Fashion
Sri lankan fashion changes with times
Remona Oshini understands the nitty gritty of the ever evolving fashion industry. She always experiences with newer trends and styles to keep up with the modern day clientale. But despite all the challenge and changes, the ace fashion designer describes her journey as “exhilarating”.
(Q) When did your passion for fashion arise?
(A) Creativity was in my blood from a very young age but identified fashion as a career at a younger age of fifteen. When I realised my inborn talent, I followed a course in designing soon after my high school education at the Colombo International school. After my London A Levels in Arts I followed a course at the Fashion at London College of Fashion. To be a designer was always my childhood dream
(Q) Whom have you inspired by your designs?
(A) I speak to many women through my designs. My creativity is designing silhouette for all body shapes and sizes. Through my collection and design I am trying to convey a message to the society to accept and appreciate women to help them to reset themselves. Women must be more fashionable, look more confident and presentable. . Proper dressing can make or destroy a women’s personality. In Sri Lanka plus size women carry a stigma of fear that they don’t look good My designs and ensembles always bring out the women in you. Dress smart,dress well and be confident this is my message to every woman. Women The trend among women is to have hour glass figure,to be slim and curvy. . This is all a myth,proper fitted silhouettes can make fashion statement.
(Q) You often believe of the future, being avant-guard. What does it mean to you?
(A) We should make a difference in the world of fashion and design to keep my love for local crafts alive so as to make the world witness the sheer beauty of treasures close to home.
Today we see an outburst of many artisans, arts and crafts, Most of the international fashion shows lay emphasis on local creativity and traditions. Local arts and crafts can be incorporated with style and elegance. The Indian designers make use of thier local artisans for embellishments for added glamour,. We too have such beautiful arts and crafts and I am trying to promote the use of our local crafts in my designing process both locally and internationally. Sri Lankan designers should try to promote our local artisans, value their skills and talents.
We should strive to provide contemporary innovation to age old crafts. My couture and ready -to wear- collections are built around themes showcasing the extra ordinary skills of local artisans in a bid to preserve our rich historylive.
In India most of the designers are working with the craftsman when designing to connect the past with the future. We also should follow this example. My aim is to create a fund to help them to pursue their talent. I feel the local designers must come together to boost and promote our local artisans.
My creations have always been innovative through the western and eastern culture. I also design bridal gowns that are very similar with the west yet have a twist of the traditional eastern culture.
(Q) Your journey with the industry so far?
(A) My journey so far has been interesting. It has definitely gone from strength to strength but by no means it has not easy but there were ups and downs.. Since launching the brand in 2010 at Colombo fashion week platform, I have dipped my fingers in retail business as well as in successful retail events.
Right now I am been working with many international clientele as well. I have hosted many pop ups in US, UK and now planning to move to Middle East like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These are my plans in the pipeline. My organic ready to wear collection in batiks, is definitely a benchmark in the future to showcase Sri Lanka on the international ramp.
I have also recently made a decisive decision to travel the world while working remotely with my Sri Lankan team based here. My focus is to combine my two great passions travel and fashion. I feel it is a challenging task to promote a brand remotely, specially when I undertake to make made to measure orders. I am always available on line anytime and anywhere . The detailed attention I pay to each and every client is very important to me for my business.I label myself myself as a travel designer.
(Q) Do you think the Sri Lankan fashion scene has changed ?
(A) Sri Lankan fashion has changed with times. Creativity has definitely evolved and become better. We are also keeping abreast with international trends. The world of fashion has opened up new horizon not only abroad but in Sri Lanka too. Modern technology has brought about a revolutionary change in fashion
(Q) What do you think are some of the reasons behind your success?
(A) I am resilient and persistent. The word impossible is not in my vocabulary. You say jump, I ask how high? This is the principle I follow to continue my career. There were challenges and obstacles but I take them in good stride.
7) Your highlights of your career?
2010 Launching the brand at Colombo fashion week
2011 Launching our Bridal sector
2014 Asian Fashion week
2015 Launching the retail brand Zudhora as well as hosting retail events for International brands
2021 Launching our Organic Batik collection at The Design Collective Store
8) What are your goals and hopes?
My goal is to travel the world while hosting retail events in the countries I travel. Also I want to popularise my brand name Ramona Oshini around the world.
(Q) How and when did you decide to become a designer?
(A) My foundation was set at London College of fashion and then I wanted to fine tune my craft at Waltham forest college for an HND course in Women’s wear and the I got exempted one year to Join Kent institute of Art and design to finish my BA Fashion course. Then I joined MAS as a junior designer to gain experience in the technical world.
(Q) Who is Ramona Oshini– Tell me about your brand?
(A) The brand Ramona Oshini is purely identified with quality and great design. We now focus mainly on our prét-a-porter collections with signature rose print and other batik prints . We use mostly organic pure silks linens and cottons. My batik collection has a signature style of is own namely breathtakingly beautiful .
(Q) Many designs in contemporary times reflect modern day glamour. What does that mean to you?
(A) Glamour is about confidently showing your style, it means standing on your own feet and explore through the arts of culture it’s the way you present yourself through strong shapes and detailed quality designs.
(Q)What inspires you when you design a new collection?
(A) My Inspiration comes from my travels to the Middle East, South Eastern countries and Europe. Every country I visit excites and inspires me and I capture them in photography . My last collection was inspired by Villa Palladio Jaipur, a vibrant collection with an array of vibrant reds and pinks and checkerboard prints. My next collection will be with many embellishments . to be launched at the Design Collective Stratford avenue branch soon.
Q: Could you describe the essence of your bridal atelier?
A: My silhouettes and sarees always surprise and delight my clients I focus on made to measure bridal and bespoke pieces that merge femininity with elegance and owns one of a land ensemble. I was hooked on colours, shapes and fine detail.
My bridal collection is known for its timeless elegance and craftsmanship. My bridal silhouettes are marked by superb fit, originality and has inimitable style. When creating a bridal gown, magic needs to be woven into the fabric. A bride must fall in love with her dress as it will stay with her forever as part of her history. My gowns and sarees always surprise and delight our clients. Remona Oshini bride or client owns a one of a kind ensemble. The bridal range consists of bespoke sarees, Oshani’s, bridal gowns and silhouettes for retinue as well.
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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