Fashion in Sri Lanka has become a ‘must look different’ idea with not only the older generation but also with today’s youngsters. Brian Kerkoven, well-known for his different takes as being a model trainer and choreographer is also a fashion designer of repute. Having participated in many fashion shows not only in this country but outside as well, he now has his own fashion brand. The following is an interview with him.
Q: When we turn back the fashion pages of time in Sri Lanka we cannot ignore the names of Kirthi Sri Karunaratne, Yvonne Gulamhussein, Vernon Fernando and Sakuntala Rockwood to name a few. Today, it’s a much, much different scene! Where did fashion designing begin for you, was it an academic career or was it talent that came naturally to you and who inspired you to pursue it as a career?
“Well, I always watched the way my mother dressed. She was so particular about what she wore and always had matching accessories to enhance the look she had in mind. At the beginning I designed her attire, then followed it up for my cousins and also my friends’ Later, I designed contestants going for various pageants and now I do it as my brand BRIAN KERKOVEN Women and BRIAN KERKOVEN Men. My friend Kamil, who is also a designer, encourages me to work hard and do new designs and clothes.”
Q: No doubt then as an emerging fashion designer what were the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
At first, it was difficult to source the correct fabric and to know how to price my clothes, but with time, it became easier for me to understand and value my work.
Q: When you moved into the fashion scene were there specific fashion designers – foreign and local – who influenced you in your designs and relevant production processes?
I guess every designer has their own individual style, which I admired but I never really got influenced by any of them because when we do, we lose our originality but no matter what we design, there is someone else who may also come up with similar designs and yet we had never seen them.
Q: When you view many of the runway fashions today in Sri Lanka some of the outfits that are displayed don’t ‘fit the bill’ so to speak. How do you handle criticism or negative feedback where your designs are concerned?
Not everyone can see or understand another person’s designs. We have to accept that gracefully and move on. Nothing should be taken personally. One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
Q: What is the role that fashion plays in expressing one’s individuality and what advice would you give aspiring fashion designers who are beginning their career?
Everyone has their own style and sometimes it is good to try out something new and interesting, but the person should be comfortable and be able to carry it off with confidence. Designers should keep in mind a client’s body shape and age and specially to listen to the client and not try to force their ideas on them but to work around it, so that they are comfortable and yet stylish.
Q: What in your opinion is the future of fashion and no doubt you will figure in it too, could you share with us your achievements so far in your career?
Fashion is something that will always exist but fashion is dynamic and will keep changing and re-changing like a circle. That is why designers should keep in touch with these changes, in styles and colour palettes. What is in today will be out tomorrow. Knowing the different types of fabric and accessories is so important to a designer. As for myself, I try to keep abreast with what is currently in, by checking Pinterest, Google and other fashion- related media. There is a contention among some people that I am only a model trainer and choreographer but in fact I have showcased my fashions in India, Spain, UK, USA and recently at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion show, right here in Sri Lanka.
