Skzin: Where heavy metal and catwalk fashion lock horns

Saturday, 20 July 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By David Ebert Dr. Milinda Salpitikorala is the most unlikely doctor you’d meet. A dedicated medical professional; on the sidelines he also doubles as manager for rock band Fallen Grace and as a fashion designer, having created Sri Lanka’s first heavy metal-themed fashion brand Skzin (pronounced skin). In his own words he describes his designs as featuring a multitude of strokes sprawled across different ranges. Specialising in rock, gothic and mythological t-shirts that as he describes, “lets you emanate the many visages of your inner mind”. The artist, although sans a professional background in arts, has since childhood held an affinity towards the dark side of art and a fervent passion for mythology and the occult. The pieces displayed in his label are manifestations of the inner workings of the artist himself and are exclusively designed for the purpose of self-expression.

Salpitikorala had his first foray on a professional catwalk at the Colombo Fashion Week 2013, with his latest collection of eclectic rock-themed everyday casual wear exhibited by heavily made-up Goth-styled models brandishing a range of exotic looking sharp weapons. With Sri Lanka possessing a vibrant rock culture, Skzin looks to have struck a right note by offering a brand new take on the rock counterculture that is usually known for its nonconformist attitudes rather than catwalks and high fashion. Salpitikorala’s designs can be viewed and ordered via – www.skzin.com or through the brand’s facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/skzindesigns.