Stride through a world of colour

Looking for something exclusive and vibrant? Take a tour with Vidushi Seneviratne to that hip boutique in town. The eye-catching pictures were taken by J. Weerasekara

A myriad of colours and fabric – that's the first thing that strikes anyone entering a certain shop located in a strategic location down Horton Place. Ethnic originality mixed with a touch of Western style literally oozing from its every corner, Aakshi, the newest addition to the line-up of Colombo's selective stores, is one place worth visiting. Ranging from classy personal articles to refined household linen, the shop has a series of items from every imaginable colour and hue.

The shop itself is a creative architectural design; the two floors of the building have numerous little spaces in every corner, arranged with a range of items. If you're interested in purchasing selective, sometimes one of-a-kind items, this just might be the place to visit… Speaking to Jaishree Jayesingha, owner of Aakshi, we got some insight on the list of goodies available, just for your benefit.

"There is a huge demand for ethnic clothes now in Sri Lanka, both among locals as well as foreigners. While local customers seem to prefer the more elaborately accessorised garments, foreign nationals generally go for the simpler items emphasizing on colours," she said.

With a perpetual love for clothing and having been designing clothes for friends for as long as she can remember, this versatile young entrepreneur opened her store close upon four months ago. Interested in catering to all ages and personal styles, she realises the potential of such a store with Sri Lankans becoming exceedingly fashion-conscious over the years. The store is opened until 7 p.m from Monday to Saturday and Sundays until 3 p.m.

The clothes available easily cater to all ages and tastes, and you can easily find something to fit almost every occasion. "While some of the clothes are designed by me, we have creations by many other local and foreign designers and suppliers. For example some of the tops are custom-made, so you can confidently walk into a function, knowing very well that there won't be anyone else wearing what you're wearing," she said. In an age where the same article of clothing is available in abundance, this might just be a relief to most of you!

The cotton and pure silk tops available seem both comfortable and elaborate, and will fit any occasion.

The kurtha, probably one of the most versatile items of clothing available at present, is abundant at Aakshi which offers a huge range for night and/or day wear and official wear for the more mature customer. Sarees are one of the newest additions to the shop's array of items and you are guaranteed to find one to suit your every need, with the cottons and chiffons suiting office wear, as well as the heavier ones, ideal for occasions.

And for all of you fashion-conscious young ones, innovative kurthas are available in colourful, spaghetti-strapped designs and various lengths as well.

Apart from the more ethnic looking items, there are trendy halters, other creatively funky tops, skirts of various lengths and dresses galore. As for other accessories, stoles of various materials and designs, shoes ranging from the elegant Rajasthanis to the trendy night wear, bags to suit any occasion and a selection of chunky tasteful jewellery, complete the line-up of items. "We also have a selection for men as well. Cotton, silk and linen shirts are available in colours and designs to suit a range of occasions," added Jaishree.

Moving on from the personal items available, the second floor of the store presents an array of household lines, from bed linen, to table lines and curtains, as well as fabric needed for all of your household needs.

"We have the finished products as well as the fabric so that you could come in here, buy your favourite bed linen and then buy the fabric for your curtains to match that item, from under the same roof," she said.

Apart from the linen, Aakshi also offers dhurries, which is a selective type of carpet made both in cotton as well as jute; table mats, candle stands, soap dishes, a few articles of furniture and tastefully done lamp shades.

The seemingly never-ending list of items available in the store also includes stationary such as file folders and utility bags.