Flying without wings

by S. Thilakaratna

A few years ago, an Irish boy band calling themselves Westlife, released a song titled "Flying without wings". Obvious to say it became a hit around the world, leaving many people trying to understand what this new metaphor meant. Although flying to humans is at a realistic point of view is an obvious impossibility, having to fly without wings would certainly pose a challenge even to birds. But in this case the song meant the sense of euphoria one feels when one reaches or achieves the ultimate goal, true happiness or a dream come true.

When one finds what he or she has been searching for in his or her entire life. the flying is referred to the sense of joy one feels that makes one "feel " like they are flying, even though they have no wings. For some reason, humans have related "flying" to a sense of freedom and fulfilment (tell that to an angry bird).

As the Irish boyband sings about finding true love comparing it to like flying without wings, in Sri Lanka, the phrase "Aththatu ne eth eya igilei" would mean something different. Flying without wings would give the meaning of endless efforts or succeeding against all odds.

Sri lankan TV viewers are all too familiar with this phrase and practically glued to their television sets on weekdays between 6.30 to 7.30 pm as the whole family gathers together to watch the family hour on channel Rupavahini, these days showing the Japanese drama "Carnation " translated into Singhalese as "Aththatu ne eth eya igilei".

Fashion designer

Written by Aya Watanabe and directed by Kenji Tanaka, the drama series Which was aired on NHK Asadora (morning drama) slot in 2011, says a story about a girl growing up to become a famous fashion designer. Itoko O'Hara, a free spirited mischievous girl only 11 in the year 1924, is mesmerized by the annual Danjiri festival. Originated in 1703, this festival is one that pulls a Danjiri Matsuri cart along the roads by healthy young men chanting slogans and playing music. The young girl dreams one day to grow up to be the lead man of the festival who rides the Danjiri cart during the festival.

But the innocent girl's dream is shattered when she finds that riding the Danjiri cart is not allowed for women. Lost and confused by this gender inequality, the daughter of kimono tailor Zensaku, eventually discovers her passion and a new dream when she sees a statue of a dancer brought from the west.

In a society where everyone wears the monotonous kimono, this fashionable dress with frills worn by the dancer statue fascinates her. And so, the journey begins. Despite the objections from her traditional father, O'Hara Itoko somehow manages to become a dress maker for European clothing.

The show takes us along her life through triumph & tragedy. A girl's growth into womanhood during various obstacles of life and the horror of the second world war. By the end of the war widowed with three daughters this strong woman bring up her children to become international fashion designers.

The story is based on the true life of famous fashion name Ayako Koshino, the mother of famous international designers Hiroko, Junko & Michiko Koshino.

Objections

Hiroko (Yuko in the drama) initially wanted to become a painter. Due to her mother's objections, she turned into following her mother's footsteps. But after seeing designs by illustrator Junichi Nakamura opened her eyes making her realizing that dress making is not merely sewing.

It can be expressed through pictures too. She studied at the Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo and made her debut in Rome in 1978. Her elegant styles are a blend between Japanese influences with western designs. For instance one dress features a golden pine tree set on a black, while another comes with a robe resembling an "uchikake" kimono coat.

Junko Koshino (Naoko in the drama) is known as an avant-garde designer. Bold and a bit of a tomboy characteristics gives the edge to her designs.

With high talents in oil painting, Junko too entered Bunka Fashion College and even won the prestigious So-en award while she was a student. She designed costumes for rock bands in Japan. She opened her boutique in Tokyo named "Colette" . Her clientele includes Japanese celebrities like lyricist Kazumi Yasui and Misa Watanabe founder of Watanabe productions.

Believing that music and fashion are one, Junko chose Chinese folk music to accompany her Paris collection in 1978. She has developed strong ties with China also organised a show in Cuba.

The third sister, Michiko Koshino (Satoko in the drama) was an accomplished tennis player and did not enter fashion school. She learnt sewing design from her mother. Michiko is known for her sporty casual styles.

She moved to London in 1973; her clothes have been a part of the London catwalks since 1980. She moved to London not only because of the vibrant music scene but also to stay away from the constant competition between her sisters. On one occasion Michiko tells a reporter that she sees her sisters as mentors in the industry rather than rivals.

Michiko Koshino's 1983 men's wear collection "Motorking" is now considered as a collector's item, worn by David Bowie and Moby. Michiko's clothing has been worn by many celebrities including the Spice girls, Natalie Imbruglia and Placebo.

Cosmetics

Her clothing line later evolved in to including cosmetics, eye wear, underwear and accessories. Her famous brands are Michiko London, Sudo, Ta Feng, Mandom cosmetics, Mitsubishi Rayon casual wear. These are a global sensation sold in Asia, Europe and the USA.

Her name is first in the minds of clubwear customers. She has even created the first inflatable fabric and known to have involved in designing the first environmentally friendly scooter for Honda.

Three daughters now veterans in the international fashion industry, Ayako Koshino (Itoko) has come a long way since her humble beginnings.

She continued her career until the very late stages in her life and lived in her home town kishiwada until her death in 2006 aged 92.

So that is the story behind Aththatu ne eth eya igilei. Whether it is total happiness, finding true love or succeeding against all odds for a little girl dreaming of riding the Danjiri cart to grow up to become a fashion icon and the mother of international fashion moguls, is truly something that would lift your spirit high above the ground.