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| Sunday, 1 February 2004 |
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New designers : "Dancing Queen" Orchid by Umangi de Mel
"I named it 'Dancing Queen' since it resembles a beautiful dancer", says Dilushini, the 21 year old designer who's just stepped out from the Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology, (LIFT). "I saw what could be called a 'true identity' in it. The best part is that it's a sheer wonder of nature that automatically conveys a vital message as to what we really are", she continues and says that she adored the lovely combination of colours on the Orchid, "The minute I set my eyes on it, I knew it was the ideal fashion theme for my collection", Dilushini says that it was no easy task having to go through every single detail of the flower when putting her thoughts together to create her garments. "I had to choose the material according to the smoothness of the flower. The garment has to relate to every tiny feature of the flower. To be brief, the theme has to be depicted in the collection". Basing her collection on a very feminine client, Dilushini says that she took a liking to simple and lovable stuff. "I preferred simple clothes that have a feminine touch to them. My client is such a person that I have to cater to her needs and my garments should reflect her characteristics".
The first pret is a double layered wrap-wound skirt with an embroidery on it. Its top is a symmetrical one with three petals attached to it to depict the real flower. The head-dress is made out of fabric in the shape of the flower", she says that her concept should be visible through her garments. The second pret has a plain skirt with a belt made out of fabric, beads and cords, "It too has a buckram and has a ruffled effect at the bottom. The top has a bead work on it with push up sleeves. And the third pret is a dress which is fully embroidered. The colours I chose range from red to light yellow. The idea behind it was to show off colour combination that has a cultural flavour", she adds that it was a real challenge to finish the collection in three months. Her mother being the main influence, Dilushini has picked up certain basics of dress-making at a very small age. "My mother's a dress-maker and I learnt stitching from her. But I wanted to excel in fashion designing eventually"; she says that she admires renowned designer Armani for his taste in feminine garments.
Being the proud young designer that she is now, Dilushini speaks of her 1st fashion show, "It was stunning. It was a turning point in my life where I learnt that my hard work has paid off". Currently working at 'Ready wear' industries as a designer, she says that she finds her work very interesting. "It requires a lot of thinking but I enjoy it. I intend to open up a workshop for myself and give it my best shot. Wrapping things up, she thanks her family that supported her throughout and of course, the Lord above. |
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Dilushini Fernando says that she was enticed by the natural beauty of
the Orchid that is a replica of a traditional dancer. The orchid, yet
another wonder of nature revealing an authentic figure that says a lot
about a culture, its traditions and people. The 'Kandyan Dancer', mirrors
a fine part of Sri Lankan culture, the colours magnificent, body, well
proportioned with a unique identity among the arts of Sri Lanka.
Talking about her avant-garde, she says it's got the real look of the
'Dancing Queen'. "The top part takes the shape of a petal and the
skirt is a normal gathered skirt with a buckram inside and the headdress
resembles the top part of the flower. The costume is coupled with a mask
to give a true picture of the 'Dancing Queen'.
"Designing became the top priority after A'Ls and it was good
timing too. I knew next to nothing about designing but LIFT was a perfect
guide. Lots of people seem to under-estimate the works that go into
designing. It's not only drawing pretty sketches but also cutting,
stitching and pattern making", she says and adds that once the basic
knowledge is given the students must apply it to whatever they create.
"It's a lot of hardwork and countless sleepless nights".
