‘be beautiful boutique’ by Bhanuki is Colombo’s latest fashion store to open its doors to a whole new world of trends and styles that are taking the global fashion ramps by storm. Owned and managed by young and vivacious Bhanuki Pathirana the chic store is situated at a hard-to-miss corner of Suvisuddharama Road in Colombo 6. Catering to a unique clientele that is looking for something new amongst the plethora of clothing stores in the city, “be beautiful boutique” is truly a breath of fresh air.
Bhanuki first launched the “be beautiful boutique” while she was studying Human Resource Management in London. What started off as simple stalls at the Richmond Market every Sunday soon became rented spaces in boutiques and pop up shops. After having done this for over a year, she decided to move back to Sri Lanka to be with her family and brought with her a unique concept in clothing. First introducing her collection at stalls at various exhibitions and trade fairs, Bhanuki then started supplying her brand to other retail outlets. However realizing the ever-growing demand for high-quality and stylish clothing, Bhanuki decided early this year to open her own store.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the boutique Bhanuki says, “My parents have been in this industry for over 30 years, and all my stitching is done at my sister’s factory. This venture is fully supported by my family. My husband Navin is in fact my biggest supporter who helps me with all aspects of the business.”
With a fashion sense described as simplistic but stylish Bhanuki’s store focuses much on quality as it does on the latest trends. Each item is sourced and handpicked from countries like UK, India, Singapore and Thailand, and Bhanuki ensures to get only a few pieces of each. The labels for Bhanuki’s signature collection are stitched locally at her sister’s factory. In terms of the collections on offer “be beautiful boutique” stocks office wear, evening wear, and casual everyday clothes. The upper floor is dedicated to the infant and kids wear range sourced from Bangkok. The store in general has a very boutique feel to it with ample spaces and full length mirrors for customers to try on their favourite picks at their pace and time.
Bhanuki adds, “Sri Lanka is constantly evolving when it comes to fashion and I want to be able to introduce some of the better trends to local consumers like the organic kids clothing range that we currently have. All of the “be beautiful” designs are also unique and are not to be found anywhere else in Sri Lanka. The fact that we stock only a few pieces of each item also helps our customers to remain unique in their personal style.”
The organic clothes at “be beautiful boutique” are sourced in an ethical fashion, hence making it better for the farmers and safer for the kids. The label “Mi dulce Anya” is a high end fashion brand and their designs are also very different, thus making it more attractive to customers. The store also compliments any fashionista’s wardrobe with a range of fashionable scarves, belts and other accessories, and fashion jewellery from the UK and Europe.
“be beautiful boutique” has also grasped the varying body shapes and sizes of the quintessential Sri Lankan woman and includes all sizes in their collections. Bhanuki and her team are also hands on at the store to assist customers in picking the right outfit for the occasion and matching it with the right accessories. With a chic, elegant, glamorous and affordable collection in store currently, Bhanuki is also looking to introduce new lines of clothing for daring customers who want to try something new.
For more information on in-house collections please visit the “be beautiful boutique” Facebook page at www.bebeautiful.boutique or visit the store at 147, Suvisudhdharama Road, Colombo 6.
Photo caption: (Above) The ‘be beautiful’ Boutique
Bhanuki with her collection
A section of the Women’s Wear Collection
The Kids Collection
Bhanuki with husband Navin