|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 9 November 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Magazine |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
by Neomi Kodikara
Yak netum,' 'tovil' or devil dance have powers to exorcise an evil spirit, is a common belief among Sri Lankans from ancient times. The dance is performed by an exorcist or devil dancer dressed in a short skirt of dazzling colour and short jacket embellished with beads and also a mask. Different kinds of masks used in tovil and folk drama are Sri Lanka's heritage, an impressive part of the Sri Lankan culture. Those peculiar, menacing and bizarre pieces of crafted wood painted in brilliant colours inspired the award winning creations of Devanmini Wickremaratne, the winner of menswear category at Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology (LIFT) Fashion Awards 2003.
Some masks that represent a line of legendary or mythical demons are commonly seen as emblems of devilish, ominous nature. "But I feel that there is a healing power in these masks. I am quite impressed by `tovil' and local rituals and I find Sri Lankan cultural identity in these rituals," she says, explaining her thinking in titling her collection 'Behind the Mask.' Masks are also considered as a traditional form of art in Sri Lanka that speaks about the country's glorious and rich culture. Devanmini has blended the tradition and modernity to produce a rich collection. Boldness and daring are the characteristics of her collection. But she has not overlooked practicality, the possibility of adapting to day-to-day wear. She has used two-tones of charcoal black and shimmering white for the outfits. They are styled with miscellaneous designs in bright reds and oranges, sprinkled here and there and also with a large print of mask on the back of the shirt. Only 21-years-old, Devanmini is an old girl of Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda and Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo 8. Though she studied Bio-science, her first love has always been art, music and designing. Her bright, ever smiling face betrays no sign of regret for the faded dream of becoming a doctor. Sleek and stunning, Devanmini, talks softly but in a tone blessed with a manner of affection and gentleness. Her philosophical mind and dedication offer something beyond mere gloss of fashion.
Having two sisters, one an architect and the other a hotelier she gets many opportunities to go to different places. "This indeed enhances my creativity," she says. She has many achievements in the fields of art and music to her credit. `But this is the best of all," she says about the LIFT Fashion Awards 2003. She has always loved experimenting with her novel, fancy ideas. "I wanted to do something different within the frame of Sri Lankan identity." However, the triumph did not come easily. "There were times I even cried," she recalls those sleepless nights, stressful days, hard work from dawn till dusk, painful finger tips, heavy eye lids .... "It is not only sketching the designs, but also pattern making, selecting fabrics and other accessories, stitching and numerous other jobs," she recalls. But all those efforts were not in vain, instead brought her an accolade that any fashion designer would yearn for. She believes that the most suitable dress for men is sarong. "It has a unique flamboyance, gives one an elegant look mingled with artistic style, it also enhances masculinity." She feels that men have a better dress sense. "The dress you wear shows your personality, your dress should make you as well others comfortable," she says. Devanmini thinks that a good fashion designer should master the art of camouflage and she truly believes that there is the right outfit for any body type. "In this field experience and nous count a lot," she adds. She feels that Sri Lanka needs designers who can portray the Sri Lankan identity in the international arena, yes clothes that shout out our own identity. "We lack identity in the global fashion world. It should not be that they give us designs and we simply follow their orders. We should take the role of designing as well." However, there are many obstacles that hinder achieving this goal, mainly the lack of exposure and a market that lacks commercial prospects. She feels that companies and industries could take the risk of sponsoring young designers. "In the industries experimenting with dress designing is being over looked, with many interested on mass production," she says. Devanmini insists on concluding on a note of thanks to all those who made her dream possible. "My parents who never force us but enjoy what we are doing, for their trust and faith that, gives us confidence, then my two sisters, LIFT, it was the wind beneath my wings, Danushka, Udaya, Amila, Malinda, Niranga, Roshan, Tharika, Mangala, Chandima, ......," her list seems unending. She giggles, "They all deserve thousand thanks." |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
These masks according to Devanmini are a combination of art, dance and
music containing magical healing powers and charms of protection from
unseen evil spirits.
I think making others beautiful is my forte," she says. She had
the habit of analysing people and their dresses with a critical eye since
her childhood. And the outcome was finding out that most, very often, seem
to lack dress sense.
