First ever In Vogue Styles Awards for Prenita Fashions’ 40th anniversary:

Who wants to become a celebrity?

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

You can’t help oowing and aawing over the elegant sarees which are at the window draped over the mannequins on your way past Thurstan Road. Enter the shop and you are blown away by the colourful and exquisite collection at Prenita Fashions.

Renown for providing high quality sarees to the market, Prenita Fashions had rolled across 40 drape filled years.

“My mother Nita was the one who opened the shop. Prenita Fashions is the first imported saree shop to be established in Sri Lanka,” Prenita Fashions Managing Director Priyanthi (aka Preethi) Fernando explained. She added that the brand name ‘Prenita’ derives from a combination of their names.

She is all set to glam the face of women power on the catwalk once with a fashion show to coincide with the shop’s 40th anniversary. The event will unfold at the Oak Room at Cinnamon Grand on October 30 at 7.15 p.m.

“We will be showcasing a mixture of 98 saree designs from sequined works to patterns in glitter. The idea behind this event is to provide a good time for my patrons and loved ones as well as give them a chance to witness some of the best Indian sarees,” Preethi noted adding that all the proceedings of the event will go to Maw Sevana children’s home in Mattakuliya.

The sarees are specially handpicked and one-of-a-kind from India’s fashion capitals New Delhi, Bombay, Chennai and other places. Ratnapala Samaraweera will be the Chief Guest for the event which will be choreographed by Graham Hatch. Models will walk the ramp draped in a variety of Indian styles in cotton, chiffon, silk, crepe, net and kanchipuram sarees of various shades and textures.

The hair and make up will be done by Capello Salon. Photography and video is by Ravi Silva. Lucient De Silva will design the décor while Kumar De Silva will compere. Surangani of Prenita Fashions will drape the models. The PR coordination is by Glenda Partipan.

The night will also feature cocktails, dinner and an after party at Sequel. Guests will be treated to prizes and surprises. They will be able to walk up the red carpet in true celebrity style as they arrive for the event. Photographers will flock by snapping their pictures as they are interviewed on their choice of clothes.

The three best dressed guests in western and Indian attire will be chosen along with the best looking men of the evening. They are all expected to come for the event in elegant clothes.

The highlight of the occasion will no doubt be the first ever In Vogue Style Awards. This concept is introduced to recognize and reward Sri Lankan fashion icons. A jury made up of experts from Ernest and Young will judge the event.

“Preethi’s name has been synonymous with glamorous parties. Sri Lanka has never had a style awards ceremony to motivate people with good looks and class. In Vogue magazine believes in tributing whoever dresses well, be it a celebrity or an individual with a good fashion sense.

They are working with the Nawaloka Group to select the best dressed people in town. Age is no barrier but they need to take part in social events,” explained Bombay born Sumitha Radha who has joined hands with Preethi on this fashionista venture.

Nilushi Bandara, another of Preethi’s friends, added: “Prenita Fashions stands for high-class dressing with value for money. The In Vogue Style Awards goes with her image.”

“Forty years in the field is a great achievement. Many people, especially my sister Kanthi, had helped me. We will continue to serve our customers with quality sarees,” Preethi concluded with a smile.