Photos by Dr Pasan Harendra
The maiden fashion show in Muscat, organised as part of the Sri Lanka Road Show 2024, marked a significant moment in the fashion landscape, showcasing a unique blend of Omani and Sri Lankan fashion elements.
Roshani Rajapaksha, a Sri Lankan designer resident in Muscat and hailing from Kandy, led this event, weaving together the traditional and contemporary fashion threads of both cultures.
Roshani’s passion for fashion design ignited at an early age. At just 12, she was not only captivated by art and fashion but actively creating—stitching dresses for her dolls and sketching intricate designs that she would later bring to life through a seamstress. As the youngest of five, Roshani was surrounded by a family whose support went beyond mere encouragement; they provided both financial backing and invaluable constructive criticism, which honed her skills. “Instead of buying a new dress, I’d sketch my vision and have it stitched to perfection,” Roshani reflects. This early immersion in fashion, fueled by her family's unwavering support, became the bedrock of her career.
Her first significant foray into fashion design was for her wedding. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Kandyan saree, known as ‘Kandyan Ull Osari,’ Roshani designed her own bridal attire and outfits for her mother-in-law and other relatives.
“I took inspiration from the banana leaf colour to design my wedding retinue,” she explains, emphasizing the cultural significance of this element in Kandyan weddings. This personal milestone not only marked the beginning of her professional journey but also solidified her deep connection to Sri Lankan traditions.
Despite the lack of formal education in fashion design, Roshani’s passion for the latest trends in Sri Lanka kept her engaged with the industry. She followed TV shows, read fashion magazines, and kept herself updated on evolving styles. Over time, this self-driven approach to learning allowed her to develop a unique style that blends traditional elements with modern aesthetics.
The fashion show in Muscat was a challenging yet rewarding experience for Roshani. It was her maiden show in Oman, and she faced the daunting task of selecting the right models, outfits, and music.
“I’m grateful to Sabarullah Khan, Sri Lankan Ambassador, Anodya Chirashrie, Embassy counsellor/Head of Chancery, and the Sri Lankan Business Council Initiative (SLBCI) for their unwavering support. The models were friends, and I trained them myself, as getting professional models was a challenge. My talent for singing helped me choose the right music and teach the models to walk in rhythm,” Roshani shares.
Her designs for the show reflected a harmonious fusion of Sri Lankan and Omani fashion.
Model Rangika donned a Batik dress, which was both trendy and modest, paired with pants to suit the cultural norms of both countries. Another outfit by Madhu featured a Kaftan made from Batik material, blending Sri Lankan and Arab styles seamlessly. “I also used Omani jewellery, which complemented the Sri Lankan jewellery, showing mutual respect for the traditions of both countries,” she says.
Roshani’s creative process is deeply influenced by her work and her participation in past fashion shows in Sri Lanka. She strives to showcase the similarities and shared messages between the traditional attire of Sri Lanka and Oman.
“My designs aim to bridge the fashion harmony between the beautiful Arabian fashion and the fascinating Sri Lankan fashion,” she explains.
A highlight of the fashion show was the traditional Kandyan bride-and-groom attire, which drew parallels between Omani and Sri Lankan wedding customs. The intricate hand-stitched motifs and gemstone designs of the Kandyan bride’s saree echoed the elaborate details found in Omani bridal wear. Roshani notes, “The groom in Sri Lanka wears a dagger to the waist, similar to the Khanjar in Oman. The intricate headdresses and jewellery worn in both traditions also share striking similarities.”
The success of this fashion show has opened new doors for Roshani, who is eager to explore more opportunities for fashion collaborations between Oman and Sri Lanka. “I hope to continue showcasing the beauty of both cultures and move fashion trends forward,” she says, looking ahead to future projects. The journey that began with designing her own wedding attire has now blossomed into a promising career, with Roshani at the helm of a cultural fashion fusion that bridges the gap between Oman and Sri Lanka.
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