KESS SALON- THE HAIR HAVEN.

Photography by Joys Chokatte.

Kess salon; the Sri Lankan haven for perfect hair is a hair beautifying entity thriving off the energy and creative expertise of Vasantha de Silva, a stylist of eminence. Kess being defined as the ultimate experience for hair care and styling, Vasantha declared that their mission is successful because they focus heavily on one main aspect of the beauty and image industry. “....Style is all about being simple, sexy and individual.” Vasantha guided us through his stations, extruding all its unique design elements.
Proving great names and great game go together, the original conceptual designer for Kess salons much reputed interior design was none other than the Sri Lankan trademark of design for the last four decades, Geffory Bawa. Kess salon though being renovated to its current state of admiration by Saharan and being moved to a more feasible location over the years still holds true to the geometric alignment and cubist influences of the Bauhaus movement. Its warehouse setting of rustic cement, etched iron cables and studded mirrors with polite comfort accessorizing makes the salon itself an original work of art. The concept of privacy is also given much significance in the layout of the space, ensuring customer comfort and discretion. From a designers perspective one could say that Vasantha and Kess existed simultaneously and in juxta position; from the product to the space, everything was very retro and woven around the story of the artist himself.

The space is made memorable mostly due to its retroactive colors, shapes and textures. The neutral palette is highlighted in selective areas by bright blush reds, giving the space an entertaining and animated vibe. Every single piece of furniture is branded wear and has the material application of that era. From the Heavy wood framed mirrors the designer has captured the modern trend of creating broken and edgy reflections across the space, also using this design property to merge the interiors and exterior of the space creating spectacular views and illusions. The lighting has been cast to make the space feel like a runway, making anyone feel their most glamorous and fashionable. Signature accent pieces have been carefully placed throughout the interiors, there materials complimenting the space and its function. For all design crazed minds out there, Kess salon has truly established what concept, style and end design is. This is probably one of the only spaces in Sri Lanka to house an Eero Aarnio bubble chair, also originally designed in the late sixties.
Kess Salon has expanded their horizons by being in the media eye consistently with positive reviews. They play a large role in the annual Miss Sri Lanka contests and other major fashion event, recently having collected a number of stylist awards at hair sport. Manicures and Pedicures become part of the treat as the company has founded “Skin” a complexion and over all skin beautifying therapy center. Complete Casa de spa treatment, Therapists with International Expertise and equipped with only the most current and top of the line equipment enable them to provide hundred percent customer satisfactions and a total beauty package. Since of late, Vasantha has another dream that will raise the standards of Sri Lankan hair styling and place us in the international arena; the professional mastermind would like to reach into the educational sector of hair treatment, styling and self branding. We here at the top property team wish him all the very best.
As to how Kess has branded itself as Sri Lankas leading hair specialists there is no doubt. By being the only salon in Sri Lanka to offer the best hair treatment product range Nexus, having an exceptional team of solid stylists, all who have been trained by Vasantha from foundation level and by having a patron celebrity clientele Kess has maintained its number one status in the island. Kess is also accessible to a diverse demographic though it has a reputation of catering to the crème de la crème of society. One cannot put a price on the perfect service received at Kess and many are willing to pay the rate to have their tresses styled here as the results are extraordinary and long lasting. There are over fifteen stylists who work diligently at keeping up with Vasantha and his trademark and one can easily book an appointment with these well trained hands for a reasonable rate. Getting Vasantha to address your hair is the pricy deal here, as well it should be; Good things never come cheap and Vasantha de Silva takes what’s good and creates Venus and Adonis with it. From the very first time the man touches your hair to the perfect clean trim finish, you will feel like divinity, experiencing something beau Ideal, paragon and unparallel.

COCO CITRINE – INDULGING IN SIMPLE FELICITY

photography by Joys Chokatte

Originally patronized by the founders’ inner circle, the exclusive experience of dinning at Coco Citrine couldn’t be contained for long among a known few, and over last few months the venue has become a much sought after Mediterranean palette delight to the elite of Colombo. The pioneer in creating a café-restaurant in Colombo, Coco Citrine serves amalgam dishes that epitomize the spirit of the Mediterranean cuisine. Much Attention has been given to the flavor of each individual dish, using the best of Sri Lankan produce to create the most in vogue Mediterranean cuisines.
Coco Citrine gained popularity due to their superior customer service and smooth ambiance in regard to their ternary dinning setup; alfresco, relaxed and formal. The renovated colonial structure that has been converted into its current function has not lost its original beauty and provides a diner with the mindset of being part of something bigger, a treasure from the past, a story that was untold. Like all spaces of that era it holds true the detail and significance f a family living a privileged lifestyle, and enables one to emote and embrace a moment in the culture of aristocratic living.
The white washed walls of the exterior bearing are originally derived from Mediterranean villas, and these were inspired by the early Greek structures of Cyprus and Knossos, lands that contributed heavily to decide the Mediterranean menu. Coco Citrine with its delicate landscape and paving invite a spirit of freshness and freedom to its interiors, complementing them by making the garden vegetation itself part of the capital end design. The simple golden light streams that decorate the façade at night create the ultimate romantic ambiance for anyone looking to get away from the cities busy schedule. The location of the space became quite feasible in making this avenue of marketing more approachable to the demographic and provides an easy escape.
The space was called Coco Citrine in representation of the two parties that came together in making their individual dreams a reality by means of a unique fusion. VIDF MDFS, the owner of the restaurant brought in the Mediterranean aspect and with him that specific dinning style. Joining hands with local entrepreneur Haren Mirchandani the Sri Lankan counter part of the restaurant, who brought in a zest for Sri Lankan produce and coffee and they created the image of Coco Citrine; Coco signifying the local presence in all dishes, and Citrine the unaltered flavor brought through the paradise palette. The duo together with Nizreen Jackson indulged in a study of architecture and space making the executed end design even more spectacular.
One of the most inviting aspects of the restaurant is its youthful and friendly color palette of orange and green, the bold use of these secondary colors compliment the overall white purity of the space and is used in a very tasteful manner in all decorative elements, from the runners, to soft furnishing to the crockery and cutlery. The creative team handpicked a variety of lighting fixtures, all in sync with the original structure yet brining in a modern touch to the space, and by this making the space animated and entertaining. Well placed globe lights always guarantee to bring something extra to a space, taking it to a higher level of design critic and perception; and the few dozen that have cleverly been arrayed over the counter take away the technical and financial aspect that is needed to make a restaurant function. The levels and intensity of lighting cause the space to have a smooth flow and guide a guest from space to space.
What we found at Coco Citrine was simplicity evoking rare beauty in design and a cuisine that we have fallen in love with. Like all memorable things the restaurant has been pat down to perfection in every detail catering to specifications and requests from their patron guest list. The heartfelt concern of the staff to make the best possible output in every branch of management keeps the establishment strong has taken it into greener pastures.

AYURA; THE EMBLEM OF LUXURY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JOYS CHOKATTE

Representing Sri Lanka in the most polished international circles, encapsulating decades of decadence and elegance is “Ayura” an exclusive high end gem and jeweller brand established by the delightful young entrepreneur Adil Fouz. Having travelled globally Fouz made it his ambition to discover, fabricate and share the beauty of adornment and accessories with the world, hailing every angle of production within the island.
Reputed for having royals’ among their regular cliental, Ayura has achieved production standards here before unknown to Sri Lanka and has truly outwitted their competition. Sri Lanka being a treasure in the gem and jewellery industry has many approaches of conducting their business transactions; Ayura chooses not to take this for granted and has built relationships with families and friends, from blue blooded circles, maintaining a line of cliental from generation to generation, father to son; and by this avoiding irregular walk-in business, which is the current economical trend in the Sri Lankan jewellery industry.
Fouz insisted that the interior design layout for his creations display should be a visual stream showcasing the value of his product. The execution of this impassioned space was handed over to none other than Architect Philip Weeraratne, a figure well known and recognized for producing some of the most exclusive, alluring and siren spaces in the country. Weeraratne, along with junior architect Keerthi Sri Rama, worked diligently over a period of six months to produce the perfection that is evident in the interiors of Ayura. Fouz himself provided the studio/workshop concept for the design team to develop end design around and was involved in the project first hand, proving that the best of interiors are almost always produced by a healthy relationship between client and designer.

From the sleek entrance to the final display all elements whisper superior attention to detail and style. At first it’s difficult to define the style of end design and to view it with an era focused eye, however upon understanding the demographic one gathers that it isn’t about one significant style but creating a space that represents luxury and sophistication for clients of different cultures and lifestyles; the place flowed from conservative to unique, classical to avant-garde, antique to pop and unorthodox. The space also has a very “French” air to it, a term commonly used by young designers to describe a minimal space that in its few elements is heavily decorative. The minimal furnishing that is functionally placed around the space has been given style focused crafting and is artistic and pleasing to the eye. In paying attention to furnishing details Ayura creates the sense of affluence, opulence and substance, feeding the demographic a visual understanding of their worth.
Each piece being custom made and re done several times to achieve absolute perfection came at a cost but the ambiance they add to the interior makes it a fine price to have paid in the end. One of the most significant pieces is the hand crafted, decorative full length mirror placed in the centre of the space; the first thing that catches your eye, holding the semblance and bearing of a regal and precious magic mirror it’s an extremely charismatic creation that holds the entire space in fusion. The rich silver scalloping on the frame effortlessly matches the interior and its Paris inspired artwork makes one see their reflection from a brand new opulent perspective.
To really understand the retail space of Ayura one must understand its colour scheme and the thematic realisation behind it. The entire space is of a neutral palette or of an achromatic colour blend using one is a very dramatic way to decorate a space. An Achromatic colour scheme is one devoid of colour, the most popular being black and white; the design team chose to spread the space with black, silver and white. The black majority of the scheme epitomizes strength and intrigue, the minimal white corresponds to the purity of the product and the metallic sliver hint thrown in every now and then in design elements as well as in the product itself is representative of capital and fortune. The right materials can increase the effectiveness of an achromatic colour scheme and has the ability to make a feature stand out.

Being a confident businessman Adil Fouz with his optimistic personality definitely adds to the flair of Ayura and by this they have expanded their possibilities and potential in being a recognized and respected brand in the international fashion industry. Fouz at his leisure works with several elite international labels and should definitely be recognized in Sri Lanka as a young entrepreneur who has done more than his part in placing the Sri Lankan gem and jewellery market in the eyes of global prime establishments.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE ; A FREAK

Sometimes the small mistakes lead up to the biggest wins in life. That's what happened to me when i sent in this CV, that was done on a jocular basis for a class work piece. It got me my dream job and made the interview and call back a smooth run!!

ARCHITECT CHINTHAKA WICKRAMAGE; in a land of dreamers, dreaming of greatness.

Some call it the ‘vision thing’, others ‘an unorthodox approach to design’. However if one chooses to encapsulate Architect Chinthaka Wickramage’s work one feature stands out: a free thinking yet functional conception of how buildings can work both inside and out. Though mindful of the traditions that have shaped Sri Lankan Architecture, he never allows them to become unbending rules, inhibiting his freedom to design or the comfort of those that will occupy the building. A keen awareness of light and color, an in-depth knowledge of materials and surfaces, and a sharp sense of spatial proportion provide him with the requisite tools to realize his unique vision of architecture. He shares an exciting vision of how architecture not only is, but how it can be, an environment for working and living with an eye to the past but both feet firmly planted in the future.

To live humanely in a city like Colombo requires the architect's apportioning of space, light and color to be exquisite. One requires the expanse to relax & recover and the air to move and rise in order to remain fresh. Colors need to breathe warmth and welcome while cooling the hot and tired traveler. At his private residence, Chinthaka Wickramage achieves this with an admirable sense of balance, offsetting the rich design traditions of his native island against his own simple and modern instincts.
Amongst the palm fronds that litter Nugegoda, a suburb of Colombo, the capital of the tropical island of Sri Lanka, lays the house of the architect Chinthaka Wickramage. As one negotiates the rises and turns that usher in this suburb, it is with relief that one arrives at a simple wrought iron gate that guards the property. Beyond the clipped, green expanse that greets the visitor, one notices that Wickramage's house has been built as an extension to the old family residence but with a seamless join and a stylistic continuity that pleases rather than jars the senses.

A simple, gabled entrance of mottled blue cement walls sets the tone for the whole house; clean lines, sharp angles and a welcome sense of space and comfort that are needed in the often oppressive surroundings of a tropical city.
One enters first the double height lounge and the cool of the blue exterior gives way to the warm terracotta hues and cool, smooth touch of amber local tiles and titanium cement rendered floors, that make up the interior and which signal that this is a functioning house to be lived in rather than some lofty architectural statement.
Minimalist carvings form a column down one wall, simple wooden stack shelving support personal keepsakes and a sturdy cement urn slots under the wooden staircase that give access to the mezzanine.
Here the personal papers & files of the architect together with the electronic din of the television are kept in a cool elevated study area, leaving family and guests to enjoy the peace & quiet of the lounge & dining room which both open out onto a secluded courtyard garden, minimally designed with a Zen motif of pebbles, rocks and scattered tropical plants.

Here and throughout the house is scattered rough, cement benches, which with a bright cotton cushion or two, offer a private escape to sip some tea or read. In the architect's world, comfort, privacy and simplicity of design mesh with ease.
The kitchen, so often the repository of all things hot & smelly is buttressed by an interior courtyard, the blue wash of the exterior making a timely reappearance to skirt a mature tree and naturally ventilate the middle of the house.
Beyond this lies the spacious bedroom and ensuite bathroom of the architect, where once again the calm, clean lines of a cement vanity counter form a counterpoint to an enormous expanse of 'kumbuk timber' which makes up the owner' s bed. Returning to the dining room and adjoining lounge, gazing up, one sees a lattice of timber against white, from which globular paper lanterns and spotlights offer ample illumination as the tropical night draws in. The timber shutters, rough wooden dining table and chunky coffee table compliment the earthy, naturalistic tone that Wickramage has given his abode.
“The rapid growth of Asian cities and the accompanying problems of increased density, traffic congestion and pollution have seen the proliferation of parallel phenomenon-second homes. When city dwellers have sufficient means to escape the frenetic pace of life in the city they acquire a site some distance from the city, to build a second home. Preferably the site will be off the beaten track, yet accessible, and though somewhat isolated, not without basic services. It offers the opportunity to escape the stress of city life, to relax, to enjoy the natural environment”.

The Furniture Factory.

An accent piece or a carefully selected craft object becomes the ultimate decorative element in making an ordinary space extraordinary. The Furniture Factory is the latest decorative novelty that has hit Sri Lanka. They separate themselves from the average furniture retailers by having a thorough background in interior design and the elements that form twisted contemporary spaces. Their products have already made their way into the most high end of homes and hospitality designs.

Opening as retailers for the first time on the 1st of December, they are already confident in the public perception of their branding and wear. Most of the sought after items are directly imported from Indonesia and each piece has its own history and story. Originality and that certain something is what makes each piece the beauty it is; and by this the product promises to uplift the ambiance of your space and give it features that are currently unseen in the island.

As a bonus service they have the facility to produce three dimensional renderings of your to-be-built spaces; using the latest digital technology. This way when a client orders a product they can see for themselves how that specific piece, in proper scale would interact with their interiors. Their teams of professionals are always up to date with the latest design trends and can provide on the spot design guidelines, under the specifications of color, fabrication and materials.

PWA Interiors Pvt Ltd; Thank You.

On the Wrap up eve for SLDF2010 I was offered a chair with the "Philip Weerartna Architects" design team. Philip with his blazing reputation was pulling in the biggest projects in the island and I humbly consider it the biggest deal in my life to get to work with him. Sharon De Silva would be my immediate director and Head of the Interiors Team.

Coming in I was rather apprhensive about what i would face and wether the corporate lifestyle was for the likes of me. This was further ignited by the heartache of leaving design school. Your on your own, if your renderings crash theres no Darren or Chris to save you, when you want to throw the bitch fit of the century your females arent around you and most of all your mentors and lectureres arent there to tell you if your just plain crazy or wether your pretty scribbles can actually be constructed into realistic design work. So i put my trust in God. Who else could i call??//
The journey has been amazing and the experience will last me a life time. Much learned much to share:
+Firstly no senior designer will trust you just because you have a flashy portfolio, if you want them to respect  your design sense your going to have to prove it to them.even when you are the most insignificant part of the team know that they cant be a complete team without you and keep pushing until someone sees what you got. ( after that don't let anyone boss you around ;))
+Don't forget what you know, and don't think you know everything.
+ Clients can bitch out loud, you can do it in the restroom.
+ When your told you cant do something, do it anyway, even if its just for the pleasure of proving them wrong.
+ Despise Mediocrity and always strive for excellence. that way even if it isn't perfect its damn close.
+ Don't be afraid to fail. ( "if you want to really succeed you must successfully fail at least five times" - Pastor Neil Obeysekara to jude and I )

Other than all this i believe that my design approach and project management techniques received some polishing, and it was a good job to call my first. I'm sad to leave, specailly due to the amazing design team that soon became good friends and because i will miss the homely atmosphere at PWA.
 Thank God for his grace and for everyone at PWA. hope my replacement - the evil black chris doesnt irritate you all into murdering him. Though i wouldnt complain ;)))...Chris- all the best!!!!
Good Bye!!