A new designer wear team is set to take Colombo by storm – meet ‘Arachchi.’ The name was deliberately chosen to represent Sri Lanka and what it represents in terms of cultural heritage and fashion, says Deepath Maddumaarachchi, one of the designers, “The Arachchi (Village Headman) was one of the most fashionable and beautifully dressed people. Everything in his ensemble from his headdress to his slippers were just so.”
And so the team, consisting of brother and sister duo, Deepath and Sajini Maddumaarachchi and childhood friend Rukshan Warnacula, who wish to preserve and enhance the flavour of Sri Lanka in their designs have named their label ‘Arachchi.’
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| Modelling their very own designs |
Apparently Rukshan and Deepath, have always been interested in fashion designing, and even in their school days were sought after by their classmates for advice on their wardrobes. That gave them the idea to start up their own business, but they did not rush into it, instead took the time to study abroad, and work for some years in the industry to gain knowledge and experience.
Both Sajini and Deepath have studied at a leading Fashion University in London. On graduation, Sajini designed clothes for Hidramani, Union Apparels and MAS holdings, gaining experience in designing for elite international brands, while Deepath became a designer for boutique clothing shops in the heart of the city, where the clientele was used to more personalized services. Rukshan meanwhile majored in Fashion Marketing at the University of Westminster in London and consults for an array of clients in the UK. He has brought his expertise into play, by developing market entrance strategies for ‘Arachchi,’ to enter into the Sri Lankan fashion vista.
Their work is known in the UK and even though they considered launching their label there as well, the trio decided to first return to their roots and establish themselves in their motherland, serving their own people first. However their designs were very much appreciated in the UK and were described by one journalist, David Reid, as “A breath of cultural Diasporas merged into the Western fashion industry, with a sense of calmness within each individual design.” The team of young designers hope to bring a sense of identity back to Sri Lankans while also providing them with customized or ready made designer wear at affordable rates. “Sri Lankans should have their own sense of identity. It’s a bit sad, when we first came down, we realized most people were simply copying foreign fashions, whether it suited them or not,” says Deepath. Adds Rukshan, “That is what is going to be different about us, we’ll be trying to incorporate the Sri Lankan heritage into our designs but will take into account trends as well.
All three of them will be available at their boutique to consult with their customers and provide exclusive, custom-made clothing if need be. “We work on the basis that everyone is beautiful in their own way,” says Deepath adding that it is just the designer’s job to tap into an individual’s sense of identity and come up with clothing that would make him/ her feel good. They are now all set to launch their label and boutique at June 5, at 7pm at Gandhara, Strafford Avenue, Kirulapone. Like in everything else they have done, this venue too is a studied choice. Says Rukshan, “Our boutique too would have a similar ambience, where the customer feels comfortable spending a lot of time in instead of being like a typical hustle and bustle retail shop where the customer simply rushes in and out.” |
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