Fashion
Major leap in men’s apparance
By Zanita Careem
Male grooming is becoming one the most notable trends in contemopory times said Ramani Fernando,popular hairdresser and beautician of Ramani Fernando salons She says “men consider grooming, now as part of their daily lifestyle regime. The grooming industry has made it evident that grooming practices among men start with them taking care of thier skin hair and body. Increasingly men nowadays are seeking solutions to specific skin body and hair care problems”
The new generation of consumers, primarily Gen Z and millennials are willing to invest to keep themselves groomed
There is a crazy demand for cosmetic products with quick action. For this generation of men it is becoming important to get results quickly and with minimal effort, subsequently, quick action skin care and hairstyle products will continue to be in demand.
Men’s grooming is booming,, they are realizing the importance of proper skin and hair care and as a result there is a major demand for cleansers, moisturizers and anti aging products.
According to a study made by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons it was reported that during the last few years,there has been a major leap in men receiving injections, non -surgical minimally invasive treatments that can enhance thier look. Cosmetic for men,like creams, deodorants and fragrances are continuing to increase in popularity David Beckham, the English footballer who has set the standard for handsome and clean shaven look feels men’s grooming is important to keep up a good appearance.
Ramani Fernando talks on male grooming
Q Do you see a new trend in male grooming?
A Yes, there have been several trends in male grooming over the years, and these trends continue to evolve. Male grooming has become more mainstream and accepted in recent years as men are paying more attention to their personal grooming routines and appearance
Q Why have men become more aware of the importance of looking good?
A There are several factors contributing to the increased awareness of grooming among men:
Changing Social Norms
Traditional gender roles and norms have evolved, allowing men to express themselves more freely in terms of grooming and personal care. This has reduced the stigma around male grooming.
Media and Pop Culture
The media, including advertisements, movies, and television shows, often portray well-groomed and fashionable male role models. These representations influence societal perceptions of grooming.
Celebrities and Influencers
High-profile male celebrities and social media influencers openly discuss and showcase their grooming routines. This visibility encourages regular men to follow suit.
Increased Product Availability
The grooming industry has responded to the growing demand from men by developing a wide range of products tailored to their specific needs, from skincare to hair care to grooming tools.
Q Men are spending more on grooming products like oils balms an conditioners to keep their facial hair healthy? Your comments?
A I think its great that the male grooming industry has become more inclusive, recognizing that grooming is not limited to any specific gender. Many products are designed to be gender-neutral, and marketing is becoming more inclusive of diverse identities. Overall, male grooming products have evolved to meet the changing needs and preferences of men in today’s society.
Q Skin care has become the main focus among men – Do you agree?
A Men’s skincare has gained significant attention and importance in recent years, and for good reason I believe. Skincare is not just about appearance, it’s also about health and hygiene. Proper skincare routines can help men maintain healthy skin, prevent issues like acne and skin dryness, and protect against environmental damage
Q Do men come for facials, manicure and pedicure?
A Yes they do! Men getting facials, manicures, and pedicures is a positive and increasingly common practice that aligns with the principles of self-care, hygiene, and personal grooming.
Q Do you recommend facial for men?
A Facial hair for men is a versatile and expressive aspect of personal grooming and style. Facial hair is a dynamic aspect of personal grooming, and its significance and style can vary greatly from person to person and culture to culture. Ultimately, the choice of facial hair style should align with an individual’s personal preferences, lifestyle, and comfort level, allowing them to feel confident and express themselves in a way that suits their personality and image.
Q Social media influence has significantly increased men’s approach to cosmetic treatments. Your opinion?
A The influence of social media on men’s approach to cosmetic treatments is undeniable. Social media platforms have played a significant role in shaping societal beauty standards, normalizing cosmetic procedures.
While I feel it has played a significant role in raising awareness, normalizing treatments, and increasing acceptance, it also comes with potential downsides, such as unrealistic beauty standards and misinformation. It’s crucial for individuals, regardless of gender, to approach cosmetic treatments with caution, conduct thorough research, and consult with qualified professionals.
Q Botox and fillers, non-surgical minimally invasive treatments. Are they common among men in Sri Lanka?
A The use of Botox and dermal fillers as non-surgical minimally invasive treatments has become increasingly common among both men and women worldwide, including in Sri Lanka. While the prevalence of these treatments can vary depending on cultural norms and individual preferences, there is a growing interest in such procedures in Sri Lanka, particularly among those who prioritize grooming and appearance for special occasions like weddings.
Q Good grooming is important on your wedding day? Why?
A Good grooming is indeed important on your wedding day for several reasons, and it extends beyond mere vanity. When you look your best, you tend to feel more confident. A wedding is a momentous occasion where you’ll be in the spotlight, and feeling confident can make a significant difference in how you carry yourself and enjoy the day
Q Ornate costumes and sparkling accessories clout achieve that wedding look? What do you think the groom should follow?
A Ultimately, the groom’s attire should make him feel confident and proud on his wedding day. It’s a significant moment, and the groom should choose an outfit that allows him to fully enjoy and participate in the celebration. Whether it’s a classic tuxedo, a traditional cultural outfit, or a more contemporary ensemble, the key is to ensure that the attire aligns with the groom’s preferences and the overall vision for the wedding.
Q Man of the moment on that great day? How to achieve this look?
A To achieve the “Man of the Moment” look on your wedding day, it’s essential to focus on various aspects of your appearance and demeanor.
Plan ahead, start early in your wedding preparation and give yourself ample time to choose your attire, accessories, and grooming routines. Avoid last-minute rush decisions.Choose the right attire select an outfit that complements the overall theme and formality of the wedding.
Ensure your attire fits perfectly. Consider getting a custom-made suit or tuxedo for a perfect fit.Coordinate with your bride to ensure your outfit matches or complements hers in terms of style and color.
Q What do you suggest as grooming tips for the groom?
A Grooming is an essential aspect of a groom’s preparation for his wedding day. The following tips will ensure a well-groomed and confident appearance on your wedding day.
Start a skincare routine.
Maintain facial hair style.
Maintain good oral hygiene.
Keep nails clean and trimmed.
Use suitable hair care products and style your hair
Groom eyebrows.
Maintain facial hair or clean shave.
Choose a subtle fragrance.
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
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