Catriona Rowntree explores the vibrant Sri Lankan capital, Colombo
Colombo is a wonderful assault on the senses, a vibrant city proud of its culture and rich in creativity. While it serves as Sri Lanka's capital and largest city, Catriona Rowntree happily discovered Colombo is also the country's Mecca for retail therapy!
Location:
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Info:
Barefoot www.barefootceylon.com
Open daily
Paradise Road www.paradiseroad.lk
Store open daily, 10am - 7pm. The Gallery Cafe open daily, 10am - midnight
Saskia Fernando Gallery www.saskiafernandogallery.com
Open daily, 10am - 6pm
PR Concept Store www.shoppr.lk
Open daily from 10am
Prices correct at 02.05.26
Highlights:
On the west coast of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a shoppers paradise, however the real treasures lie away from the chain stores and market replicas. This is a destination that truly celebrates Sri Lankan craftsmanship, full of colour and artistry.
Catriona's journey began at Barefoot, a mixed-space creative hub founded in 1964 by the late Sri Lankan designer, Barbara Sansoni. Opened specifically to promote local artists and craftswomen, and showcase their designs, the store is an explosion of colourful textiles inspired by nature. Today it's a local institution featuring an art gallery and a café which hosts Sunday jazz sessions. Catriona loved the department store vibe and got to try on one of their signature sarongs.
A ten-minute drive away is the flagship store for Paradise Road, one of Sri Lanka's top homeware brands. Founded by Shanth Fernando, the patriarch of one of the country's leading design families, Paradise Road works with local craftspeople to produce goods for the stores. Creativity runs in the family, with Shanth's daughters, Saskia and Annika managing a gallery and a fashion concept store promoting the work of emerging Sri Lankan artists and designers. Finding a unique piece of art, clothing or jewellery to take home is a beautiful memento of your visit to Colombo. Annika dressed Catriona in a stunning limited edition ocean themed evening dress. It was the perfect outfit for dinner at the sophisticated and internationally renowned Gallery Cafe restaurant, which is also part of the Paradise Road group.
Colombo is an incredible city bursting with talent and design. From the energetic colour palettes of traditional materials to modern homewares, art, and fashion, Colombo offers a distinct and enriching retail experience.
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