, the little black dress has retained the same charm and the same note of seductiveness it once had, and new variations, as with every season so far, also graced the runways in the fall/winter 2024 collections.
Ultra-short models shone on the runways from Tom Ford, Schiaparelli, Givenchy, Giambattista Valli to Ferragamo, as well as many others, proving once again that the little black dress is a garment that will function in every collection and that will, ultimately, also surely be worn.
Although the models of these fashion names differ and each has brought their own vision to the iconic dress, what they have in common is that they all serve as a good reminder that the charm of the little black dress does not fade and that we will always return to it, precisely because it is so timeless and versatile.
At a very young age Thushani Rodrigo discovered her love for fashion. An entrepreneur and a fashion designer, she loves to create clothes and garments for people to wear with pride.
Sri Lanka’s fashion landscape is about to experience a transformative shift as Thushani Rodrigo, the visionary founder of Todos, introduces Bliss in Paradise her latest collection with the inspiring ethos, “Wrap Yourself in Kindness.” Under the theme “Fashioning Tomorrow,” Thushani’s collection invites individuals to embrace Vegan Silk as a symbol of kindness towards animals and the environment.
The ethos “Wrap Yourself in Kindness” embodies the essence of Thushani’s collection, emphasizing the importance of compassion and sustainability in fashion. Through the use of Vegan Silk, derived from eco-friendly plant sources, Thushani encourages individuals to adopt a lifestyle of kindness towards animals and the planet.
Despite facing a hearing impairment, Thushani Rodrigo’s passion and determination have propelled her to remarkable heights in the world of fashion. At the age of 16, she earned her Diploma in-Dress Making from Singer School, laying the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey.
Today, Thushani stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the fashion landscape. Her latest venture, which will be retailed at Cotton Collection underscores he- unwavering commitment to ethical fashion practices and environmental responsibility.
Vegan silk, also known as “plant-based silk” or “cruelty-free silk,” serves as the cornerstone of Thushani’s groundbreaking collection. Derived from sustainable plant sources, Vegan Fabric offers a sustainable and animal-friendly alternative to traditional silk.
Thushani’s designs, meticulously crafted from Vegan Fabric, embrace the female form while seamlessly blending sensuousness with practicality.
The launch of Thushani Rodrigo’s Vegan Fabric Collection with Cotton Collection heralds a new era of sustainable fashion in Sri Lanka. By embracing cruelty-free materials and ethical production practices, Thushani paves the way for a more conscious and compassionate fashion industry.
Join us in celebrating this monumental milestone in sustainable fashion as Thushani Rodrigo and Cotton Collection redefine the future of style with their innovative Vegan Fabric Collection.
For media inquiries, please contact: Ruwanthi Rodrigo 0777660477
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- Talented Tushani Rodrigo
Pix by Thushara Attapathu