In conversation with Sri Lankan-Norwegian designer, model & creative, Maneesha Pere Gallage
Images by Florent Vindimian.
Shirt: Andrea Crews; Skirt: Ichiyo; Gloves: Lou de Betoly; Scrunchies: Venus et Gaia; Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell; Earrings 1 and 2: D’heygere; Earring 3: Paco Rabanne; Earring 4: Panconesi; Necklace: Vibe Harslof.
Words & Interview by Dalia Al-Dujaili
Sri Lankan born, Norway bred, and Paris based Maneesha Pere Gallage is a creative force fresh out of university who harbours ambitions of breaking into the fashion industry following her career as a model and beginning sales of her jewellery collection. Inspired heavily by Sri Lankan culture, adornment, and the spirituality of mysticism, Maneesha is hoping to inspire other young South Asian girls to express themselves through creativity and one day provide unemployed Sri Lankan women with the resources to work in textiles.
We caught up with Maneesha following a beautiful shoot, photographed by Florent Vindimian and styled by Nelly Carle, to hear a little about her dynamic background, how she ties in her heritage to her work, and what inspires her.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I moved to Norway from Sri Lanka when I was eleven. I don't really remember much to be honest, everything feels a bit hazy. I recently graduated from a small fashion school as a fashion designer. And now, I'm in Paris.
Top and skirt: Gaultier Paris; Earrings and necklace: Panconesi; Shoes: Tosca Blu.
In what ways did your Sri Lankan culture influence the shoot with Florent?
The reason why we called the shoot ‘Ceylon’ is that Ceylon was the ancient name of Sri Lanka. The name is stuck in my head. Even my graduate collection was called ‘Ceylonese’. Even though I lived in Oslo longer than I lived in Sri Lanka, it's always with me. The style and the jewellery. Even the food I eat. It's pretty much Sri Lanka, 24/7! I'm heavily influenced by my country.
So how exactly does your heritage find its way into the work?
I would say by colours. By the way I style myself. The clothes are mix a bit of traditional dress with modern styles. I love jewellery and I have always had a special bond with it because of my mum and my grandma. I used to dress up to look like my grandma; I took my grandma's jewellery and played with it! So it has a very special place in my heart.
Green Bra and skirt: Gaultier Paris; Bra underneath: Neith Nyer; Earring 1: Tétier Bijoux; Earrings 2: Panconesi; Necklace: Zoe-mohm.
How would you define your creative energy?
Since I started fashion school, I have always wanted to do something around Sri Lanka. So when I was looking for inspiration, I was thinking, Okay, this is my time. I want to be loud about it. And I'm not gonna hold back. I remember when I was showing the ideas to my teachers, they said I have to tone it down because it was “too traditional and too cultural. You have to limit yourself a bit.” I didn't want to do that because I feel a sense of freedom when I show the world who I am. So why should I hide that?
When I'm creating things, I really go for it. That is the energy I want to give to people. Through my creativity, I tell people, this is where I come from, and I'm not ashamed of it. I'm really proud of where I come from.
What do you hope to achieve through fashion?
Growing up and seeing my mum being a woman in Sri Lanka — where a woman doesn’t have a voice, where she always came after the men — I want to tell every girl in Sri Lanka, even though you are a woman, you can do whatever you set your mind to. Go for it, even though it can be uncomfortable, just go for it. Fashion has always been my way of expression. My mum has always told me, you can learn from me, you don't have to listen to what anybody else says, you're free to do what you want to do in life.
If I get to a good stage in my life, I want to give women in Sri Lanka the opportunity to work in textiles. There are so many women in Sri Lanka that want to work and earn their own living but they don't have the resources or skills to do so. I want to give them that platform and the opportunity to express themselves.
Dress: De Pino; Earrings: Panconesi; Pearl necklace underneath: Vibe Harslof.
That's a beautiful motivation. What and who inspires you to continue that dream and within your designs?
On a daily basis, people inspire me, just by being out in the street. Everything inspires me; nature, the way people talk, the way people dress and their lifestyles. If I see a trash can that's full of flowers, that can inspire me. Especially being in Paris, I'm so overwhelmed with inspiration! I wasn't I wasn't really inspired in Oslo. I love Norway but it hasn't been the most inspiring place to me. When I went to Sri Lanka, two or three years ago, I came home with so many ideas.
And what have you got lined up in the future? Are there any other creative mediums you'd like to explore? Or do you have anything planned for your fashion?
I actually just launched my website yesterday, so now I'm working on my earrings. And then I'm going to work on bras and bralettes. I'm doing so many things at the same time so I'm taking it one day at a time and seeing how things go.
I saw the earrings online and they look beautiful. I see you’re wearing one now which is really cool!
Top: Gaultier Paris; Skirt: Cem Cinar; Bra underneath: Adèle Berson; Earrings: Panconesi; Earcuff: Saskia Diez.
Model: @maneeshapere
Photographer: @florentvindimian
Stylist: @nellyemiliemarie
Set designer: @leolacape
Make up artist: @flavie_terrakhol
Hair and Nail artist: @miss_theana
Lighting assistant: @enzofarrugia_
Studio: @studiozeroparis