Looking their best on their big day
Concluding our two-part article on modern day weddings, Sashini Rodrigo and Ruqyyaha Deane look at changing trends in traditional attire
It’s the day you’ve dreamed of – and whether you are in a suit or sarong, flowing gown or saree — it is important that you look your best on your wedding day. This week we set out to find how our choices of wedding attire have adapted to the evolving trends in the fashion industry.
Bridalwear designer Purnima Abeyratne who has been creating bridal looks for 19 years observes that many brides now go for a Modern Kandyan incorporating their own styles into the traditional outfit.
“When designing a bridal I give preference to the bride’s own requirements of what she likes, traditional, modern or something inbetween, keeping in mind what will suit her the best. My goal is to have each bride shine on her special day,” she shares.
Influences from contemporary European fashion are seen in her designs as brides ask for plunging
necklines, variations in sleeves, a longer and layered ‘pota’ instead of its customary three folds and floor length. Light, transparent fabrics such as lace, tulle, chiffon and net are now in vogue instead of the heavier brocades, handlooms and embroidered silks of yesteryear. Kandyan brides are usually adorned with the mala hatha, nalal patiya, ira handa pendants for the hair and other traditional jewellery but today many opt for only the nalal patiya and the first three chains worn alongside modern jewellery. Many brides also forego the elaborate updos to simply let their hair down or keep it in an elegant low chignon, pinned in place with a few clips, with flowers or crystal embellishments woven in.
Asanka de Mel took the humble sarong into something modern, cutting edge and contemporary with his ‘Lovi Ceylon’ brand and has now turned his sights on the Kandyan Nilame outfit worn by the groom. Wanting to honour the Sri Lankan cultural identity on milestone days like a wedding, the Nilame is given a fresh, modern look, the 7 to 15-piece outfit simplified into three pieces: the Nilame Jacket, long sleeve shirt, and Nilame sarong (See Magazine cover).
“With our updated designs, I hope to spark excitement about our roots, to foster confidence about our island home, and help usher in our traditional clothing into modern times,” says Asanka.
Traditional elements such as handloom fabric are retained while also bringing in pockets, belts, and lining, which are “the things you need for a life in motion.”
At iBRIDE Bridal Lounge by Indi Yapa Abeywardena, designer Indi affirms that the most noticeable change in bridal wear would be moving from traditional Kandyan bridals to modern.
With the modern Kandyan, Sri Lankan weddings and bridal outfits are moving to a new level of sophis