Renowned Sri Lankan designer Kamil Hewavitharana has firmly established his presence within Colombo’s fashion realm since the inception of his brand, LIMAK by KAMIL, in 2019. His foray into the international fashion scene has also garnered significant attention, highlighted by his participation in prestigious events such as Colombo Fashion Week (CFW), the Global India Couture Week, The Luxo show in India, Dubai Fashion Week and shows in London, Rome, New York, Alicante, Calpe in Spain where he showcased his latest collections.
Recently, Kamil realized a long-cherished aspiration with the inauguration of his boutique, VUQE Colombo. Situated strategically along Colombo’s 5th Lane in Colombo 7, the establishment of this store was made possible through the encouragement of close friends, a foreign confidant.
A Central Hub for Local Fashion
VUQE Colombo, envisioned by Kamil, serves as a central hub for discerning shoppers and designer brands of Sri Lanka. It stands as a testament to Kamil’s commitment to fostering the local fashion industry. The launch event of VUQE Colombo was marked by a captivating fashion show, showcasing curated selections from the onboard designers. This exclusive display offered a tantalizing glimpse into the diverse and exquisite offerings within the store, from elegant evening gowns, blazers, shirts, and dresses to avant-garde ensembles and more.
A Collaborative Platform
Collaborating with esteemed senior designers and emerging brands, VUQE Colombo houses an array of labels, including Michael Wijesuriya, Eric Soriyasena Batiks, Brian Kerkoven, Skanda, Karma Collection, Cyndlerk by Kalhary, Wolge & I, Navya. The store’s interior exudes elegance and artistic charm, providing an ideal backdrop for the presentation of seasonal clothing, beauty essentials, crafts, accessories, and specialty items. VUQE Colombo prides itself on showcasing established designers alongside promising talents.
Kamil’s Unique Design Philosophy
Kamil’s design philosophy is marked by its uniqueness and style, characterized by a fusion of structured tailoring and fluid femininity. His creations feature soft drapes, luxurious textures, and impeccably tailored silhouettes, showcasing innovation through juxtaposition. Distinguished by structured silhouettes, high waists, dramatic sleeves, and sheath dresses, Kamil’s designs exude drama and an acute sense of construction.
Nurturing Local Talent
With a career history encompassing fashion retail, Kamil underscores the vital role of fashion retail spaces as platforms for nurturing local talent. He believes these spaces facilitate enhanced connections between Sri Lankan designer brands and their clientele. In Kamil’s words, “VUQE Colombo can help other designers reach clients. I know how much our designers struggle. If you have a shop dedicated entirely to one brand, some people will like it and some people won’t, but you will also have people who will not come in simply because it doesn’t look like something they would like. By creating a space for other designers to also show and sell their clothes, VUQE Colombo gives all these designers the opportunity to grow their customer base.”
An Invitation to Emerging Talents
Kamil extends an open invitation to designers, including those embarking on their careers, to explore VUQE Colombo as a platform to showcase their work. Through this endeavor, he seeks to provide support and assistance to emerging talents in the ever-evolving fashion landscape. VUQE Colombo stands not only as a boutique but as a beacon of opportunity, bridging the gap in local fashion by creating a collaborative and inclusive space for designers and shoppers alike.
