This weekend, I am honored with the task of curating Colombo's quintessence of sophistication: The Best Dressed List for 2023. Immersing myself in a collection of captured moments from myriad glamorous events throughout the year, I've had the privilege of discerning the epitome of style in Colombo. From the chic runways of Colombo Fashion Week to the splendor of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week's year-end edition, the city has served as a tapestry for lavish affairs. Colombo's 'A List,' forever at the pinnacle of refinement, exhibited impeccable taste in attire, accessories, and hairstyles, accompanied by a formidable mastery of makeup. Crafting the Best Dressed List for 2023 was no simple task. This week, we unveil the sartorial grace of Colombo's Best Dressed Women, with the spotlight shifting to the debonair Men gracing the city's red carpets in the upcoming week. Without further ado, I present to you the eagerly anticipated Best Dressed List for 2023.

Kin Couture

• Shahili Gomes-McCoy and Elisha Gomes-Ukwatte
• Sonia and Devika Hirdaramani
• Kiyara and Tasha Fernando
• Natalie Jayasuriya-Rodrigo and Natasha Jayasuriya-Rajapaksa
• Shaestha De Costa-Fernando and Natasha De Costa-Dias
• Annika Fernando and Saskia Fernando-Yatawara
• Dinushi-Alawathuwala-Dissanayake and Hashini Alawathuwala-Walgampala
• Sarah and Shezny Kabir 
• Radhika Hernandez and Thanuja Perera Raymond  
• Aradhana and Celine Hirdaramani 
• Raya and Rika Gunathilake
• Thilini and Onali Silva
• Harini and Hasini Munasinghe

Glam Gen

• Rashmi and Sahitra Ukwatte
• Sandra Fonseka and Anusha Sethwala
• Rosy, Thisaakya and Radhya Senanayake
• Himali and Prithiva Nanayakkara
• Gayathri and Ranthini Jayasinghe
• Prithi Fernando and Sheranthi De Mel

Sirens of Style

• Lena Hirdaramani
• Otara Gunewardene
• Anoma Wijewardene
• Desi Hirdaramani
• Alnaas Esufally
• Ranmali Mirchandani
• Aruni Wijewardene
• Mona Hirdaramani
• Shobana Nagendra
• Shyamali Ediriweera
• Kantha Hirdaramani
• Lolly Kundanmal
• Nela de Zoysa
• Neela Marikkar
• Dilusha Upasena
• Shyamalee Tudawe
• Yolanda Aluwihare Holms
• Jaishree Parathalingam-Jayasingha
• Anita Sharma Dorai
• Anithra Peris Flamer Caldera
• Asha Jayawardene
• Sujeewa Nelson-Silva
• Sagarika Jayasinghe 
• Joyce Gunewardene
• Shani Abdulhussein
• Chamari Jayaratne
• Samantha de Silva
• Shereen Massillamany
• Rozobelle Fernando
• Yasmin Cader
• Champa Mohinani 

The Corporate Sirens

• Kasturi Chellaraja
• Kimarli Fernando
• Ramani Fernando
• Angeline Ondaatje
• Sandamini Perera
• Linda Speldewinde
• Tania Pollonnowita Wettimuny
• Dilrukshi Kurukulasuriya
• Soraya De Soysa
• Aroshi Nanayakkara
• Dehara Gomes
• Gillian Edwards
• Gowri Rajan
• Shehara de Silva 
• Aruni Gunathilaka 

The Chic Collective

• Minoli Ratnayake 
• Fazeena Rajabdeen
• Yehali Sangakkara
• Rukshi Fernando 
• Swasha Malalasekera
• Charishma Shahi Fernando
• Tiyasha De Fonseka
• Dinesha Weerakody
• Sarita Rajendra
• Senuri Ranathunga
• Anjuli Flamer-Caldera Nizar
• Karin Wijeratne
• Anusha Jayawardene 
• Christina Sirisena
• Jen de Mel
• Zara Mandviwalla Akbarally
• Nadiya Fernando
• Sajeira Abeysekera
• Rukshika Jayaratne
• Chameli Jayasinghe
• Anika Amalean-Tudawe
• Sheeni de Zoysa
• Chevonne de Zoysa
• Yoshi Johnpillai
• Anika Fernando-Kiriella
• Shani Ranasinghe
• Chenn Fernando-Attygalle
• Danielle Gomez
• Tyra de Silva
• Paba Atapattu Jayaratne
• Deandra Gomes
• Soraya Cader
• Nilmi Guruge
• Sushmita Wijayaratne
• Nartharlea Liyanage
• Nimmi Udumalagala
• Vileshka Wijegunewardene
• Neroli Abeyratne
• Sabrina Esufally
• Thulani Weerakoon
• Nadira William Abayakoon
• Mayuri Perera 
• Givanthi Dharmadasa 
• Senuri Rupasinghe 
• Chantal Samarasinghe 
• Natasha Wickremasinghe 
• Sasala Dissanayake 
• Nirosha Appuhamy 
• Stephanie de Silva
• Sarana Henricus 
• Anuki Premachandra
• Sharika Senanayake-Fernando
• Sasha Wickremaratne Jayamaha 
• Christina Symms Dodanwela 
• Namalie Manikdiwela
• Durriya Anverally
• Samaadhi Weerasinghe
• Natasha Choksy Iduruwana
• Heidi Rampenelli
• Jackie Mei

The Most Fashionable Diplomat

• H.E. Julie Chung

Globetrotters: In and Out of Sri Lanka

• Nazli Jafferjee
• Leesha Captain
• Suri Karimjee
• Sarah Ilyaas
• Nicole Chandrasinghe Fernando 
• Samiya Sahabdeen
• Louisa Fernando
• Thilini Kannangara
• Chaithi Santiapillai
• Fatema Anjary 
• Sylvia Senanayake-Wimalaratne
• Thilini Kannangara
• Yatra Jayawardene-Wickramasooriya
• Chamari Perera
• Sajani Amarasiri
• Shearra Pandithage 
• Maya Karunaratne-Devasurendra

Style Sentinels

• Sonali Dharmawardene
• Darshi Keerthisena
• Indi Yapa Abeywardene
• Charini Suriyage
• Nilanka Silva
• Amilani Perera
• Dileni Weerakoon

QUESTIONS

1. Can you share the inspiration behind your personal style?
2. Being a trendsetter, do you have any fashion tips or favorite designers that you'd like to recommend to aspiring fashion enthusiasts?
3. Fashion evolves over time. How do you stay current with trends while maintaining your unique sense of style?

1.  Could you share some of your favorite shopping destinations or stores that you frequent to curate your wardrobe?
2.  When creating an outfit, do you prioritize comfort, style, or a balance of both? How does this influence your clothing choices?
3.  Accessories can enhance a look. What are some of your must-have accessories, and how do they contribute to your overall style?

CHEVONNE DE ZOYSA

1. The inspiration behind my personal style comes from what makes me feel good and confident. I have found that it is typically styles that I can wear with ease and that resonate with me in some way, I mostly opt for earthy, neutral tones and simple designs.

2. I don't consider myself a trendsetter at all; my style is conservative and leans towards more classic designs and silhouettes. I appreciate pieces that endure beyond passing trends, focusing on what feels genuinely 'me' when I wear them. In recent years, I've been more mindful of sustainability in my clothing choices, opting for pieces that extend beyond trends and contribute to a more enduring wardrobe.

3. I don't dress to follow trends, but rather, I select what resonates with my preferences and complements my body type. I don't believe in blindly following any trends, my approach involves picking and choosing elements that align and enhance my personal sense of style.

MINOLI RATNAYAKE

1. Zara is a firm fave, Max Mara for a splurge, their staples are timeless and are made to last. Darshi Keerthisena always has something fabulous at Buddhi Batiks as does PR. I’m also a little obsessed with Victoria Beckham at the moment and t-shirts by Absolute at The Design Collective Store. Favorite shopping destinations: London and Florence, especially in the sales! 

2. I think probably a balance of both, although in truth I would love to be able to go out in my Kaftans from Millk or Anohki Pyjamas with a good pair of rubber slippers! I also think it depends on the event, like most of us, I love shoes and when I go out, I’m always in extremely high heels. Gianvito Rossi thankfully make the most comfortable and beautiful ones. 

3. I don’t think every outfit needs to be accessorised, sometimes less is definitely more. Jewellery is one of the most interesting, fun and least complicated ways to elevate a look.  Oversized sunglasses are a must have for me, as is what I consider the best, most essential accessory at the moment; a face mask!

DILRUKSHI KURUKULASURIYA

(1) My personal style draws inspiration from renowned fashion icons such as J.Lo, Sonam Kapoor, and Kate Middleton. I aim to showcase my best visual self, instilling confidence and comfort while reflecting my inner essence.

(2) A valuable fashion tip is understanding your face, body, and personality to enhance your dressing choices. I appreciate the talent of local designers and draw inspiration from iconic figures like Coco Chanel, Sabyasachi, Dolce & Gabbana, Linda Jackson, and Vera Wang. Learning from fashion mishaps is also part of the journey.

(3)To stay current, I immerse myself in the latest fashion movies and events, ensuring I stay informed about the ever-changing trends. Additionally, I enjoy exploring and shopping from various fashion brands, maintaining a balance between staying on-trend and expressing my individual style.

VILESHKA WIJEGUNEWARDENA

(A) I gravitate towards wearing a plethora of Spring and Summer outfits as I get to preview new products before they hit the stores. Recently, I've shifted towards shopping more locally than in the past.

(B) When choosing my attire, I consider the occasion and lean towards selecting comfortable yet stylish pieces.

(C)Accessories like bags and shoes play a significant role in completing any outfit. As for jewellery, I usually opt for simplicity, occasionally embracing bold and sizable pieces.

YOSHI JOHNPILLAI

(A) When I'm overseas, my go-to stores include Zara, Mango, and River Island. However, due to travel limitations during my daughter's GCSE year, I've been exploring local vendors more. In Sri Lanka, my absolute favorite is Buddhi Batiks for timeless casual and occasion wear. For quality T-shirts and select pieces, I admire the craftsmanship of Anuk, a brand at PR. As I've shifted to shopping locally, Arienti and Mimosa have impressed me with their high standards of quality and fit. Brands like Nad, available at the Design Collective Store, also caught my attention with their use of lovely cotton suitable for the Sri Lankan climate. Additionally, FrokMe has nailed fast-moving, fun fashion at reasonable prices.

(B) My approach involves finding a balance between comfort and style, considering how each clothing item complements my body shape. Since my size tends to fluctuate, my clothing choices reflect this. The time and place also play a role; my attire for a casual day with kids differs significantly from a girls' night out or a cocktail party. Regardless of the occasion, comfort remains paramount.

(C)I have a strong affinity for accessories, as anyone close to me would attest. However, I believe in the art of subtlety and avoiding over-accessorizing. If I choose a statement necklace, I'll skip earrings, or if I opt for bold earrings, the rest of my outfit remains muted to let them shine. This approach showcases my quirky side. Accessories, whether jewelry or a well-chosen belt, have the power to make any outfit unique, but moderation is key.

FAZEENA RAJABDEEN

(1) In the creative industry, myriad influences shape your daily thoughts, from what you read to what you see. I draw inspiration from these diverse sources. However, the core of my style is rooted in comfort and a sense of natural authenticity. Summing it up, my style leans towards monochromatic color palettes, minimal skin exposure, and accessories that resonate with my mood.

(2) I have a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and textiles of South Asian designers. I suggest investing in a few valuable pieces that can be styled in versatile ways, lasting a lifetime. An unwavering tip is that ‘Fit is Everything,’ with no compromises.

(3) Personal style should not be dictated by trends; it evolves with you. Regardless of the trend, comfort in your style is paramount. I keep it effortless, allowing my unique sense of style to shine through while staying current with the ever-changing fashion landscape.

SHAHILI GOMES MC-COY

(1) My outfit choices are primarily influenced by the nature of the occasion. Given that I work from home, you'll often find me in athleisure wear for its comfort, which is a non-negotiable aspect of my style.

(2) My affinity lies in discovering new and emerging brands, particularly from South Asia and London.

(3) While I don't necessarily adhere to mainstream trends, I occasionally enjoy experimenting with them. Even when trying out trends, I make sure to infuse my personal touch, ensuring that it stays authentic to who I am.

ANUSHA SETHWALA

(A) I'm don’t limit myself to any particular store, I opt to choosing what I like from various boutiques; whether they're high street, designer, or elsewhere.

(B) I aim for a mix of both comfort and style, though occasionally I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort for the sake of fashion. The trade-off is worth it to maintain a fashionable appearance!

(C) Accessorising can make or break a look. For example I would say a high waisted belt can really elevate an outfit. A nice neutral coloured clutch bag and a pair of nude stilettos is a must have in your wardrobe. Also having a gold pair of statement earrings is another accessory that can elevate a look from mediocre to fabulous. One thing I don’t like to do is to over accessorise. You must not have too much going on with your accessories as it would take away from your whole outfit.