Fashion
Why Ramani’s brides are so special and radiant
R Amani Fernando has been dressing brides for many years. She spoke to the Sunday Island about her experiences in the bridal industry, about make up, current trends and how she makes a bride feel the best on her wedding day! Overall goal is to walk brides through the planning process and to keep them stress free and through the wedding day!
(Q) Who is your June bride?
(A) For me as a makeup artist my vision is to make a bride glow with a natural make up look. I always want to transform her into confident and beautiful version of herself on that special occasion. Like every other month my June brides will always be radiant and stylish. My bride should always reflect her personality! The most rewarding part of being a make up artist is to make a bride feel beautiful on this special day.
It would be hard to pick one as there many beautiful brides that Romani will be dressing this season.
(Q) What is the strongest most unusual bridal makeup request?
(A) Brides wanting to appear “whiter” than their natural skin colour. They fail to understand beauty is in the eyes of the beholder! I always want maintain less is more.
Q Is it important to have a trial before the wedding and if this is possible how do you proceed?
A Yes, having a trial before the wedding is highly recommended for both the bride and the makeup artist. A trial allows the bride to communicate her preferences, experiment with different looks, and ensure that the makeup artist understands and can fulfill her vision.
We can discuss the pricing, timing, and any additional services you may require on the wedding day. Confirm the booking and ensure all details are clear for the big day.
Having a trial allows both the bride and the makeup artist to establish a rapport, understand expectations, and ensure a smooth and stress-free experience on the wedding day.
(Q)What’s the best thing about working with brides?
(A) Working with a bride as a makeup artist/ hair stylist is a rewarding experience. It allows for an emotional connection and the opportunity to contribute to her happiness on her special day. Collaboration and creativity come into play, as you bring her vision to life and design a personalized look. The trust and appreciation received from brides are fulfilling. Each bride brings variety and challenges, keeping the work exciting. Witnessing the transformation and being part of the wedding atmosphere adds to the joy of the experience.
(Q) What sets you apart from other bridal makeup artists?
(A) I take immense pride in the fact that I have had the privilege of not only dressing brides when I first started but also their daughters. It’s a true honour to have the trust and loyalty of mothers who have experienced my artistry first hand. Being able to enhance the beauty of their daughters as they embark on their own special moments is incredibly rewarding.
This generational connection is something that sets me apart as a makeup artist and hair stylist. It signifies the continuity of style and beauty across different eras, showcasing_my expertise and ability to adapt to evolving trends and preferences. By dressing both mums and daughters, I am creating a lasting legacy that transcends time, leaving a mark on generations to come. It’s a beautiful journey that I am grateful to be a part of.
(Q)What do you love most about bridal make up?
(A) I absolutely adore bridal makeup for numerous reasons. One of the things I love most is the ability to bring out a bride’s inner radiance and make her feel truly beautiful and confident on her wedding day. Witnessing the transformative power of makeup and seeing the joy it brings to a bride’s face is incredibly rewarding.
(Q) How world you describe your makeup style?
(A) My makeup style is all about versatility and catering to the unique preferences and looks of my clients. I love to create a wide range of makeup styles, whether it’s a natural, minimalistic look or a bold, glamorous transformation. I believe in enhancing the natural features of my clients while considering their individual style and desired outcome.
Attention to detail is one of my key focus. I strive for flawless execution in every aspect of the makeup look.
(Q) Where do find inspiration for makeup look?
(A) Runway and Fashion, I often draw inspiration from fashion trends, runway shows, and haute couture collections. I observe the makeup looks created by top designers and makeup artists and incorporate elements of those trends into my own work.
Celebrity and Red Carpet, Keeping an eye on celebrity makeup looks and red carpet events can be a great source of inspiration. I like to make note of the latest makeup techniques, colour combinations, and styles worn by celebrities to create similar looks.
(Q) What make up products do you use and why?
(A) MAC Cosmetics, 2. NARS, 3. Bobbi Brown, 4. Urban Decay, 5. Makeup Forever 6. Anastasia Beverly Hills, 7. Too Faced, 8. Charlotte Tilbury, 9. Huda Beauty, 10. Fenty Beauty, 11. Laura Mercier, 12. Tarte Cosmetics, 13. Benefit Cosmetics, 14. Smashbox
These brands offer a wide range of makeup products, including foundations, concealers, eyeshadows, lipsticks, blushes, and more, catering to different skin types, tones, and preferences
(Q) Are there any trends that you absolutely love or would love to see bride leave behind?
(A) Love:
1. Natural and Fresh Looks
Many brides have been leaning towards more natural and fresh makeup looks, focusing on enhancing their features rather than heavy contouring or dramatic effects. This trend highlights the bride’s natural beauty and radiance.
Soft and romantic colour palettes
Soft, romantic colour palettes with pastel shades, delicate pinks, peaches, and mauves have been favoured by brides.
Luminous and dewy Skin:
Brides often seek a luminous and dewy complexion, opting for glowing skin with a healthy sheen.
Trends to Move on From:
Overly Heavy Contouring
The trend of heavy contouring, where facial features are heavily sculpted and defined with contrasting shades, has become less popular among brides. Many now prefer a more subtle and natural-looking contour, focusing on soft definition rather than dramatic effects.
Excessive Glitter and Shimmer
While some brides still enjoy a touch of shimmer or glitter, the trend of excessive glitter or shimmer all over the face has diminished. Brides now tend to opt for a more refined and controlled use of shimmer, focusing on specific areas like the eyelids or inner corners.
(Q) What are the most popular requests and current trends you follow?
(A) Soft glamour makeup has been a popular choice among brides. It involves creating a polished and elegant look while maintaining a natural and luminous appearance
Statement Lips
While natural and muted lip colours are still popular, statement lips have also been trending. Brides may opt for bold, vibrant shades like deep reds, berry tones, or even rich plum colours to make a statement and add a pop of colour to their overall look
Soft Smoky Eyes
Soft smoky eyes remain a popular choice for brides. This trend involves using neutral or earthy tones to create a subtle smoky effect on the eyes, paired with well-defined brows and a soft lip colour.
(Q) What is your advice for brides as far as there beauty routine is concerned?
(A) Start early with a consistent skincare routine for a healthy complexion.Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet for glowing skin.Get enough sleep and manage stress for overall well-being.
Consult a hairstylist for a hair care plan and minimize heat styling.Schedule makeup trials with a professional artist to finalize your look. Maintain well-groomed nails and consider professional manicures.Incorporate regular facials to maintain skin health and radiance.Exfoliate and moisturize your body for smooth skin.Wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
Take time for self-care and relaxation throughout the planning process.Enjoy the journey and embrace the beauty of the moment.Remember to consult with professionals who can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and preferences.
(Q) What are trends this season what colours are popular?
(A) Bold and vibrant colours are making a statement.Metallic accents add glamour and sophistication. Mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses allow for individuality. Statement floral installations create stunning focal points. Sustainability and eco-friendly choices are embraced.
Fashion
French model Ines in Sri Lankan spotlight
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.
Fashion
Black dress-versatatile and timeless
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.
Fashion
Groundbreaking new collection from Vegan fabric
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
Pix by Thushara Attapathu