Sharmini of ‘Silk Wrap Fame’

Sharmini Seneviratne is known for pushing boundaries and leading the next generation of elegant fashions. She was the founder of the popular designer label “Silk Wrap” Her ensembles appeal to every women from all ages,corporate women, celebrities, fashionistas and models. She looks beyond the shores of Sri Lanka, drawing inspirations from all over the world. Her work is infused with both simplicity and elegance.

Sharmini has made a name in the competitve business of Sri Lankan fashion industry, having made a successful stint here and abroad.Her passion for fashion and unwavering dedication led her to establish the popular label “Silk Wrap “, a brand that is recognised for glamour and elegance.

Q When did you start your career in fashion?

A My career as a fashion designer started after I stopped flying as a air hostess for Air Lanka I was always very fashion conscious as a kid, even use to cut up my mother’s sarees to dress my dolls, and later I entered the famous Fashion College in London St. Martins.

Q What inspired your entrance into the fashion industry?

A The flying career and my mother together inspired me into fashion . My parents were living in England, this helped me to explore and broaden my knowledge about all aspects of fashion This was the key to my fashion story, In the 60’s there was no Fashion, or fashion magazines in Sri Lanka only Rupavahini TV station, hence there was no exposure for Sr Lankan designers to international fashion shows. My fashion career was not easy. We had many ups and downs depended mainly on magazines like “Cosmopolitan” “Vogue” “Harpers Bazaar” and other magazines for inspiration

Q Tell us about the story behind the label “Silk Wrap “.

A “SilkWrap”, was named because my ensembles were all created from natural silks from Sri Lanka and Thailand. There was a dearth for ready to wear clothing at that time. My main focus was evening wear with silks and chiffons creating ensembles with glitz and glamour

Q How do you keep up with the fashion industry then and now?

A Fashion is something you create and it is unique,reflecting the culture, weather, moods, a mix of so many of them put together with a myriad of colours, feelings and love. The ethereal six yards of saree creates magic on any individual.

Q Highlight of your career?

A I have so many special moments in my fashion career, I’ve done many international catwalk shows reflecting my design. I have taken our local models to the international catwalks The benchmark in my career was the successful show in Tokyo. My designs made a hit and I sold all my ensembles, to 900 Japanese ladies. I also had had the honour of taking “Silkwrap” to Japan, Oman, Bangalore, Maldives, Dubai and London. I had the privilege of designing for Michael Jackson sister “Latoya Jackson. I was also a

Q Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?

A My designs are my own creations. My inspiration comes from nature, and derive from all things beautiful around me. A nice elegant cut, contemporary in design are my forte.

Q What are your challenges and how do you overcome them?

A I faced no challenge in my career. Each of the designers work differently and I respect their creativity. A

Q Your future plans ?

A I am proud that I have contributed to the progress of the fashion industry in Sri Lanka. We are on par with international fashion designers. All of us have worked without any assistance from the government.

Q Many of your designs explore modern day glamour what does it mean to you?

A I keep abreast with modern day designs, yet try to depend on classic and simple lines emphasing on cut and style.We are also all creative artist’s, who understand others needs and moods and designs accordingly which is not easy.

Q Present fashion industry in Sri Lanka?

A Over the years I have been following Colombo fashion weeks and other fashion shows.. Sad to say most of the designers have no originality in thier work. Designers like Senaka de Silva, Lo Ching, Yoland, Purnima, Darshi and Michele Wijesuriya are some of the designers who have created a benchmark in the local fashion scene.