This week the Youth Observer explores the talents of a multi talented designer, choreographer, celebrity fashion stylist; Kosh Hewage.
Kosh stands tall as a revered fashion icon with over 15 years of industry expertise. His philosophy goes beyond mere fabrics and looks, emphasizing the essence of confidence and lasting impressions in fashion.
At just 13, Kosh embarked on his fashion voyage, apprenticing under his mother, a renowned bridal stylist and designer. From there, he ventured into modeling scouting and agency work, under the wing of Adam Flamer-Caldera. Today, Kosh shines as a celebrity fashion designer, stylist, and the helm of operations at The Agency Sri Lanka.
Kosh Hewage
Among his accolades, he proudly served as the national director of Miss Earth Sri Lanka 2021, owning three fashion brands.
Recognized as the Best Designer of the Year in 2015 and honoured at Serenade 2015, Kosh is a luminary in the fashion realm.he was also appointed as the chief stylist for Mr., Mrs., and Miss Sri Lanka in the Dubai pageant, Kosh’s expertise extends to judging, advising, and choreographing for the 2018 European pageant. He is currently the Co-directorfor the Face of Sri Lanka pageant and The Head of Operation of the Miss International pageant. His profound experience makes him the quintessential choice.
In conversation with Kosh here’s what we found out.
Q: Tell us about your deigns and how has your designs evolved throughout your career?
A: As I started designing, I wanted to use my designs to flatter the beauty of women, to really highlight the feminine features and beauty. Over the years I have moved a little bit towards neutral tones.
Sleeker designs are mostly inspired by K-pop and Thai artists. I believe my designs have changed with the seasons and I am really happy about where it is right now.
In fact, I am working on a collection right now, which is very personal to my heart. I was going through a depressive period last year and I wanted to put out a collection that reflected it. It is about dark ages.
I envision this collection to be black and grey with a splash of red and maroon. I aim to showcase the various stages of depression through this collection.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in styling, and how did you become involved in the pageant industry?
A: Styling became a major part of my life thanks to my best friend, Manasha Silva. Before diving into styling, I volunteered backstage and coordinated models for Colombo Fashion Week and Swim Week Colombo.
The spotlight found me in 2015, crowned Best Designer of the Year, thrusting me into the public eye. Friendship with Manasha led to shoots for big names such as Cotton Collection, Lovi Ceylon, Emerald, SriLankan Airlines, and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Eventually, I found a home at The Agency Sri Lanka.
Beauty pageants have held a special allure since childhood. The spark ignited watching Priyanka Chopra’s 2000 Miss World win at my aunt’s house. I’ve been drawn to that world ever since.
Blessed with opportunities, I’ve lent my touch to over 14 beauty pageants, proudly serving as National Director for Miss Earth 2021. From volunteer to celebrity designer, model agent to stylist, it’s all woven into my career fabric. That’s how the journey began.
Q: What is the favourite brand you have worked with as a stylist?
A: Cool Planet and Charini. I have had so much fun working these brands because they always let me be creative and do what I like.
Q: How are you managing, styling, choreography and designing whilst working with the agency?
A: Honestly, I believe I manage so well because I have a wonderful team. I am so lucky to have a dedicated and supportive bunch around me. I am very excited about the work I do and I want to do them all, so I guess passion finds a way.
Q: How do you see the Sri Lankan fashion industry since Covid?
A: During Covid we had to be creative. We sent clothes to models and requested them to style it on their own. And many designers and stylists came on their own and found light in this dark time such as Samani.
I believe as it was a tough time for all of us, some of us became self-sustaining and developed in their industries so I believe that is a good thing that came out of it.
Q: Tell us about the O: LIVE COUTURE S’24 show you choreographed recently?
A: This was Samani’s show. It was her 10th anniversary. I had the best experience working with this show, we work so well together.
It was the smoothest show I have ever seen, the event planner, the models everything and everyone was on point. We had Hemal Ranasinghe as a show stopper. It was a very fantastical experience.
Q: What are you up to for the rest of the year?
A: I am actually working on a reality show which I am very much excited about. It is going to be a show where the winners will go international, that has been one of my dreams.
I am also looking forward to Miss International Sri Lanka, and a tour in some East Asian countries.
Q: What is your big dream in fashion?
A: I have two big dreams, one is to be a public personality who dresses uniquely. I also want to be a personal manager for a big star. To be in the midst of the grind, the passion and the drama and all of it.
Kosh took this opportunity to thank his family who have supported him through everything.
“My best friend Manasha, my friend Shashini and my agency team and my dear friend ‘Bunny’. I also want to add that I am so proud of the work my models do, and all of their achievements are very special to me. I want to express that I am so proud of my model Sandani Peries for the lengths she has gone with the opportunities she got.
