“Threads of Time will bring the best of Western and Eastern chic in a collection of exquisite designer wear that is cutting edge, breathtaking and unique , yet wearable and of course affordable”, said Anita speaking at the media briefing held in connection with the show.
Designer, Singaporean Kavita Thulasidas who is of Indian origin and is the Creative and Managing Director of Stylemart Bridal Collection Pte Ltd since 1999, was also present having flown down very specially for the occasion.
“I think Sri Lanka is a beautiful country full of beautiful and stylish women who are very fashion conscious and I look forward to staging Threads of Time and showcasing my exclusive designs to all you wonderful people”, said Kavita.
Kavita who gave all present a sneak peak of her couture designs having brought down a few selected outfits to showcase at the media briefing, will have over 80 outfits on the ramp on 2nd September, allof them being modeled by Sri Lanka’s leading models, while the show itself will be choreographed by Brian Kerkoven with hair and make up being handled by Ramani Fernando salons.
“I will be bringing down a team of 7 to 8 to assist me with the show as well as the sale of clothes which will take place on the following day, 3rd September, but all models will be from Sri Lanka as I have the utmost confidence in Sri Lankan models who are beautiful, poised and well trained ”.
The show is being presented by Anita Dorai, also a Singaporean of Indian origin who has long been an ardent fashionista and a lover of all things beautiful. Anita who now calls Sri Lanka home, has plans to stage many fashion and other spectacular productions on a regular basis in Sri Lanka.
Also present at the media briefing were General Manager Hilton Colombo, Manesh Fernando as the Hilton is the Host Hotel for the event, Ramani Fernando, Senura Gunawardena and Ravi Opatha of the Porsche Centre Sri Lanka, who are co sponsors of the show, Brian Kerkoven Choreographer, as well as Imran Saibo of Classic Funtime and Anusha David of Headlines PR, producers of the show.
“It is our intention to make this an event with a difference” said Anita. “Visually, creatively, fashion wise, this will be a fashion show which will go down in the annals of Sri Lankan fashion history”.
General Manager, Hilton Colombo, Manesh Fernando said that for his part they were delighted to be associated with an event such as Threads of Time which promises to showcase cutting edge fashion.
“The Hilton prides itself on our associations with unique events and brands which complement and project the Hilton’s premiere image.
Threads of Time and Ms Thulasidas, no doubt will lend added lustre to the Hilton’s image and we look forward to our association with her”.
“Ramani Fernando Salons have established themselves as partners of the most upmarket events that have been held in Sri Lanka and we are delighted to continue that tradition with Threads of Time ”, said Ramani.
Designer Kavita staged her first fashion show in 1992 and formally took over the management reins of Stylemart Dept Store Pte Ltd in 1999.
At the helm of Stylemart, she trained her new staff personally and she created a new shopping ambience with an extensive renovation, extending the retail floor space from 700 sq ft to 1800 sq ft.
These radical reforms paid off. Within one year, she brought her sales turnover up by 50%. And it tripled over the next five years.
Today Stylemart is a high end fashion label thanks to Kavita's tireless focus on branding, customer service and personal charisma and creativity.
What unfolded in the next 20 years is the inspiring story of one woman’s vision and determination of steering an enterprise to reach stellar heights.
“The fabrics I use are only pure silks, I absolutely say NO! NO! to synthetics.
I love using silk chiffons and georgettes that drape well and are fluid.
As for fabrics the collection we carry is huge.
A client can choose everything from brocades, chiffons, tulles , the choice is unlimited.
And embroidery is our specialty and we can do the most intricate embroideries.
We have our own embroiderers too, so that we can customize our embroideries to suit the client's taste.
I've always been inspired by my heritage and culture, mixing Asian opulence with western cuts and silhouettes.
My design philosophy is to stay true to my Asian inspirations hence my label Asian Woman.
You will always see Asian influences in my designs and I enjoy this mix of East and west.
That is my signature style, whether I'm designing an evening gown or a fashion garment, and you will also see my use of Asian textiles and embroidery”.
Kavita's accomplishments with Stylemart and beyond, reiterate the age-old foundations of success in a business endeavor – excellence in service rather than marketing gimmicks, clarity of vision rather than fads, genuine creativity rather than counterfeits, strength of character rather than excuses, and plain old hard work.
There are no shortcuts to success, and Kavita took none.
Today, Stylemart is a brand name associated with fashion wear for over 30 years.
Their designs have created international interest with customers from all walks of life, from different cultures and for all occasions who come from many parts of the world.
“At today’s press conference you will see a teaser of the main show that will be staged on 2nd September.
The fabric I will be using will comprise laces, tulles, georgettes, net, Chantilly laces worked with swarovski, while my colours will be black and white, navy / midnight blues and pastel hues”.
Kavita says what has inspired this collection is the evolution of a woman and the many phases she goes through in her life, but also the ever present constant that is the hallmark of a woman.
“ All of this is reflected in my collection.
To me fashion has to be timeless.
That is the hallmark of a good designer.
I never follow trends and the hallmark of a great garment is that it should be dateless”.
Kavita is known for her threadwork, embroidery, use of rich fabrics and sheer opulence of designs.
“My clothes are in short Royal and my show will be a Royal experience ! Luxury, extravagance, sophistication and the Wow factor are synonymous with my clothes”.
The clothes displayed on the ramp will be essentially a mix as Kavita’s style is fusion, marrying the best of Eastern and Western couture.
“ The essence of my style is the fusion of cultures, that is what I am known for and my designs will range from the traditional sari to Western attire”
As for Threads of Time, extravagant sets, breathtaking outfits, gorgeous models, a mind blowing production and scintillating entertainment will all be hallmarks of Threads of Time, which Anita and Kavita promise will be a fashion show like no other.
