Gabriel Couture debuts

A bridal lama sari, blending tradition and modernity 

Designer of Gabriel Couture Anusha David, with Nadiya Fernando of Wax Museum who handled the hair and makeup and LOVI Ceylon CEO and Founder Asanka De Mel

Gabriel Couture by Anusha David debuted with an ultra-feminine, fairytale bridal collection at the LOVI Ceylon ‘Brides and Grooms of Sri Lanka Reimagined’ presentation.

Anusha who presented four of her original creations along with an exotic bridal sari from Fabric Gallery who sponsored the fabrics for her collection, has at last fulfilled her dream of having her own couture label.

Why Gabriel? “My father’s name was Gabriel and he was just the most amazing, magical, person in my life. He would always say I could achieve anything I set my sights on and encouraged me in whatever I wanted to do, except climbing trees, riding bicycles, driving and going in the sun, which were taboo as far as a traditional Indian father was concerned. It’s only fitting that I name my dream after him.”

Anusha has always been passionate about all things beautiful and exotic. “I have always adored clothes. As a little tot though I never played with dolls; it was always animals for me and I had a myriad pets ranging from dogs, cats, a monkey, a goat, birds, etc., but I would spend hours creating what to a seven-year-old was couture clothing for my vast collection of paper dolls, something all little girls in the 1960s had an abundance of. I had boxes and boxes of paper dolls and their outfits which ranged from playwear to ball gowns and saris. A good part of my day was devoted to designing clothes for my paper dolls and this continued till I was almost 15.”

Anusha’s dream almost reached fruition when in 1983/4 she was about to launch a fashion label with Kirthi Sri Karunaratne and Ranjini Wijewardene titled ‘AnuKi’. “The machines were bought, visiting cards printed, designs all ready on the drawing board and even staff hired, but alas it was not to be!”

However today Anusha who is a staunch believer in the mantra ‘no matter how hard you fall, pick yourself up and carry on,’ has realised her dream!

“When Asanka, the Founder and CEO of LOVI Ceylon, asked me to plan out a PR campaign for his LOVI bridegroom collection, the thought popped in to my mind – shall I also join the group of bridal designers and take the opportunity to realise my dream? I asked Asanka whether this would be alright with him and he was fully behind me. My partner Michel Nugawela was a million per cent behind me and encouraged me every step of the way while my best friend Maeve Martenstyn was a power of strength and a fountain of knowledge having had her own dress boutique ‘Orientations’ which was the go to place for ladies clothes in the ’70s and ’80s.”

Gabriel will be a couture label and each design will be unique, taking into account the client’s personality, the occasion, body shape and mindset. “I will not duplicate any design – my clients can be assured of that. Bridals, evening wear, power suits, day wear, resort wear, Gabriel will cater to all of it with the best of bespoke clothing.”

As for future plans, Anusha hopes to have her first fashion show no sooner the pandemic abates. “My very first fashion show will feature a range of couture with the theme being ‘Endangered Species’. All clothes will depict the colours of feathers and pelts of endangered animals, birds and reptiles, as well as plants, I have already started designing and all proceeds will go towards animal welfare my other passion.”

“Never, ever give up on your dreams. It’s never too late to achieve them. As written by English poet William Ernest Henley in his immortal poem ‘Invictus,’ ‘I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.’”

The age old redde and hatte transformed into a bridal melody

 Lace, knots, tulle and crystal beads combine in a bridal fantasy 

A bridal floral extravaganza