Wearing ‘Arachchi’ is not just for ‘Babi Archi’

Nilma Dole

‘Hi Hui Babi Archi!’

Now nobody is going to say ‘Hu’ when wear any ‘Arachchi’ brand even when it comes to ‘Babi Archi’. Dressing like the ‘Arachchi’ or the head of the village can be a formidable task as it should reflect your signature mark.

However, since Sri Lanka’s fashion is rather conservative, not many talented Sri Lankan designers are open to create a ‘haute couture’ label for the local fashion industry but three up-coming creative geniuses have proved that it is possible. Meet the terrific trio behind Sri Lanka’s hippest fashion label ‘Arachchi’ - Rukshan, Deepath and Sajini!

These mates grouped when they were asked help for various event management aspects and Rukshan says, “We started out ‘Arachchi’ as a small idea when we decided give a twist to home-made fashion talent”. Fashion is not all about making others happy but about making yourself happy, they said.

“We offer fashion consulting service where our clients can be free to talk about their needs” said Deepath. “You’re always at wit’s end on trying to find the best thing to wear so it’s important to get sound advice for your wardrobe makeover or you’ll exude a negative impression,” says Sajini.

The good news is that they have already got offers from around but they wanted to start at home and then work their way up internationally. “We always wanted to give back to Mother Lanka since we are blessed to have free education, talent and creativity coming from such an exotic background” said Rukshan.

In an industry that has been hampered with cheap garment imports, export rejects and prestigious Fashion Weeks showcasing international designers rather than the local ones, the fashion industry is more the backdrop of some glitzy high society event. Changing the stereotype and giving top class quality clothing to the discerning client is their motto.

“We wanted to highlight individuality, class, style, Sri Lankan unity and comfort at an affordable price,” said Deepath who handles the gents garments of ‘Arachchi’. Deepath Maddumaarachchi also graduated from a London university and was headhunted as a designer for boutique clothing shops in the heart of the city before joining ‘Arachchi’.

Talented Sajini, a graduate from a leading fashion university in London, handles the women’s garments for ‘Arachchi’. She says, “I have worked at leading garment companies around Sri Lanka and I understand the need for a more practical hands-on approach to making good fashion designs”.

The designs are a amazing encompassing sweet lace lingerie to beautiful embroidery with designs. “We use quality fabric and long-lasting materials to create a work of art from your ‘Arachchi’ clothes,” she said.

“We derive influences from the West and blend with a fusion with local cultural designs because ‘Arachchi’ is a funky mix” said Rukshan Warnacula who has a fashion marketing background from the University of Westminster in London. ‘Arachchi’ is all about positivity, versatility and comfort and accentuating your personality, he added.

“We give a tailor-made package and create clothing for special occasions too” said Rukshan. On their charitable causes, ‘Arachchi’ works with SpaceWorld, helping under-privileged children and also empowering women as they recruit talented tailors to the ‘Arachchi’ factory.

You also prevent unwanted carbon emissions (that contribute to climate change) by getting local products. A beautiful Sri Lankan work of art is something comfortable and stylish to wear and helps the local industry.

“We are acknowledge the support of many including Dian Gomes,” they concluded.