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High fashion
The year that was...
Embroidery was the hallmark1998 has gone by and with it many changes in the fashion scene. It has been an exciting year for the fashion conscious particularly for the saree wearer. Making a striking comeback, embroidery was the hallmark of the year. Shaded sarees tamed with worked blouses, embroidery on net, and gold and silver Zardosi made spectacular impacts. Contributing to this were many of our followers of fashion, thus making it to the list of the best dressed women for the year gone by.
Several events too added zest and sparkle to the year. The visit of "Miss Universe" 1997 the charming and simple Brooke Lee in May and the Yves St. Laurent fashion show in June brought to us by the good offices of Sri Lanka's International model, Perrine Fernando were two of them.
ShamenaThe wedding of the year, was that of Shamena Wickremasinghe, when she was married at the Serendib Ballrooom of the Colombo Hilton in the surroundings of tasteful and beautiful decor, to make as lovely a bride in her saree of silver dusted net. For the homecoming she wore Kandyan, this time in gold. A trellis of gold ribbon checks on nylon net made this lovely ensemble. In the year of extravagant weddings and receptions with a series of well planned and elegant affairs, this wedding spelled out a kind of magic. The entire event from the clothes, to the decor were conceived by the Mother Manel Wickremasinghe (and who is always well dressed) the bride. The sarees Bhadra Wijesena had worn in the embroidered range have been one of a kind designer wear. The green saree worked in green drop pearls, beads in the same green, and a touch of silver in a design of scallops was a thing of beauty, and the black saree worked in a cobweb of a border in tones of rust, the centres picked out in gold were the embodiment of sophisticated elegance. Rukmani Maharaja even though in Sri Lanka sporadic spells only has always made an impact at every public appearance. The most recent time was in a beauty of a royal purple saree embroidered in a border and a floral patterned pallu in Zardosi work in silver.
Ofcourse the jewellery and the accessories these well dressed women synchronise with their ensemble puts them in the news. Priyanthi Fernando too has been right in the swing of fashion. Her black saree embroidered in silver Zardosi she wore for the St. Laurent show, and the moss green shaded saree embroidered in silk thread and sequins, she wore with the back of the blouse entirely embroidered on net, were two sure fire winners.
The three sisters Pathma Maharaja, Nadine Mahendra and Shobhana Nagendra have been in the limelight so many times for the year, it would be a formidable effort to recall their many outstanding outfits. Another group of sisters, Sriyani Samarasinghe, Himali Nanayakkara and Pradeepika Wimalaratne also make the headlines in fashion. The last occasion we saw Sriyani was in a pink toned shaded silk saree, the blouse with unobtrusive embroidery, foil to a mass of flowers in her hair and a necklace and eardrops of rubies, emeralds and diamonds.
ShobhanaRanjinie Wijewardene on the other hand without being a slave to fashion, always makes her fashion statement quite clearly. A white saree of silk she wore recently had an elaborate pallu of interlocked triangle in bottle green and garnet, with a collar necklace of silver and cabochon stones. Ramani Fernando who is more often in western styles, than in the saree, has the knack of looking as though she has stepped out of the Vogue magazine. In this category are several others, among them Meersumi Andries in her designer western clothes reeking of style and couturier design, Otara Chandiram who scores with her simplicity and preference for black, and dancer Upekha de Silva who defies fashion rules to make her own trends, even proving that dusky complexions can wear black. Many other names come to mind among them, Janet Balasuriya, Thylin Nagendra, Nela de Zoysa, Rosie Senanayake, Anusha David, Angela Abeywardene, Lilani de Silva who must be inspired by her mother Leila de Silva who was a fashion leader in a era gone by, and is still dressed in dignified style. Adirupini Theagaraja has her own interpretation of fashion, and the last saree she wore in net worked in thread and sequins was a real beauty.
Another who stays with her own way of dressing and remains well dressed is Malinee Bodinagoda, as are Swyrie Balendra, Chocs Yoheswaram, Tara Cooraay, Mallika Rajakaruna, and Rose Pieris. Going from strength to strength is Mano Caderamanpulle both in her own attire, and in the fashion coming out of her atelier. Still leading the Kandyan saree group is Lalini Alwis, who too has diversified and wears her Kandyan saree in designer embroidery and also in designer sarees of Indian origin. A wearer of both the Kandyan style and the draped saree is Swarna Ameratunge, who makes a distinct impression in either. Making a welcome return to the fashion and music scene is Mignonne Fernando and a new entrant is Shyamale Tudawe, who is home after a long sojourn abroad.
by Lishanthie Siriwardena
Hesperus Marketting (Pvt)Ltd., the sole agents and distributors for many renowned international brands of cosmetics recently introduced the "Tips and Toes" range of cosmetics which include Nail Lustre, Lip lustre, Compact Powder and Foundation Cream.The variety of vibrant and exclusive shades come in pearly, plain, matte and metallic collection.
The "Tips and toes" nail polish is prepared with a special chip resistant formula that condition and protects the nails and keeps it looking glamorous and longer.The lipstick is made up of almond oil and cocoa butter to give lips a generous nourishment and a totally non dry feel.
The "Tips and Toes foundation cream has a special component that acts as a moisture agent and helps the skin retain its moisture levela at all times. Whilst the compact powder's microfine granules helps even out complexion. Both these products have a sunscreen that protects the skin from harmful UV rays.
Hesparus Marketting (Pvt.)Ltd., a subsidiary of Visakahmals group of Companies Ltd.(VGM) also markets and have "sole distributorship" for the following brands such as Restoria, Cussons Imperial Leather, Vicco and Creatic.
Hesperus Marketting helps to further the range of "Tips and Toes" by introducing novel concepts to this cosmetic range in the near future.
EAP TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHES AMIDST A FANFARE OF PUBLICITY
The much publicised launch of Sri Lanka's newest IT company, EAP Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd. took place on Saturday 19th December 1998, with Media Posts and Telecommunication Minister Mangala Samaraweera in attendance together with Hon. Minister Kingsley T. Wickremaratne, Minister for Trade, Industry and Food. A large gathering of dignitaries and business magnates were present at the auspicious occasion.
This event marks the latest expansion of the prestigious EAP Edirisinghe Group of Companies, now into the IT industry. "Information Technology is the future, and it is the objective of the EAP Edirisinghe Group to be the biggest player in this arena as we go into the next, millennium" said Mrs. Soma Edirisinghe, Chairperson of EAP Edirisinghe Group of Companies.
EAP Technologies will focus on providing total IT solutions to corporate customers as well as the public. With a portfolio of prestigious brands such as Intel, Quantum, Microtech, and ADI, as well as aggressive marketing and unbelievably attractive pricing strategies, EAP Technologies is sure to be a force to reckon with.
The picture shows from (left to right) Mr. Jeewaka Edirisinghe (Managing Director, EAP Edirisinghe Group of Companies) Mrs. Soma Edirisinghe (Chairperson, EAP Edirisinghe Group of Companies), Mr. Sanath Gunathilaka (Media Consultant to the President), Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Rosmand Senaratne (GM, Swarnavahini) and Hon. Minister Kingsley Wickramaratne at the ceremonial launch of EAP Technologies (Pvt) Ltd., recently.
Sharmalee de Silva, who was here for the past couple of months, performing as a trio and also with the group Dreamteam, left for Germany last week.
She operates as a duo in Germany with her brother Nirantha. They go as John and Mary, and Sharmalee has been doing that scene for over one-and-a-half years.
However, she comes this way often. Last year she made six trips to Sri Lanka. Her trips are generally connected with family matters, but whenever the opportunity comes her way, she performs.
Sharmalee did the trio scene, with Charmani and Jude, at a club in Colombo, performing almost four to five nights a week.
She also did some work with Dreamteam and a guest spot with Super Pink'n' Purple.
Sharmalee was very keen to do New Year's Eve in Colombo, but her brother wanted her back as they had to perform at Queens Hotel in Hamm, Germany, on 31st night.
During her stay here, she did a couple of clips for TV and performed on ITN's Seasonal Pops show.
Sharmalee gain recognition as a member of Rage. She later joined Ecstasy.
Professional approach to their music
Chandani and Chaminda have been together as C & C for the past five years. However, individually, they have been in the music scene for over a decade.
Chandani started out as a solo singer, working for SEAC Entertainments, and doing mainly the oriental scene. But she did include English and Hindi songs in her repertoire. She also toured London, Dubai and the Middle East, was involved in several compilation cassettes and performed with Debbie.
Chaminda worked with Super Pink'n' Purple and Dreamteam and toured the Maldives. As C & C, their repertoire is made up mainly of western music, but they can tackle the oriental scene as well. "It all depends on what the people want", says Chandani.
"If at a wedding we are told to play only Sinhala songs, we'll do just that as we are flexible and versatile, too".
C & C perform regularly at the Airport Garden (for the past five years), Royal Oceanic, Trans Asia, Inter-Continental and Ceysands. They have also been to Lebanon, Cyprus, Singapore and Bahrain.
Chandani has also done a CD, containing 16 original songs. Some of her past hits have been included, but they have all been remixed.
Chandani and Chaminda are husband and wife and they have been married for the past three years.
On 31st night, they were featured at the Airport Garden Hotel.
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