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Wednesday, 6 January 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shehana Dain
Aspiring politician and businesswoman Diana Gamage opted to translate her very own artistry atop fabric as she unveiled ‘Diana Mann’ pushing her designs to the retail platform.
The store has a vibrant array of tops and dresses alongside a Bollywood Collection which are mostly one off pieces that will have a shelf life of three months before the next fresh batch comes in, Gamage told the Daily FT.
“This was more like a hobby for me since I was very young. I used to design my own cloths which I sewed and my friends would ask from where I got them. They pushed me to open a shop on my own. Most of the designs here are my own ideas which I would communicate in order for the cloths to come to the shelves,” she said.
She also shared with the Daily FT that the launch of the Men’s Wear collection is in the pipeline and will be unveiled within one month.
Moreover when asked what sets the store apart from the other outlets in the area she boasted of the stores ‘Bollywood Collection’ which her customers seem to request frequently.
“I have a Bollywood Collection which I directly get from Mumbai. These sarees, lehengas, anarkalis and salwars are designs which the movie stars also wear. I think this will be the main attraction for my store as I have got down some of the most popular designs. I think that will be a favourite among the customers.”
“My designs here are unique if someone picks a dress there will only be one piece of that particular design. If that’s sold out no one can buy the same dress or top from anywhere in the country,” Gamage added.
Furthermore she revealed that beyond her first retail venture she would go international starting small yet aiming big, adding that expansion of the local outlets will require a wait and watch policy.
“I have plans for international business. There are a few clients in Israel who are interested in the work that I do so I will be flying there. Also I have some ventures that I would start off in London,” she said.
Pix by Bhanuka Kirinde
