EMERGING DESIGNER
Shehana Dayananda
Spending her entire life in Switzerland didn’t preclude Shehana Dayananda from rooting herself in her Sri Lankan origins. A visual merchandiser who graduated from design school in Geneva, Shehana’s most gratifying moment was hearing the applause for her collection at Colombo Fashion Week as an Emerging Designer. That was when she showcased her brand Shexx. The brand – which is inspired by her love for music, art, photography and culture – embraces women and redefines femininity.
But the metamorphosis into a designer began only in her late teens because until then, she was a tomboy who hated girly dresses and makeup. Sitting beside her dad who was a talented sketch artist, young Shehana would watch him and try her hand at sketching.
Later, international ramp artists like Chanel, Versace and Dior piqued her interest, and the transformation was soon underway. She started reading magazines, watching fashion shows and checking blogs in search for her individual sense of style.
While Shehana is conversant in French, German and English, which she learned in her later years, she also understands Sinhala. The family travelled extensively around Europe, creating an album of memories for the children to enjoy. But it was Shehana’s annual visits to see her relatives that made her truly love Sri Lanka and appreciate the nuances of this island nation, as well as appreciate her mother’s Sri Lankan cuisine (particularly biryani and koththu).
Shehana twirls her hair when she’s stressed, freaks out at the sight of grasshoppers and bees, and suffers from vertigo.
Quite the comedienne, Shehana is – as her name suggests – spontaneous, artsy and extroverted, and currently working on her next collection while giving her brand more visibility.
She says she’s a genuinely happy person with a deep faith in God, and a strong sense of ethics and morality.
I don’t really like to follow trends – I cultivate my own
My perfect date would be a romantic candlelight dinner followed by a long drive to the countryside listening to relaxing music
Q: What’s your passion at the moment?
A: Being healthy and leading a more mindful life, engaging in sports and long walks, eating healthy food and being more spiritual.
Q: And what’s your idea of style? A: I like being unique, taking risks, mixing styles and being original. I don’t really like to follow trends – I cultivate my own.
Q: Your favourite chill out is…?
A: My bed with a Cailler hot chocolate and Netflix because I know it’s the end of the day, and I can relax and have time for myself. I also love to treat myself to facial masques.
Q: Your perfect date?
A: My perfect date would be a romantic candlelight dinner followed by a long drive to the countryside listening to relaxing music (maybe my favourite: Diana Krall’s Just The Way You Are).
Q: Is there a Mr Right in your life? A: Not yet but I hope he’s out there somewhere reading this.
Q: And if he’s reading this, can you tell what qualities you’re looking for? A: Loyalty; treat me as someone special, generous, spontaneous and funny; have good values; and be respectful.
Q: Who makes you laugh the most? A: My mum makes me laugh the most because the funny side to her is inherent and isn’t intentional. We can spend hours laughing together.
Q: What’s the greatest thing about living in Geneva?
A: What I love most about Geneva are its scenic countryside, the stunning lake and the multicultural city surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Q: What’s the best thing about Sri Lanka?
A: Its laid-back smiling people, beaches, food, restaurants, hotels and the practical side of the country, which makes me feel that anything is possible and you can do whatever you want to.
Q: What gives you an adrenaline rush? A: Being late for work; I’m usually punctual ( but only for work). Q: What’s your biggest secret? A: My humour. I’m a comedienne and love making other people smile. I like imitating people – but not in a bad way; only their quirky mannerisms.
Q: What scares you the most? A: Losing my mother because she’s everything to me (I lost my dad two years ago). I’m also really frightened of grasshoppers.
Q: What do you dislike intensely? A: Betrayal of trust because it hurts more than being lied to.
Q: Three things no one knows about you?
A: My spirituality, sensitivity and hot temper.
Q: If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be?
A: I would be a man and not put on any makeup.
Q: Your most memorable moment is…?
A: My most memorable moment was walking down the ramp at CFW 2019 at the Emerging Designer Show and hearing the applause, having my family watching and people commending me. I had dreamed of that moment but never thought it would become a reality
Q: And your most challenging moments have been…? A: Participating at CFW, creating my first collection, and discovering my strengths and limitations.
Q: Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years’ time? A: Running my own business and owning a little boutique called Shexx Studio. Also starting a blog to interact with my customers and share styling tips. I’ve always pictured myself being happily married with children, having my own home and living the life I’ve always wanted.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: As a woman who was inspiring, humble and hardworking.
My mum makes me laugh the most because the funny side to her is inherent and isn’t intentional