Behind the runway Ramani Fernando and CFW

For years, Ramani Fernando has been a vital part of Colombo Fashion Week (CFW), utilizing her expertise in hair, beauty, and styling. Her role at CFW showcases the importance of beauty in bringing a designer's vision to life, both on and off the runway. Fernando has been deeply involved with CFW for many years, witnessing its growth and evolution firsthand. She describes CFW as more than just fashion; it is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and showcasing Sri Lankan talent to the world.

As the years progressed, Fernando's involvement with CFW became more collaborative. Today, they work closely with designers and the CFW team to understand the overall concept and ensure that hair and makeup complement the collection seamlessly. The process has grown more creative and thought-provoking, with a focus on telling a story that complements the designer's collection rather than merely following beauty trends.

Over the years, Fernando has observed a significant evolution in hair and makeup trends on the CFW runway. Early runway beauty was often more defined and glamorous, but today, there is greater freedom to experiment with fresh, natural skin, textured hair, and unexpected creative elements. Fernando believes that beauty on the runway now prioritizes storytelling and complementing the designer's efforts.

Translating a designer's vision into the appropriate hair and makeup look is a meticulous process for Fernando. She begins by listening to the designer's intentions and understanding the collection's colors, fabrics, silhouettes, inspiration, and overall mood. Based on this understanding, her team crafts a hair and makeup direction that supports the vision, finding the right balance between minimalism and impact.

Behind the scenes, a tremendous amount of work takes place to ensure the models' hair and makeup are flawless as they walk the runway. The backstage environment is intense, with teams constantly working to coordinate hair and makeup changes for multiple designers and models. Fernando emphasizes the importance of timing and precision, stating that there is little room for error.

Fernando's continued participation in CFW stems from the vibrant community, endless creativity, and the platform's growth. She finds pride in contributing to Sri Lankan fashion's international exposure, providing designers with a professional stage to present their work and connect with an international audience. Fernando emphasizes that Sri Lankan fashion distinguishes itself through its unique ability to blend heritage with modern creativity, drawing inspiration from the country's rich culture, craftsmanship, and textiles. This fusion of tradition and contemporary design sets Sri Lankan fashion apart on the global stage.