Shanith Fernando a born designer

6 July 2015 09:59 am

By Jessica Mathiasz

This month LW meets Shanith Fernando a vibrant and expert Fashion Designer who is the proud owner of his own clothing line ‘Bellesza’. Read on and find out more about this brilliant designer

Love for fashion designing

Shanith was the youngest of a wonderful and big family. W.S. Fernando and Janet Fonseka must have never known that their son will grow up to be a fashion designer. Shanith grew up with 4 sisters and 4 brothers. He was a student of Alethea International School and was a straight A student. He also did many extra curricular activities and was a tutor after school. He studied medicine at American National College and transferred to Yoke University Toronto, Canada. He completed his degree in Missouri. Shanith was in love with fashion from a very small age. He designed his first ever bridal outfit when he was just 13 years of age. It was a hand embroidery dress and came out really well. This propelled Shanith to kick start his designing career.

Bellesza and Shanith the Fashion Designer

Shanith launched his clothing line ‘Bellesza’ back in 2006 and he continued for 3 years. Later he joined a 5 star airline in the Middle East and traveled the world. He expanded ‘Bellesza’ to wedding planning and now runs his own business as a Fashion Designer who gives the whole package for his clients. ‘Bellesza’ is a one stop shop for all your bridal needs. The speciality about Shanith’s designs is that he designs to suite the customer. He designs the outfit to bring out their personality and creates a fashion statement. “The individual’s personality is the garment and the outfit is just the accessory. At a wedding it should be the bride that stands out not the glittery garment. It’s the bride’s big day not the garment’s,” added Shanith. Shanith plans to expand ‘Bellesza’ into social services. He wants to use his creativity to contribute to the country and society.     

The fashion industry

“Over the years the fashion industry has become competitive. The younger crowd is showing a great deal of interest towards the industry. If you want to survive you need to be unique, dedicated and also be creative and make fashion pieces that suites the personality, body structure, skin colour of the customer and the ambiance of the event.” Shanith added. According to Shanith’s perspective the Sri Lankan fashion industry is stuck in one place and is not moving forward. “We are stuck with Indian fashion. We need to go beyond that.” Shanith said.

Most treasured moment as a Fashion Designer

“I did a photo shoot with GO Magazine in 2006 and posted some pictures on Face Book. A fan from Vavuniya came to see me after seeing those pictures. He said that he was inspired by my designs. It was a great moment in my life.”

East Meets West

East Meets West: linen and satin garments composed by Shanith – This line are inspired by his experience as a Sri Lankan and different opportunities he witnessed in the western world. This line is for the ardent female readers who are looking for new fashion grounds for their partner. Shanith has played with different necklines, trimmings, bows and ties. He has given our national costume a western twist. Next time you look for a Fashion Designer Shanith should be first on your list.

Models - Shanith Fernando, Thivanka Ashwin

Clothes, makeup and hair - Shanith Fernando

Photography - Anushika Fernando

Re-touching - J. A. Wasantha

Photo location - ‘Originals’ furniture store Sri Lanka