Fashion
Mystique, romance and labour of love in planning a wedding
By Zanita Careem
Wedding planning is no easy task, it requires an entire creative process spanning over a precise timeline to ensure that the customer’s every requirement is met with and enhanced to its best to ensure that their wedding day is most memorable and stress free.
Whilst speaking to Chris Wijeyekoon and Azad Hassen, the Directors of The Planning Paradise on how they manage their wedding couples, and on how the planning process happens in keeping with what is trending in the wedding Industry, This is what they said.” Planning Paradise is all about creating dream weddings. It is our mission to help a bride enjoy the most important day in her life. They create the most innovative ideas with a memorable scenario that can last an eternity”
Q. What inspires you the most while planning a wedding?
A -Our inspiration is seeing the outcome of a Dream Wedding being achieved to perfection. It all starts with sitting down with a couple and deriving that inspiration what they have in mind for their big day. It requires conceptualizing, meticulous planning and the total synchronization of every aspect needed to achieve the best outcome that a customer desires for their wedding day.
Q. What is the most memorable moment while planning a wedding?
A Every wedding has its own special memorable moments in the planning process and sometimes doing almost the impossible is what creates that moment. As an example one couple wanted their Poruwa built on a platform over a water front and amidst many obstacles this was achieved, creating the most picturesque wedding poruwa ceremony ever to be witnessed.
Q. Planning a wedding is a taxing creative process. How do you de-stress and rejuvenate?
A Planning and coordinating weddings is our passion and therefore it rarely creates any stress factors. The team at The Planning Paradise are professionals and we aim to provide the most memorable experience to our customers. Therefore, we endeavour to work as a team and our de -stressing factor would be the motivation and team spirit we share with each other.
Q. What are the hottest wedding trends this season?
A We see an increased demand for outdoor wedding locations. Couples are looking at capturing the outdoor ambience which brings about a more naturalistic outlook of the entire function. As far as the florals and décor the trend is towards more warmer pastel shades with least amount of greenery and candles to enhance and bring about the romance. Outdoor locations are the hottest trend. Eco conscious wedding decor is also becoming more common.
Q. Can you describe a challenging situation you faced as a wedding coordinator?
A Every wedding project has its challenges however what stands out the most is when we handle destination weddings during the economic, fuel crisis and curfew we faced in Sri Lanka in the year 2022. Amidst all the challenges we were successful in co-ordinating every vendor with success so that it caused no delays of any sort and being able to manage the entire situation with the right plans in place so that the couple could take back the best memories.
Q. What is the most rewarding aspect of being a wedding planner?
A A happy customer is definitely a reward to a wedding planner and the rave reviews received are treasures we hold. It is equal to the value of the goodwill of a company.
Q. Sri Lankan weddings have been intimate and sustainable and that has become more popular after the pandemic. Do you see this trend last ?
Azad Hassen and Chris Wijeyekoon
A We now see a gradual shift to more extravagant weddings. Post pandemic brought about more intimate weddings however now with travel restrictions being relaxed, the guest counts are high and the entire function encapsulates the latest global trends, glamour and elegance , We see a trend for more plush and extravagant weddings creating a big budget.
Q. How do you ensure your team is delivering everything the client expects?
A Our signature style of The Planning Paradise (Pvt) Ltd clearly reflects the capacity and capabilities of the team.
1 The Planning Paradise (Pvt) Ltd is a team of professionals a who aim to provide the most memorable experience to our customers. We endeavour to suit to thier personal needs,of the couple ensuring joyful memories and wonderful moments
We have a highly motivated team who evolve with global trends thereby innovatively catering to the requirements of every customer we handle.
Q. Destination Weddings are quite a rage right now. What advice would you give to the couples who are planning for a Destination Wedding ? What are the things that they should keep in mind before finalising a Destination Wedding?
A. Destination Weddings are very popular now Every modern couple requires something innovative and wants to move away from the norm hence they seek an exotic destination with vibrant vibes.
Sri Lanka has some of the most spectacular locations in the world, from exotic beaches to the salubrious hills in the upcountry region which we could easily affirm as unmatched. The hospitality industry is on par with world standards and the vendors providing services , most of them have overseas qualifications and experiences. Our make up artists, photographers and florists are able to cater to the requirements of the global population. The key factor is Sri Lanka can offer all this at a fraction of the cost over having something of this magnitude in any other part of the world and that is what makes this country so popular and sought after as a location for destination weddings.
What needs to be kept in mind before finalising a destination wedding are bookings of the locations/ hotels and vendors have to be reserved very early, at least a year before since due to the high demand. The locations and best vendors in the industry are always in high demand.
Q. These days we see many western trends being infused into the fabric of Sri Lankan Weddings. What are the new trends in wedding décor that you love experimenting?
A. Western trends are incorporated into local weddings fabric due to globalisation, Social media such as Instagram and Facebook are great tools,the reputed designers globally follow. The use of Social Media in many ways help to showcase the latest trends around the world and these are easy access to our brides to follow and enrich thier style.
In the planning process we encourage a fusion of both Western and Eastern trends. We always try to intergrate and infuse the local ethos. Most of our décor showcases the perfect blend of east and west and most of all we want to have the unique concept.
Q. What are your goals for the future?
A. The name Planning Paradise reflects the goal of our company. Sri Lanka is a Paradise and it is our goal to take this destination out there into the outside world and make it known to all who wish to celebrate their weddings. Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful and romantic destinations for weddings. To make thier special day unfogettable and create a truly magical wedding day, we at Planning Paradise always want to make Sri Lanka a paradise for couples !
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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