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by Sumadhu Weerawarne
The prices of the goods that is the toys range
from Rs 60 to Rs 3,000 and even more. Does she have any plans for
the future? ‘We will concentrate on furniture for kids in
the short term.’ And in the long term? ‘Well we hope
the idea will catch on and eventually we will be able to open a
few branches."
Toys toys toys! Are every child’s dream and every parent’s nightmare, given the prices of course. But there is no delinking childhood with toys. The two are too interconnected to separate one from the other. Often, one sees a little child pulling at the skirts of his or her mother or the trouser leg of his or her father if he happens to be a very ‘90s male, excitedly dragging him or her towards an adorable teddy bear (an adolable tiddy in children’s parlance) or that wonderful talking walking doll.
At such moments, the little mites seem to possess superhuman strength. The mother may be seen embarrassedly trying to release the folds of a dress from a clenched and very determined hand, while smiling with anyone who happens to look her way. Finally, she pulls the skirt free, and places the little fellow’s hand very firmly within her own. The kid is then dragged away while he or she cranes his or her neck to see "tiddy’ wave ‘Good Bye’.
The battle is not over yet. The kid then resorts to the contingency plan, which is to open the flood gates. He or she then bawls for all he or she is worth and insists ‘I wanth tiddy’. The bawling is arrested either by a promise that is more or less a bribe to buy something else shortly or by a very definite whack on the derriere. The former produces a total halt to the bawling while the latter merely transforms the bawling into less audible sobs.
The older kids adopt a different strategy. They neither insist nor rant and rave, but engage in psyops. The first step of course is to very studiedly examine the toy (or that ‘one thing I want, I will never be bad’ item). Then if the parent asks the child what it is that he is looking at, the one thing he or she wants is handed over, with a very expectant look. If the parent does not inquire, it is discreetly brought to his notice that a certain type of item is there, which has caught the kid’s eye. Their eagerness is more or less muted and limited to a very expectant look. If the parent shows an interest by asking the price, the kid gets to the next step of the plan. He enumerates the various ways in which that particular item is superior to a similar one of its kind. And the very long and excited explanation invariably ends with ‘I like it very much". My friend at school has a similar one’.
The parent then tries to take cover behind the fact that the child already has a similar one. This strategy is of course is hardly foolproof. One strategy largely resorted to by the male of the species is to pay as little attention as possible to the little kid ranting and raving about a toy. He absent mindedly pats the child the on the head while indicating a total disinterest in what the child as saying..
Such will be the dramas enacted at Child’s Play, the newest toy store in Colombo. Parents must be warned that it is not the kind of shop to saunter into on a lazy afternoon for lack of anything to do, with the little one in tow, unless of course one has serious intent to fulfil the little mite’s desire for ‘thath tiddy bear’.
The concept behind the shop is itself unique to Sri Lanka. It is based on the western idea of keeping the children occupied while the parents shop. ‘We have a little area where the children can play while the parents shop. This is something we have picked up on on our travels abroad and it seemed like a good idea,’ the owner says. However, one wonders whether the little ones would be willingly confined to play area when there is so much on to beg, plead and cry for.
The ambiance of the store is in keeping with its theme of Child’s Play. Housed in a storeyed building opposite Thurstan College, the inside has the appearance of a children’s nursery. The walls in the upper storey are lined with butterflies that are larger than life. Parrots are frozen in mid flight in a corner of the room. A sunflower or two smiles from the walls. They serve to create the desired atmosphere. Downstairs a row of insy weensy creatures both real and imagined maketheir way across the wall in continuous straight line. ‘We did the painting ourselves,’ the owner explains. ‘Some cousins, friends and myself’.
Getting the project that had been conceived two years ago, off th ground had been far from child’s play. ‘There seemed to be no place where one could find a variety of toys under one roof. Basically a one stop toy shop. And with loot bags (after party gifts) catching on, it seemed worthwhile to probe the possibility of opening a store where one would find both little toys and bigger items,’ she explains.
The total investment in the project is Rs. 12 million. The toys range from locally made wooden toys that are educational to those such as remote controlled cars or farm sets imported from both Europe and Asian countries to baby linen and moulding clay.
The upper section has colourful wooden toys, educational activity oriented toys, remote controlled cars, farm sets etc. ‘We have a different section for school items which range from glue to pencil cases to backpacks to colour pencils and yet another section where we have the sand items, tub stickers etc. We also have a different section for the boys and another for girls,’ she says. She is quick to point out that the paint used to colour the wooden toys is non-toxic.
Downstairs the store has its soft toys, dolls’ houses, baby items, computer and books sections. ‘The baby items include such things as bed and bath items and linen. There are also walkers and tricycles for the toddlers. The older children are catered to by the computer section and the books section. We hope to provide documentaries of the National Geographic Society on computer,’ she says.
The prices of the goods that is the toys range from Rs 60 to Rs 3,000 and even more. Does she have any plans for the future? ‘We will concentrate on furniture for kids in the short term.’ And in the long term? ‘Well we hope the idea will catch on and eventually we will be able to open a few branches."
You may think that fashion is about the present here and now. To designers, buyers and shop owners in the apparel business it is much more about tomorrow.
The future was in the minds of the British and Sri Lankan invitees to the fashion show held at Hotel Lanka Oberoi to promote the Anglo-Lankan apparel industry.
Chorographed by Senaka de Silva this fashion focused on a selection of clothing made in Sri Lanka for the British and European market held in connection with the British trade fair.
The show highlighted an array of ensembles by leading design manufacturers which were export oriented. The sensous lingerie collection from Slimline in different colours were breathtaking.
Courtalds range included a sleepwear and men’s sports’ wear. Hirdramani came out with pretty ensembles in floral prints. Fashionable designer wear from Steuart Lanka in sensous silks in vibrant colours, velvet soft chiffon were the icon of many visitors.
Senaka de Silva designed the evening for Steuarts Lanka. Contemporary in design and elegant in style there were out of trendy stretch fabrics brocade satin and lace.
Hairstyles for the models by Ramzi Rahaman and make up by Senake de Silva.
Fashion show presented recently were thought provoking and futuristic style concepts to all sectors of the world and displaying these designs on the catwalks were destined for a big future for both Lanka and Britain.
German extravaganza at the Oberoi
The Oberoi goes German from November 21 to 29, with traditional German food prepared by German born executive chef Helmut Hubele. The German food and musical extravaganza will be held at the roof top venue "The Supper Club".
The highlight of the food promotion will be the German swing ensemble flown in specially for the occasion by the kind courtesy of Condor and Vip Tours - Karl Katz and His Cats. Karl Katz is no stranger to the Oberoi or the music lovers of Colombo.
Karl Katz along with his Cats will perform folklore, jazz and swing music to creat the right ambience during the German food extravaganza. Karl Katz a veteran in the music field in Frankfurt is a multi-instrumentalist, he plays the saxaphone, clarinet, violin and of course the piano. Karl who has played in string Ochestras, Bossa Nova schools in Rio, Brazil, Jazz clubs and the British Orchestra for three years promises a memorable German musical experience.
Chef Hubele on the other hand promises a culinary expedition with traditional and mouth-watering delights from Germany, such as grune erbsensuppe - green pea soup with frankfurther, rollmops - pickled herrings, schinken platte-smoked and cooked ham, Schalachtplatte auf sauerkraut-assorted meats on sourkraut and of course sweet temptations such as black forest gateaux, swabian cherry cake and bavarian cream.
High
Fashion
Kandyan saree make a fashion statement
by Kirthi Sri Karunaratne
Spectacular decor greeted the Dignitaries,
delegates and guests when they walked into the BMICH Arcasia/Asa
8 held the inauguration Congress one evening last week. Beautiful
fretwork cutouts, which we have seen so far on pirith mandapayas
made archways of visual delight, in white, leading from the
entrance to the stairway. Tiered globes of gokkola adorned the
sides of the room, lit from within. On stage too, the decor of
ropes of jasmines and gokkola and white lotuses were worthy of
comment. The inauguration itself was long drawn out, and the
cultural show certainly did not maintain the standards of the
many other happenings, spread through five days. The compere for
the evening in a welcome return was Mignonee Fernando who made a
smart impression in a Kandyan saree in royal purple and cerise.
The saree had borders and the ihe and pallu in the vivid cerise
verging on red. She wore a purple blouse with below the elbow
sleeves, and her accessories and jewellery were in gold. Later
the same evening, a cocktail buffet was held at On Golden Pond at
the Hotel Taj Samudra, where the women architects and the spouses
of the male from varying parts of the Asian region made fashion
statements of their own.
Several of the Indian delegation were fascinated by the Kandyan saree. What better example than Lalini Alwis, wife of professor Lakshman Alwis, could have served as a model for this style she always wears. A shot grey silk saree with borders and ihe in a woven black spelled elegance, teamed with a blouse in the same colour. She wore a blue sapphire choker necklace and earstuds. Architect Nehla de Zoysa wore a cherry red saree of soft charmeuse, tasselled at the edge of the fall in dull gold with an exquisite blouse of gold guipure lace. A long rope of pearls made her ornament. Ratana Wickremasinghe wife of Architect Surath Wickremasinghe had her oyster silk saree bordered in a lovely shade of coral, with stripes of charcoal and gold. A coral toned blouse and gold jewellery provided the finishing touches.
The previous evening the wives of the delegates were hosted to tea at the Hilton Hotel’s Tittle Tattle by the wives of the Sri Lankan Architects. To entertain them and initiate them to Sri Lanka’s culture, a performance of Kandyan dancing ushered them to the lobby. Delighted, many of the women seen afterwards had themselves photographed with the performers, in their resplendent regalia. The dancers were from the Sri Jayana Troupe. This occasion was also to enable the women to mix and mingle and get to know each other. Many forms of dress was naturally in evidence besides the saree. From India was Thimmaiah Jagi who claims she always wears the Coorg saree drape for formal occasions. Her saree of green silk in Orissa style was bordered in burgundy, red and off white. The body of the saree was patterned in yellow specks. Her short sleeved blouse was in red, and she wore red bead necklace with a gold pendent. Smart western attire was the choice of Ellen Chung. Her blue dress of a sapphire hue was cuffed in white at the edge of the sleeve, and the collar featured an unusual cowl effect. Among the Sri Lankans were Luckshmi Perera, wife of Architect Milroy Perera in a salwar kameez outfit from the Yolanda collection. In a pretty shade of old rose, the painting on the top and at the edge of the sleeves was in shades of grey, old rose, and ecru. Sreeni Waas though Sri Lankan, favoured a long dress on simple lines in a wine red. The skirt in front featured a tie-up styling. The Kandyahn saree Lalini Alwis wore once again was perfect for the occasion. In grey cotton it had two borders of orchid and mauve with beeralu lace in white to fuse the colours. Her necklace was a long strand of cabochon garnets.
Wedding
Married recently was Ronali the daughter of
Rosemarie and Rajan Yatawara, to Godfrey, the son of Jacinta and
K. Aloysious at St. Lawrence’s church, Wellawatte. the bride
in a compromise combined the Kandyan saree with a veil, and most
of the jewellery worn traditionally by a Kandyan bride, except
for the nallal pattiya. She wore only a centre parting ornament
instead. The saree of ivory hued silk was embroidered on the
cloth, the fall and the fitted segment of the long sleeve, in a
design of streaks of gold sequins. The blouse had large full puff
sleeves. The flared veil of tulle which flowed from a simple
headress at the back fell in flutes edged in wire. Her bouquet
was a loose posy of roses in shades of soft colour and off white,
and babys breath. For the going away she changed into a Gagra
Choli in orange and gold. The organza was woven in an allover
pattern in gold, and had a wide skirt border. The brief louse had
wrist length sleeves, and from her hair flowed the dupatta of the
same woven organza. She wore a choker necklace of gold and
carried many strands of jasmines as a bouquet. The bridal and
going away outfit was done by Chrysanthi Fernandopulle.
Patchwork exhibition with a touch of class
By Lalitha K. Witanachchi
Kamini Witharane, pioneer patchwork teacher and
her pupils will hold their 15th exhibition ‘Interior design
in patchwork applique and needle art’ on November 28, 29 and
30th at the Hotel Lanka Oberoi, just in time to buy those
X’mas gifts for friends and loved ones. Kamini and her
pupils have been preparing several months for this exhibition,
working far into the night.
"We are having 11 interior settings with the table decor" explained Kamini." All the accessories like cushions, floor carpets, table linen, pillows and wall hangings will be done in patchwork and needle art that is applique, embroidery and cross stitch."
The variety of items presented are stunning. One of the most exciting settings for breakfast has strawberries and strawberry flowers all done in cross-stitch, matched with red checked gingham providing an exclusive breakfast layout.
‘White on white’ is a delicate table setting which has all white embroidery with an abundance of cotton lace. "Wedgewood Blue" has a design candlewicked in blue hand embroidery and quilting. Here the setting is for a very formal dinner. For Mothers Day it is ‘Pink roses to a beloved mother’ The table cloth cushion covers and accessories have a thousand roses all done in cross-stitch.
For babies there are Mickey Mouse and Minnie in primary colours of red yellow and blue, in bags, wall pockets, table mats, table cloths and rugs.
Men have not been forgotten, For a special person-the golfing man - there is a large, interesting wall hanging of a rather stout golfing mouse, with golf ball and club - meant as a special gift to a very special golfer!
There will be several items for X’mas. One eye catching setting which is very elegant has pointsettias on table cloth, cushions and pillows done entirely in cross-stitch-Another typifying a country Christmas has holly, twigs, Santa, a sledge, stockings and ginger bread inside squares of embroidery. One rare tablecloth has a stained glass design and the crockery for this setting has been done specially in the same design.
Of the numerous quilts most eye catching and classy are the cream and white Victorian hand embroidered ones.
For Kamini’s pupils of the Ladies College Vocational Training Institute, and her private pupils there will be a competition for the best piece of patchwork and interior design.
‘Interior Design’ will not only provide a variety of gifts to choose, but will also give new ideas to the many who are interested in patchwork as a leisure time activity.
The exhibition will be declared open by Mr. Dharmasiri Senanayake, Minister of Aviation and Tourism on November 28 at 10.30 a.m.
Make believe world of artificial plants
Artificial foliage is a popular concept in Sri Lanka. Shiromi Amarasekera, whose name is associated with landscaping, has taken to the make believe world of decorative plants, flowers and Chinese vases. Come rain or sun they just wont wane, says Shiromi. Leaves and branches are detachable you would bend it, twist it turn it around and highly flexible to suit your own taste or design says Shiromi. And that’s what they are. They are beautiful in themselves. But it calls for genius of a kind to tastefully redesign them to have an overall impact of a dream world. And that is Shiromi’s secret.
Shiromi’s artifacts are mainly imported from a wide ranging network of flower foliage and flora from Singapore and Bangkok.
Shiromi started as a landscape artist. She has been associated with interior decoration of many homes, offices, hotels etc. that was her first love. Rock gardens, fountains, waterfalls and foliage is her forte. Interior and outdoor decor with foliage landscaping is a fad nowadays. Shiromi’s concept to bring nature closer home. Now with more and more women taking to employment . Shiromi felt that maintaining these were far fetched. She feels artificial plants and foliage are easier to maintain and it saves so many hassles.
Her expensive showroom is a veritable Garden of Eden, a little bit of paradise set on earth. To give plant lovers an insight into her artificial world of plants and flowers Shiromi will hold an exhibition of plants foliage and Chinese vases from November 23rd to 26th at the Women’s International Club adjoining Lionel Wendt. (Z C)
Vishva: seeking the universal music
‘Vishva’, which is one of the oldest western rock music bands in Sri Lanka, is set to go on stage again soon with their exciting fusion of rock and raga.
Band leader Bandula Dias founded the band in 1985. Although originating as a purely folk-rock band, Vishva now comprises several musicians bent on exploring new forms of music blending western rock with carnatic and raga. Bandula says they have begun preparing for their next concert performance in Colombo on December 11th Friday.
They have performed at numerous concerts over the years delighting audiences with their fusion of folk-rock and soft rock with the rhythmns and tones of raga.
The band currently comprises Bandula Disa on accoustic guitar and vocals, Primal Liyanage on lead vocals accoustic lead and electric lead guitars, Rukman Ariyasinghe on bass and accoustic guitars, and Ajith Wijemanne on drums.
In their forthcoming performance they will play some original compositions, including a song in Sinhala, as well as songs by Don Maclean, Cat Stevens, Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, Santana and Osibisa.
Bandula hopes that Vishava, in keeping with the Sinhala meaning of its name, can play music that will universally communicate.
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