The Kandyan sari, also known as Osariya, is the national garment of many colours and textures worn by Sri Lankan women.

It is a long-lasting tradition of modesty and fashion which is now facing the influence of modern social identity.

OSARIYA, 2019

4.36 Mins - Sri Lanka

The Osariya is a two-piece attire, with one blouse that covers the midriff and is tucked into the waist.

A key distinguishing feature of this style is that the saree is not pleated at the waist, but rather pleated at the shoulders. In comparison to the traditional saree draping style.

It is a blend of tradition and style; a simple cloth of six yards with a width of three feet with origins traced to the Kandyan Kingdom.

Calvin Chinthaka.jpg

Director’s note,

Fashion has always been inspired by the customs and symbols of different cultures. It borrows and creates the new on the foundations of the old. When objects lose every connection to their history and tradition, they become empty symbols of exoticism. The Sri Lankan, Kandyan style photo shoot portrays contemporary fashion with the elements of traditional Kandyan clothing. These traditions have shaped the aesthetics and values of the community that I belong to.

The collection re-energises traditional styles with a bold of colorful twist incorporating iconic dress elements. Vibrant coloured hand-loomed garments are key features throughout the looks as we embrace the nostalgia of the past while looking to the future. These unique fashion perspectives of Sri Lankan culture and fashion have been implemented in the fashion film production.

I have always been amazed by vibrant cultures and colours which create social identity dilemmas and controversy within people and their cultural beliefs in different parts of the world. By creating this fashion moving image I intended to bring some of those elements to life so everyone can enjoy fashion beyond fashion.

Credits

Director of photography and fashion film production,

Calvin Chinthaka instagram.com/fashion_calvin

Model Kalpanee Gunawardana
Stylist Manasha Silva 
Dressmaker Chintha Wickramasinghe 
Assistant film producer Dhanushka Bandara
Jewellery Kalon 
Wardrobe Fibonacci.1618
Fabrics Sunimals Handloom 
Fabric designer Achini Liyanage 

Location Amaya Hills Kandy, Sri Lanka

In association with the London College of Fashion.

 

The film premieres and awards

BAFTA Qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival - [ Official selection ] Special screening representing the London College of Fashion

Queen Palm International Film Festival - Best Fashion Film

Under the starts international film festival -  Best Cinematography

London Fashion Film Festival - Nominee Best student fashion film

LCF19 School of media and communication graduate show

London International Short Film Festival - Official selection

Asia South East Short Film festival - Special Mention

Chelsea Fashion Film Festival NYC - Official selection

TMFF Film Festival - Official selection

Moinho Cine Fest - Official selection

Fashion Sri Lanka Calvin Chinthaka.jpg

Fashion and storytelling Osariya

Behind the scenes of fashion film production in Sri Lanka.