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| Sunday, 24 November 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Master of fashion and style celebrates by Prasad Abu Bakr
A bride by Keerthi Sri Karunaratne is still a speciality as ever-before for the simple reason that his brides evolve with a stamp of individuality reflecting years of vast experience. He has dressed over a thousand brides, sometimes running into two generations. Even though he has designed and still does numerous outfits with the accent on the sari, Keerthi's forte remains 'bridal ensembles' which he excels in creating. Although a fulltime designer he has however found time to dabble in other artistic endeavours. He won praise for his costumes designed for the internationally acclaimed film 'Nidhanaya' by Dr. Lester James Peries. He has also been involved both in designing and acting in theatre, specially in productions by 'stage and set' theatre group, one of those being Lal Senaratne's adaptation of Streetcar Named Desire. Keerthi has also produced many shows, mostly as fund raisers done on request by leading charitable projects.
He started his column with the wedding of the then Governor General Sir Oliver Goonetileke's daughter Sheela who married Sathanandan at 'Queens House' which is President's House today. Since then Sri Lanka's celebrated fashion guru has observed style and fashion in numerous columns in a variety of publications creating styles for many fashion-conscious society women and enhancing many events of Colombo by his mere presence. All who've known Keerthi over the years will admit to what a wonderful conversationalist he is, on a wide range of subjects be it fashion or music (He has trained with the late Deva Suriyasena and rendered his voice, even recently at a performance by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Sri Lanka conducted by Rohan Joseph.) During one such conversation Keerthi commented on Ena de Silva of 'Aluvihare fame' (who incidentally celebrated her 80th birthday recently), claiming how her individual dress-sense has kept her ahead in the local fashion scene, even today. Keerthi observes that this is what is lacking in today's trendy world.
'Keerthi Sri Karunaratne celebrating 50 years in fashion' will have a line-up of designers such as Nayantara Fonseka of 'Tharu' Aldo Perera noted bridal designer of the Hill capital, Kandy, Padma Maharaja for her label 'Vati' and Mano Caderamanpulle. A skit by Koluu and Tamy will also be a highlight of the evening compered by popular showman Kumar de Silva. the show will also have in its production team the well-known theatre director Jith Peiris, and Geraldin Bandaranayake who is responsible for many a 'Thorana lounge, weekly fashion presentations at the Colombo Hilton will handle the choreography. |
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He set foot into a field where there was hardly any competition 50
years ago and still stands his ground firmly in an industry that has grown
into epic proportions today.
A host of local beauty queens have worn their crowns thanks to his
finishing touches from head to toe, representing pageants here and abroad.
besides all these caps, the most amazing is the fact that he is the only
fashion columnist to have continued uninterrupted since 1960.
"Individuality" he claims "has taken an eternal backseat
as off-the-peg Keerthi's outfits are stealing today's generation of their
style-sense".
