Colours of the Silk Road: a journey of weaves and stones

• Exotic handmade jewellery and handcrafted saris and clothing by Rithihi and Kadambari
• High tea and fashion show on 27 November in aid of Sunera Foundation

Travel across ancient civilisations where cultures and traditions wove magic into one-of-a-kind masterpieces on Monday, 27 November, as exclusive Kadambari Jewels and Sri Lanka’s curated sari boutique Rithihi come together in aid of the Sunera Foundation to showcase esoteric beauty of eras past at Hilton Colombo. 

Since 2000 the Sunera Foundation has pioneered the development of creative talents among those living with disabilities and the proceeds from the sale of these collections will fund the various projects mooted by Sunera across 38 locations in the country.

Experience the beauty of ancient craft that Nomadic tribes carried across the Far East and Middle East and into Asia across the Silk Road. Observe the inextricably intertwined cultures and craft that began in 600 AD when China, Persia, Rome, India, Afghanistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Venice, Egypt, Morocco, Spain and Algiers influenced each other’s creativity to produce some of the most beautiful jewels and fabric the world has ever seen.  

Colours of the Silk Road will focus the spotlight on these masterpieces that emerged as a result of the collaboration of these diverse cultures.  These works include North Africa’s enamelled and corralled Grand Kabyle Jewels from Algeria developed later through the enamel work techniques of Spanish silversmiths escaping from the barbaric Goths in Europe. The heavily ornate silver and gold plated jewellery studded with orange carnelian stone hailing from the three main Turkoman nomadic tribes, augmented with ikat weaves and suzani embroidery, adding colour to the vibrant Uzbek palette. 

Indigo and saffron were worked into their dyeing of silk cloth made richer and more ornate with various motifs, most particularly the paisley and the tree of life which originated in Persia, and jewels were studded with turquoise gems from Afghanistan. From Venice came the exotic glass trade beads, the Milefiori and six layer chevrons being the most sought after by collectors across Africa, South East Asia, Asia and Europe.  

 It is into this exotic anthology of cross cultures that Rithihi adds a curated collection of handwoven wearable art, perfectly set against a backdrop of unparalleled artistry with its traditional roots yet contemporary flavours.  

Rithihi’s runway collection articulates the inherent passion seen in new communities of craft which are experimental in design, colour and weave, with every artisan and weaver taking pride in their rich cultural expressions to produce stunning apparel that has great appeal to the lifestyles of the city woman.

Hilton Colombo is the Premier Sponsor, while the Salon Partner is Salon Kess, Event Partner Event Productions, Creative Partner Bates Strategic Alliance and Print Media Sponsor Daily Mirror Life, Sunday Times, Daily FT, Life Online and Hi Magazine. Tickets are priced at Rs. 2,500 and are available at Rithihi, Alfred House Gardens and Hilton Colombo.