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Cutting out fine fashion
By Smriti Daniel
Esmé is unique, not just in her designs but also in the way she approaches her work-she considers the word "fashion" a verb and cuts every piece of cloth, used in her designs, herself. Truly talented, Esmé has been associated with Barefoot for 27 years now- an association that is to be celebrated in a fashion show to be held at the Barefoot Gallery and Garden on October 3.

The fashion show, which is the result of a skilful orchestration, promises to showcase Esmé's considerable skill to perfection. Senaka de Silva, who is responsible for both the concept as well as the choreography of the fashion show, is confident about the Esmé's timeless appeal. "We set our own trends and let everyone else follow."He goes on to say that Esmé in her collaboration with Barefoot has kept her designs simple and classic. Not only do they fit in with what Barbara Sansoni herself has always wanted for the Barefoot collection but they are now distinctive and memorable in their own right.

Esmé remembers a time when fabric was hard to find in Sri Lanka, and people had to make do with whatever they got. It was then that Barbara Sansoni came up with the idea of using the likes of jute to create a line of clothing. Using such fabric imposed certain limitations on the designer- form fitting clothes for instance, weren't an option anymore. Esmé always rose to the occasion magnificently. "We all know her as the best cutter in Colombo," says Nazreen Sansoni, Director of the Barefoot Gallery, when talking about Esmé's perfectionism.

Barefoot and Esmé continue to draw their inspiration from nature, a choice which has resulted in the creation of some enviable styles like the "Butterfly Coat" which remains one of Esmé's most enduring and popular designs. The colours used are especially interesting and are in the province of Marie Gnanaraj, who is a talented and discerning fabric designer. She talks of how easy and rewarding it is to work with Esmé because of the latter's enviable vision. "Esmé will look at a 2 metre piece of fabric and will instantly know what she want to do with it." Esmé's talent, Marie believes, lies in her ability to create a beautiful garment from anything she has on hand.

Esmé has been considered among the best designers around for some time now. She won the "Best Designer of the Year" award four times in a row and has taken her shows all over the world. Many of her garments though designed years ago are worn even now by the discerning and the fashionable. It is in that gift perhaps that her appeal lies, for her designs rise above the latest, soon to be forgotten fashions and become instead part of the classic and the unforgettable.

"My whole life is exciting. Every time I make a dress it's exciting. I enjoy all my work, love creating. I am a stickler for details and finishes, nothing shoddy,” she says.

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