GAYATHRI JAYASINGHE FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DESIGNER, SILK WRAP BY GEES

She is the founder and creative force behind Silk Wraps by Gees, one of Colombo's most sought-after fashion boutiques. With a passion for fashion that dates back to her childhood, she has transformed her love for design into a thriving business known for its unapologetically glamorous, elegant, and opulent creations. Today, she shares with us her journey from aspiring designer to successful entrepreneur, as well as her insights into the world of fashion and design; Gayathri Jayasinghe.

Please share with us in summary your personal journey; from Classroom to Entrepreneur?

I grew up in the beautiful town of Matara, surrounded by the love and support of my family. As the youngest with two brothers, and loving parents, I had a childhood filled with guidance and affection. My educational journey began at St. Mary’s Convent in Matara, where I excelled academically. I achieved eight Distinctions at O’Levels and secured the top district rank at A’Levels. Following my passion for law, I pursued my LLB at the University of Colombo. However, amidst my academic achievements, I always harboured a deep passion for fashion. Despite the promising career path in law, I found myself drawn to the world of fashion. With the unwavering support of my husband, Mangala Jayasinghe, I decided to pursue my passion and start my own business in the fashion industry. It was a leap of faith, but one that I was eager to take. Today, I am blessed with a beautiful family; my husband Mangala, who supports me in every endeavour, and our two daughters, Ranthini and Yoneli. My journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship has been a fulfilling one, fuelled by my passion for fashion and the support of my loved ones.

What inspired you to start Silk Wraps by Gees?

From a very young age, I've been captivated by the world of fashion. My journey with Silk Wraps by Gees was inspired by a lifelong passion for fashion and the transformative power of clothing. Fashion, for me, is not just about clothes; it's a form of expression, a language in itself. It has the power to convey messages and make statements that can be ground-breaking and influential. My love affair with fashion began as early as I can remember. Even as a little girl, I was drawn to the creative process of designing and creating garments. I vividly recall standing beside my mother's sewing machine, eagerly watching her craft clothes for me. I was always particular about the fit and design of my clothes, often insisting that my mother make alterations until they were just right. This early involvement in the creative process ignited a passion within me that only grew stronger with time. The desire to create, to transform, and to express myself through fashion has been with me since childhood. It was this passion that ultimately led me to establish Silk Wraps by Gees, where I could turn my lifelong love for fashion into a thriving business.

You are one of the most popular Sari Designers in Colombo today, how did you grow your brand in such a short period of time? 

Becoming one of the most popular Sari designers in Colombo has been an incredible journey, and it's been possible through a combination of factors. First and foremost, I attribute the success of my brand to my deep understanding of my clients' needs. I believe that one of my greatest strengths lies in my ability to truly comprehend and visualize my clients' requirements.

By listening carefully to their preferences, understanding their vision, and incorporating my own creative insights, I am able to deliver a personalized and satisfying experience with each and every product. Building a brand isn't just about creating beautiful designs; it's also about providing excellent customer service and ensuring total customer satisfaction. From the initial consultation to the final product delivery, I strive to provide my clients with a seamless and enjoyable experience. Word of mouth has also played a significant role in growing my brand. Satisfied customers are the best form of advertisement, and their recommendations have helped me reach new audiences and expand my client base. Additionally, I've leveraged social media and digital marketing to showcase my designs and reach a wider audience. By sharing my work on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, I've been able to connect with potential customers and showcase my unique designs to a global audience. In essence, the rapid growth of my brand can be attributed to a combination of factors, including my ability to understand my clients' needs, provide excellent customer service, and leverage various marketing channels to showcase my work.

Can you share the story behind the name Silk Wraps by Gees and what it represents to you?

The name Silk Wraps by Gees holds a special significance for me, as it represents everything that my business stands for. Silk, as a fabric, embodies luxury, elegance, and sophistication. It's renowned for its soft texture and lustrous appearance and has been prized for centuries as one of the most exquisite materials for clothing. For me, silk represents the epitome of beauty and quality, and it serves as the foundation of my designs. The term ‘Wraps’ symbolizes the art of draping and wrapping fabric around the body to enhance its beauty and create stunning designs. Whether it's a traditional saree or a modern dress, the way a fabric is wrapped and draped can completely transform its appearance, and this is a fundamental aspect of my design philosophy.

Finally, ‘Gees’ is derived from my name, Gayathri. I chose to use the initial ‘G’ to make the pronunciation easier, resulting in ‘Gees.’ This personal touch adds a sense of identity and ownership to the brand, making it more relatable to both me and my clients. So, Silk Wraps by Gees is not just a name; it's a representation of the essence of my business - luxury, elegance, creativity, and a personal touch. It encapsulates the core values and principles that guide my work as a designer.

What sets Silk Wraps by Gees apart from other boutiques? 

Our unwavering commitment to attention to detail and our dedication to creating exclusive designs that cater to the specific requirements of each customer. At Silk Wraps by Gees, we specialize in creating custom-fitted clothing made from only the highest quality fabrics. Each garment is meticulously crafted with close attention to detail, ensuring the perfect fit and finish.

Under my direction, our team of capable and dedicated tailors and seamstresses work tirelessly to bring each design to life, ensuring that every piece is tailored specifically to the wearer. Our range of products is diverse and includes a variety of styles to suit every occasion. From Indian sarees and Kandyan outfits embellished with intricate handiwork, to modern and elegant saree gowns that are both stylish and easy to wear. We also offer voluminous or tight-fitting evening gowns, elaborate lehengas, and a wide range of bridal and retinue outfits. What truly sets us apart is our personalized approach to design, our commitment to quality craftsmanship, and our dedication to ensuring that every customer leaves our boutique feeling confident and beautiful in their custom-designed attire.

How do you select the collections and designers featured in your boutique? 

Currently, Silk Wraps by Gees doesn't offer seasonal collections. Instead, we focus exclusively on custom designing. However, as we expand in the future, I plan to introduce ready-to-wear outfits at reasonable prices to cater to a wider audience. When it comes to selecting the collections and designers featured in my boutique, I prioritize quality, creativity, and craftsmanship. Each designer and collection is carefully chosen based on their ability to offer unique and innovative designs that align with the aesthetic and values of Silk Wraps by Gees.

While we currently specialize in custom-designed clothing, I am excited about the prospect of offering ready-to-wear outfits in the future. This expansion will allow us to reach a broader customer base while continuing to uphold the high standards of quality and craftsmanship that Silk Wraps by Gees is known for.

Could you describe the style aesthetic or theme that Silk Wraps by Gees embodies?

The style aesthetic embodied by Silk Wraps by Gees can be described as unapologetically glamorous, elegant, and opulent. Our designs are characterized by luxurious fabrics, intricate detailing, and timeless elegance, ensuring that every piece exudes sophistication and style. Whether it's a traditional saree adorned with grand handiwork, a modern saree gown, or an elaborate lehenga, our creations are designed to make a statement and leave a lasting impression.

What challenges did you face when establishing your boutique, and how did you overcome them?

Establishing my boutique was a journey filled with challenges, but I was determined not to let fear control me. I've always been driven by self-motivation and a determination to go the extra mile to achieve my creative goals. However, once I entered the industry, I quickly realized that it wasn't as easy as it initially seemed.

The world of fashion is not always as glamorous as it appears to be from the outside. Behind the scenes, there is a lot of hard work, stringent deadlines, last-minute changes, and many sleepless nights. Despite the challenges, I remained resilient and focused on overcoming each obstacle that came my way. I learned to adapt to the demands of the industry, honing my time management skills and embracing the hard work required to succeed. With perseverance and dedication, I was able to navigate through the challenges and establish Silk Wraps by Gees as a reputable and successful boutique.

How do you cater to different fashion preferences and body types among your clientele?

In the world of fashion, there are no limitations. As designers, we have the freedom to be imaginative and create designs that enhance the beauty of any body type and meet the unique preferences of each client. At Silk Wraps by Gees, we believe in celebrating diversity and catering to the individual fashion preferences and body types of our clientele. Whether it's a traditional saree, a modern saree gown, an elegant evening gown, or a bridal ensemble, we work closely with each client to understand their vision and design custom-made outfits that accentuate their unique style and flatter their body type. Our goal is to ensure that every client feels confident and beautiful in their Silk Wraps by Gees ensemble, regardless of their shape, size, or personal style preferences.

How do you want to be remembered one day? 

One day, I hope to be remembered as a trustworthy, courageous, sincere, witty, and down-to-earth individual who made a positive impact on the world and achieved something greater than herself. As for my label, Silk Wraps by Gees, I want it to be remembered as a symbol of unapologetic glamour, elegance, and opulence. I hope that my designs continue to inspire confidence, beauty, and grace in those who wear them, leaving a legacy in the world of fashion.

Any regrets? 

No, I have no regrets, neither personally nor in my business. Once something is done, I don't dwell on regrets. My focus is always on the future, and I am continuously working towards my vision.

What would you like to achieve next? 

What I'd like to achieve next is to elevate my label to become a name that every woman with a distinct fashion sense holds dear to her heart. I aspire for Silk Wraps by Gees to be a highly coveted name in the Sri Lankan fashion industry, known for its elegance, opulence, and timeless designs.

Can you tell us about any upcoming events or collaborations that customers can look forward to? 

We have some exciting developments in store for our valued customers! Silk Wraps by Gees will soon be relocating to a brand new, spacious location that will allow us to better serve you.

Our new location will feature an Haute Couture Fashion Studio, where we will continue to offer custom designing services, along with a wider range of ready-to-wear options. From casual wear to niche, up-to-date, classy high-end designs, there will be something for everyone.

Additionally, we will be introducing a selection of handwoven sarees designed by me and crafted in Bangalore and Kolkata, adding a touch of traditional elegance to our collection. But that's not all! I'm also excited to announce that we will be expanding our business into other avenues. In the very near future, we will be introducing food and beverage offerings, as well as beauty and spa services. Stay tuned for more updates!

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own fashion boutique? 

Starting your own fashion boutique can be incredibly fulfilling, allowing you to turn your dreams and ideas into reality. However, it's important to remember that challenges are a natural part of any entrepreneurial journey. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own fashion boutique is to never let fear take control. Instead, maintain a healthy dose of self-motivation and determination to go the extra mile to achieve your creative goals. View challenges as opportunities to do something greater and to push yourself beyond your limits. With perseverance, dedication, and a positive mindset, you can overcome any obstacle and turn your vision into a successful reality.

How do you stay inspired and keep your creativity flowing when curating collections for silk Wraps by Gees?

For me, inspiration comes from my imagination. I have a passion for dreaming up innovative designs and transforming pieces of fabric into artistic garments. When I see a fabric, I envision numerous ways to turn it into a beautiful piece of clothing. I thoroughly enjoy the creative, artistic, and technical aspects of designing. From sketching initial ideas to bringing them to life, I am constantly inspired by the process. One of my strengths is my ability to translate my mental image of a creation into a tangible product. Moreover, I take great pleasure in understanding and visualizing my clients' requirements. By listening closely to their needs and preferences, I am able to ensure total customer satisfaction with the end product. This ability to connect with my clients and bring their visions to life is a constant source of inspiration for me.
 

Can you share any success stories or memorable moments from your journey with Silk Wraps by Gees? 

As I'm still in the process of building my success story with Silk Wraps by Gees, every milestone, no matter how small, feels like a memorable moment. From the initial idea of starting my own fashion boutique to seeing it slowly take shape, every step of this journey has been filled with excitement and fulfilment. While I don't have a specific success story to share just yet, I'm grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and build something meaningful from the ground up. I'm looking forward to creating many more memorable moments as Silk Wraps by Gees continues to grow and flourish.

Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?  

I've always strived to be original in my work, but inspiration can come from many different sources in mysterious ways. It could be a poem, a movie, a flower, or even a person. Sometimes, inspiration strikes from something extremely unexpected and seemingly unrelated. I must admit that I'm often inspired by renowned figures in the fashion industry, both locally and internationally. Indian designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, with his exquisite bridal and ethnic wear, Manish Malhotra, and Tarun Tahiliani, known for harmonizing traditional and contemporary luxury, have all left a significant impact on my work. Additionally, the vibrant and quirky colours of Dolce and Gabbana and the timeless class and elegance of Coco Chanel have also inspired me in various ways. While I strive to maintain originality in my designs, I am grateful for the inspiration I draw from these iconic figures in the fashion world.

What influences your personal style?

My personal style is influenced by a combination of factors. While I do keep up with the latest fashion trends, I'm also very conscious about what suits me. I believe in dressing elegantly and classically, with just the right amount of panache, without appearing overdone. Quality is of utmost importance to me, and I steer clear of anything that might compromise that. When curating my personal style, I consider factors such as my age, functionality, colours that complement my complexion, as well as my body structure. Moreover, I'm influenced by cultural standards, ensuring that my style is not only fashionable but also respectful of cultural norms and traditions. Overall, my personal style is a blend of the latest trends, my age, functionality, quality, and cultural standards, ensuring that I always look and feel my best.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion, to me, is more than just clothing; it's a form of self-expression and a reflection of my personality. Style, for me, is synonymous with confidence and class. I believe that whatever I wear should be classy and elegant, reflecting my own sense of style. While I love to keep up with the latest trends and stay in vogue, it's important to me that my clothing choices complement my appearance and personality. Ultimately, fashion allows me to showcase my individuality and feel confident and empowered in whatever I wear.