Sunday Observer Fashion Designer of the Year 2009:

Winners took it all!

by Nilma DOLE

Most Popular Designer Sachini Nimasha, Chula Nanayakkara, Sunday Observer Fashion Designer 2009 Gihan Ediriweera, 1st runner-up Nicola Uralagamage and 2nd runner-up Sheruka Mahakumarage

Sunday Observer Editor-in-Chief Dinesh Weerawansa awarding Gihan Ediriweera the Sunday Observer Fashion Designer of the Year 2009 trophy. ANCL Corporate Relations Manager Waruna Malawaraachchi and Chief Guest, rtd. Army Chief Marshal Donald Perera are also in the picture.

It was certainly a night to remember when Gihan Ediriweera walked away with the prestigious award of the 'Sunday Observer Fashion Designer of the Year 2009'. The glittering show was well attended by many fashion fanatics, notable socialites and readers of the `Sunday Observer' and it was presented by Chula Nanayakkara Ariyaratne.

Gihan opted for a Mardi Gras style with a brilliant concept of roses in silver and red colours that mesmerised the audience for it had the sheer brilliance that catches the eye of any passer-by. He won a scholarship to study at Technique International to follow a prestigious course and a special gift pack.

The designer, who modeled her own creations, Sachini Nimasha, was crowned the 'Most Popular Designer 2009' voted by the readers of the `Sunday Observer'.

Sachini was definitely a wonderful model with her charismatic personality and her brilliant red designs highlighted to the maximum with fake leopard print cuts.

Sunday Observer Editor-in-Chief Dinesh Weerawansa awarding the Most Popular Designer Sachini Nimasha.	Mrs. Mervyn Silva awarding Nicola Uralagamage the winner of the Sports Wear segment

The first runner-up title went to Nicola Uralagamage and the second runner-up was Sheruka Mahakumarage. Sheruka's creations were stunning with fine detail put into every style and Nicola's outfit would definitely make fashionist as go positively ballistic.

Winners in each of the categories were won by Nicola Uralagamage, Gihan Ediriweera and Sheruka Mahakumarage. The sportswear category award was given by Mr. and Mrs. Mannapperuma of Mannapperuma Traders. Every designer got gift packs from Glucorasa and flowers courtesy Supreme Flora.

Gihan Ediriweera being awarded the winner of the Evening Wear segment by Dr. Ranjini Perera.	ANCL Corporate Relations Manager Waruna Malawaraachchi awarding the Sheruka Mahakumarage the second runner-up title

The show dazzled with the best entertainment as the Hip Hop outfit USD (Upside Down) worked out their grooves and moves and then danced to that popular number, "Ramberi". It was choreographed in one day, by Chula which was a happening dance. The best dance of the event was definitely the beautiful Indian dancers from the Planet Bollywood gig at Global Towers. It was the first time that Anamika, Shalu and Simran ever performed at a Sri Lankan event which included the lovely dance hit 'Deewane mey deewane'.

Talented and top models in Sri Lanka including Rochelle, Bianca, Piorina and the beautiful Piumi, who looked suitably good in the winners' designs, proved that Sri Lankan fashion wouldn't be this successful if it didn't look good on them. The right model wore the right outfit, giving top points for their respective designers.The Chief Guest was retired Army Chief Marshall Donald Perera and his wife Dr.Ranjini Perera. Mrs.Meryvn Silva was the Guest of Honour.

The chairperson of the judging panel was Attorney-at-Law Ramani Amarasuriya and the judges were award-winning designer Darshi Keerthisena, editor of Hi, engineer Shymalee Tudawe, dynamic socilate Mano Muthukrishna, lawyer Shantha Perera, sports personality Yoga Perera and the Editor-in-Chief of the `Sunday Observer' Dinesh Weerawansa. The team at Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd (ANCL) including Corporate Relations Manager Waruna Mallawaarachchi and General Manager Abhaya Amaradasa supported by ANCL Chairman Bandula Padmakumara gave maximum publicity for this highly anticipated show. Compered by Clifford Richards and this writer, the untireless efforts of the Sunday Observer staff Marina Herath and Ananda Kannangara ensured that all the points were tallied properly.Providing massive transformations from hair and make-up from every segment to the finale was fashion guru Ramzi Rahaman who worked his magic for the show.

Sheruka Mahakumarage winner of the Office Wear segment receives her award.	Nicola Uralagamage being awarded the first runner-up title by the Chief Guest, rtd. Army Chief Marshal Donald Perera

At the end of the night, every designer walked a winner because the talent and creativity including the opportunity to be a part of an amazing show gave them valuable exposure and the confidence to shine more.

Watch out for next year's 'Sunday Observer Fashion Designer of the Year' too!