From Instagram to Chitra Lane: Solarē opens first boutique in Colombo

Wednesday, 17 September 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Safna Malik

Some brands burst onto the scene with fanfare. Others, like Solarē, grow quietly — one well-loved piece at a time.

The brand that began two years ago as an Instagram page now has a chic new boutique at No. 5, Chitra Lane, Colombo 5.

Founded two years ago by Sherene Goonetilleke — who continues to balance the fashion brand alongside her full-time career — Solarē has built a loyal following with its timeless, airy silhouettes in cotton and linen.

“Given Sri Lanka’s climate, our designs prioritise comfort,” she explains. “But comfort should never mean giving up elegance.”

This balance has become Solarē’s signature: Versatile pieces created for women who value both comfort and sophistication, crafted from fabrics chosen for durability and style – airy cottons, breathable linens, and silhouettes that flatter without fuss. Solarē’s line features pieces that will carry you through a warm Colombo morning meeting, to a breezy lunch with friends, and still feel perfect for a late evening outing.

The name carries the brand’s essence: Solarē, drawn from the Latin root for “solar” – radiant, sunny, and cheerful. That spirit shows up in the palette, textures, and mood of every collection.

Customers often say their Solarē pieces look as good as new, even after years of wear. “Those words are music to my ears,” said Goonetilleke. “It validates my obsession about the quality of fabrics I try to offer my clientele. That lasting quality is exactly what I strive for, and I believe it is the real value of my brand.”

Each Solarē collection is produced in limited editions, with prices starting from Rs. 3,000 to keep the brand accessible.

Beyond clothes, the new store also unveils stylish tote bags, marking Solarē’s steady evolution from a quiet online venture into a lifestyle brand.

Goonetilleke’s vision for Solarē is that it remains true to the concept that launched it: creating everyday essentials that feel good, look refined, and stand the test of time.

Her steady, thoughtful approach woven into every detail of the brand, Solarē designs reflect Goonetilleke’s spirit – light, classic, and effortlessly radiant.

With its first boutique now open, Solarē steps into a new chapter. “This is more than just a store opening – for me, it is the natural evolution of the vision I have always had for the brand,” said Goonetilleke. “It’s exciting to see where we go next.”