Life style
HSBC Fashion Week in a new environment
HSBC Colombo Fashion Week popularly known as CFW,will introduced an important aspect of sustainability which is an urgent need around the world to make Circularity-in-Fashion work. This emphasis is themed as the Week of Circularity. This focus aims to propel the fashion design industry of Sri Lanka to transform itself and create fashion products which are relevant in this new environment.
This year is the 18th year of the fashion week, this year 2021 is a year of transformation for fashion, The 2020 fashion was forced to restructure in every possible way. With the Post-covid the fashion industry is on a new terrain like many other sectors; however, it is also presented with new opportunities. The entire environment (and society) of fashion has evolved to fit this new reality and with it, consumption patterns have also drastically changed. How people view, buy, consume and relate to fashion is undergoing an enormous shift.
In addition, hyperproduction and fast consumption of fashion has given the industry a bad name as it has eroded the environment and put pressure on society. Hence, the environment to create fashion is very different in 2021.
In the last two decades, CFW has led the way in South Asia in pushing the boundary and presenting fashion that leads the industry. This year, CFW has been working with fashion designers to align their work within this new environment. Over the past two years, CFW has trained designers to reframe their perspectives where they now act as solution providers who design with circularity and safe disposal in mind, so as to minimize the negative impact of the fashion industry.
“The new environment of fashion that 2021 presents is actually good for fashion; there is greater awareness of ethical fashion which has been a prime pillar of CFW for many years now. Circularity is far more relevant today and hence CFW is bringing it into focus with this edition so that there is greater accountability for both fashion creators and fashion consumers.” said Mr. Ajai Vir and Managing Director of Colombo Fashion Week. “Additionally, the Summer 2021 edition of CFW will also focus on weaving crafts among emerging designers to create bigger opportunities.”
Over the years, CFW has developed into a multipronged platform which is beyond just a show. It impacts every aspect of the fashion design industry by empowering fashion creation, consumption and presentation. In 2021, CFW will follow a hybrid format following strict health guidelines and social distancing. The shows will also be live streamed online for the local and international audience.
CFW has maintained emphasis on developing the next generation of Sri Lankan fashion designers since inception and this consistent focus has resulted in CFW receiving the highest number of applications for its Emerging Designer Program for the second consecutive year. This is a testimony to the momentum created through the strength of the mentorship and grooming provided by CFW. This year, 11 high potential young designers have been mentored over a three-month period and selected to present their collections at the Summer 2021 showcase.
The Responsible Meter, which is a global first was introduced in 2020 and will move into Phase 2. The Responsible Meter is a garment evaluation tool which was introduced last year.
Circularity 2.0.2.1 is the theme for the fourth edition of the Responsible Fashion Summit. The Responsible Fashion Summit is the thought-leadership platform of the Responsible Fashion Movement. This year, post pandemic the summit will be hosted as a digital conference and is comprised of 3 panels. Circular Fashion in its simplistic form is focused on minimising the negative impact of fashion on the environment and society.
HSBC continues to be the Title Partner of Colombo Fashion Week’s Summer edition and has been an important part of the journey for the past 14 years. HSBC continues to be the Title Partner of Colombo Fashion Week’s Summer edition and has been an important part of the journey for the past 14 years. “The HSBC Group has an ambition to become net zero by the year 2050. We also want to help our customers and partners make the transition to a low carbon economy, because we recognize that how we do business is just as important as what we do. That’s why we are delighted that this year’s theme of ‘Circularity in Fashion’ is well aligned to our global climate ambition,” said Mark Prothero, CEO for HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives. “In our 14th year as the Title partner, we are further happy to extend our support to the launch of HSBC Emerging Designer Fund and NextGen Award for budding designers to promote sustainability in fashion at HSBC Colombo Fashion Week. We invite our clients to use this great opportunity for their children interested in fashion and showcase at the much sought-after event, which is undoubtedly the largest fashion event in the country.”
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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