Inevitable trendy fashion

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Authorities should look for a permanent solution agreeable for both parties to settle the ongoing ethic problem.

Too much of time had been wasted to bring about a solution for this burning problem and sooner the solution is found the happier the country would be. It’s a sheer shame to see the consequences we experienced due to the war including tourism.

However people cannot stick right along only to concentrate on war.

They have their own personal longings or liking which cannot be prevented or which should not be prevented. Fashion is one of those.

There is no age limit, gender differences and limitations for fashion and it’s evident that fashion culture in city is fast spreading across the rural.

Unlike yesteryears children are becoming more fashion conscious today and kids at the ages of five decide what they should buy and wear.

“My daughter is no exception and she does not allow me to select her dresses,” says the owner Sri Lanka’s prominent fashion store, Cotton Collection, Niloufer Anverally.

She says that even the lasses in the rural areas want to be fashionable and are investing a fair share of their earnings seeking modern fashion. Men too are fast catching up.

She says that women always look at a total change when it comes to fashion while men are very mindful to change. “While women go for flashy colors men prefer cooler colors,” she says.

Having had her basic education at St. Bridget’s Convent she went for her higher studies to India. “The trend during that time was to go to Europe for higher studies. I too had this opportunity. However I preferred an Asian culture and India was a tailor made destination for me,” she said.

Niloufer said that she obtained then passed out as an Economist Graduateship and today she has 15 years of experience in the garment industry.

Cotton Collection is today one of Sri Lanka’s prominent fashion stores that compliment style and fashion. It concentrates on retailing ladies, gents and kids clothing. At present Cotton Collection takes the number two slot in the retail fashion market.

Q: What made you decide to focus your career on the garments sector?

While I was studying in India I saw the quality of handbags, shoes and other women’s attire which were not available in Sri Lanka.

I saw a wide gap between the two countries and wanted to bridge this gap and that’s why I started Cotton Collection.

Q: How was Cotton Collection created?

Birth of Cotton Collection was a result of pure passion I had for fashion and style. It all began as a mere hobby, with a wholesaling operation in 1991. Since then, Cotton Collection opened the first store in Majestic City, which was of 300 square feet. Then I opened up our flagship store at Flower Road, and then opened fairly a large store in the new wing of the Majestic City.

In order to strengthen our brand image Cotton Collection, we also very recently rent out a store in Colombo Hilton, which is presently undergoing a facelift in its interior decor to represent a chic elegant style in fashion.

Q: After 17 years in operation how do you review your progress?

Since our inception we have witnessed the growth of not only our brand, but also our business. From an initial staff of five, we now employ more than 90. In addition, we provide indirect employment to more than 500. Our products contain more than 750 different items, and a majority of them sourced locally and the rest imported.

We work with more than 300 suppliers, and about 40 factories. We also design our own brand products, under the COCO label. Apart from retail transaction we are also involved in garment industry on wholesale basis and export them to countries such as, Maldives, Jordan, India and UK.

We strive to deliver clothing of highest quality, which represent the latest trends in fashion at an affordable price. Hence, we boost a fashion conscious loyal customer base, who are well tuned into international trends.

Many of our customers are known to be the trend setter in fashion in Sri Lanka. We cater to the middle to high end clientele. The demand for our fashionable clothing at times supersedes the supply. At times our outlets are pouring with many customers. As a result we are pushed by the end user to expand and grow, in order to provide them a comfortable, memorable shopping experience.

Q: What influence people have for fashion?

Its mainly because of the newspapers and television and recently the internet. In addition people are traveling overseas more frequently and get opportunities to see new fashion creations which they bring back home.

Q: Can you tell me about your financial movements?

Admirably, over the last 17 years Cotton Collection has self financed itself without out any bank finances. Cotton Collection strongly believes in pumping its monies to strengthen the company and its people. As a result, it was successful in retaining key staff whilst attracting professionals to join their team.

Q: What do you think is the success of the Indian economy?

The Indian authorities took decisions at the right time and they were very concerned about every corner in the market.

Q: How do you review the local tax structure?

Its is huge. The big players have ways and means to avoid or cushion them. However for the SME sector like us it’s burden.

The recently introduced one way traffic system and the no parking system is driving away the customers and the authorities should try to devise another way where both the entrepreneurs be happy while security issue too is being addressed.

Q: How do you see the local infrastructure?

Its is getting in to place but the speed is not at all that praiseworthy. I think the reason for it is that competent people are not heading the key decision making bodies.

Q: Where would you like to spend your holidays?

I love the beach and if it’s overseas I love the snow.