Fashion
Sri Lanka’s Naomi Campbell!
Chit-Chat
The recently held Chulpadmendra Catwalk Studio 2023 graduation ceremony has brought into the limelight quite a few newcomers to the scene here…as models, singers, actors, etc.
Sandinika Anthony impressed many on the catwalk and she is now being referred to as the Naomi Campbell of Sri Lanka – and Naomi happens to be the once famous English model.
Sandinika is currently a University student, studying accounting and finance management, and is also involved in the film scene, as an actress.
And this is how our Chit-Chat went…
1. How would you describe yourself?
Let’s say, I’m a dreamer but I always work hard to make my dreams come true. I’m also reliable and a strong person, with a free mind, who always tries to live happily. During my leisure time, I generally love doing research on fashion, learning photography and, of course, modelling.
2. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Where I’m concerned, my life journey has always been full of experiences so I would not try to change anything. I’m happy the way I am.
3. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
My mother lives far away (since I was a little kid), as she works in another country. So, if I can change something, where my family is concerned, I will do everything possible so that my mother can live with us.
4. School?
The ‘Naomi Campbell look’ at the Chulpadmendra
Catwalk Studio 2023 graduation ceremony
I did my O/Levels at St. Anthony’s Convent, Colombo 15, and my A/Levels at Rathnavali Balika, Colombo. During my school days, I did a lot of extracurricular activities, especially as I am an athletic girl, I did a lot of sports – netball, volleyball, long jump, javelin, 200 metres. I also studied drama, wrote poetry, acted, and participated in debate competitions. Yes, I did many other things during my school days, and these are just a few.
5. Happiest moment?
Oh, yes, in April, this year, when I graduated, as a model, from the Chulpadmendra Catwalk Studio, and it certainly was a dream come true for me. So, I would say that was the happiest moment of my 21 years of life, and I really need to thank Chulpadmendra for her professional guidance.
6. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To me, perfect happiness is a morning when I wake up excited about the work to be done that day, and a day where I work to the best of my ability, and also having a stress-free night’s sleep.
7. Are you religious?
Yes I am. I believe life is a boomerang, and what goes around comes around so I always try to do what I believe is right.
8. Are you superstitious?
No, I am not, but I trust universal power.
9. Your ideal guy?
Right now, I don’t have special one but I think my ideal guy will be educated, trustworthy, and a talented person.
10. Which living person do you most admire?
Priyanka Chopra. She became ‘Miss World’ at the age of 18, and has won many awards and is recognized as one of the most powerful women in the world. She truly inspires me…and many more across the world. I love her attitude, confidence, and her life journey.
11. Which is your most treasured possession?
I have been reading, and collecting books, since childhood, and my collection of books is now awesome. And I take care of those books very lovingly. So, I would say, my most treasured possession is my collection of books.
12. If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like as your companion?
Definitely, my best friend, because, I believe, if I’m marooned and I have my best friend with me, we can motivate each other till we find a way out.
13. Your most embarrassing moment?
Oh, embarrassing, indeed…when I fell awkwardly, in front of many people, while I was on vacation with my friends.
14. Done anything daring?
Yes, when I held a snake, wrapped around my arms. But, I hope to do something even more daring…skydiving one day.
15. Your ideal vacation?
I love to travel and I want to travel the whole world, but, for now, I have only been to a few places, overseas. If I get the opportunity to visit Paris, one day, I think that would be my ideal vacation. However, the city of Kandy always holds a special place in my heart, so I always like to go to Kandy.
16. What kind of music are you into?
Nothing special, but I like to listen to the popular songs from the 2000-2010 era as they remind me of my childhood.
17. Favourite radio station?
I am not a regular radio listener, but I like to listen to Y FM.
18. Favourite TV station?
No time for TV but I watch my favourite programmes, and movies, using YouTube and Netflix.
19 What would you like to be born as in your next life?
As a leader who intervenes to protect world peace and help in the development of poor countries.
20. Any major plans for the future?
I do have lot of plans which can also be divided into goals and wishes. My biggest wish is to become ‘Miss World’ and make my country proud. And I hope to show my talent, around the world, by becoming an international model, like Naomi Campbell. In the future, I would like to join UNICEF and become a woman who works for the rights of women and children around the world. And, soon, I hope to show my skills as an actress.
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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