THE CEYLON LANGUAGE OF BEAUTY: DHANANJAYA BANDARA ON CULTURE, CRAFT AND CONTINUITY.
Surrounded by bridal artistry from childhood, this designer’s creative spark was ignited by her mother’s graceful hands. What began as quiet observation grew into a journey of craftsmanship, discipline, and cultural pride—now embodied in DB Ceylon, a brand rooted in Sri Lankan heritage and timeless elegance .
Growing up around bridal and beauty artistry with your mother as a guiding influence, what early memory from childhood still fuels your creative fire today?
Growing up, bridal artistry was never just a profession in my family—it was part of our everyday life. Back then, bridal dressing wasn’t really seen as an industry. Outside of Colombo, it was usually the elder women in families who dressed the bride, because makeup was simple, products were limited, and saree draping or hairstyling were skills most women naturally carried. In my family, it went even further— my mother, grandmother, aunt, and even my uncle were all deeply talented in bridal dressing, hairstyling, makeup, stitching, and even creating flower bouquets. They were truly artistic souls, and I grew up immersed in that atmosphere. As an only child, I was always by my mother’s side when she dressed brides. I would watch every detail, pass her pins, and quietly absorb her artistry. When we came home, I would imitate what she did—styling hair for the ladies working in my mother’s business or experimenting with drapes the way I had seen her do. Those early moments—watching, learning, and practicing—sparked something in me. That creative fire, born from my mother’s influence and my family’s legacy, still fuels everything I do today.
Celebrating 25 years of creative excellence this year, you launched DB Ceylon – a brand emblematic of Sri Lankan heritage. The iconic swan logo carries deep personal meaning. Could you share the story behind that design?
The DB Ceylon icon carries three layers of meaning for me. First, the swan itself is a traditional symbol in Sri Lanka, and I’ve always been deeply inspired by our heritage. As a Sri Lankan designer, it’s important to me to take these cultural motifs and reinterpret them for the modern world, giving them new life and relevance. Second, the swan represents purity and prosperity—qualities I want the brand to embody in every creation. And third, the two swans in the logo hold my most personal connection. One is larger, representing my mother, and the other smaller swan represents me. My mother has been my backbone and guardian angel throughout this journey, and I wanted the logo to honor her presence and the role she has played in shaping who I am today.
“I grew up
surrounded
by
the scent of jasmine,
the shimmer of silk,
and the quiet
rhythm
of my mother’s
hands at work – that’s
where my love
for
beauty
was born,
long
before I
even knew
it was
art.”
Starting out in a field with many established names, what was your first big break, and how did it shape the way you built your brand?
From the very beginning, I’ve always challenged myself to push boundaries. By the time I started DB Ceylon, I had already built a name and a reputation in the bridal and designer wear industry. That foundation gave me the confidence to explore a new venture without fear, because it was within the same field I knew and loved. What sets DB Ceylon apart is its focus on exclusivity—offering a unique, curated experience while staying true to the craftsmanship and creativity that define my work. My first big break wasn’t a single moment but the journey of building trust and recognition in this industry, and it shaped DB Ceylon into a brand that reflects both tradition and a refined, contemporary vision
Looking ahead, what excites you most about DB Ceylon’s future?
Looking ahead, what excites me most is seeing DB Ceylon grow into a globally recognized designer wear brand, especially among Asian communities around the world. My vision is to take our traditions beyond borders—allowing people to celebrate their special moments while embracing the richness of our heritage. DB Ceylon will always remain focused on occasion wear and glamorous creations, but with a unique emphasis on bringing traditional artistry to the global stage.
Your visual language is distinctly Sri Lankan, yet universally graceful. What’s one cultural motif or design element you feel hasn’t been celebrated enough?
I believe it’s not just one symbol—many of our traditional motifs and design elements remain largely unknown to younger generations. From intricate patterns to cultural symbols, these details carry a rich heritage that deserves greater recognition. For me, celebrating these elements in modern design is a way to keep our traditions alive while sharing the beauty of Sri Lanka with the world.
Behind the glamour, what’s one part of your daily creative or business routine that would surprise people?
It really depends on people’s perspective. What surprises one person might seem ordinary to another. For me, much of my day is spent on details that aren’t visible in the final work— planning, organizing, coordinating, and problem-solving. These behind-the-scenes tasks are essential to ensure everything looks effortless and f lawless, even if they go unnoticed by most.
You’ve always had an eye for visual storytelling. How important is photography and presentation in shaping a fashion identity today?
Photography and presentation play a crucial role in shaping a fashion identity today. At the end of the day, everything we create is captured through images or
video, and lighting is key to bringing that vision to life. No matter how exceptional a piece may be, its true impact depends on how it is presented to the audience—how the story, emotion, and craftsmanship are communicated visually.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about DB Ceylon’s future?
Looking ahead, what excites me most is seeing DB Ceylon grow into a globally recognized designer wear brand, especially among Asian communities around the world. My vision is to take our traditions beyond borders—allowing people to celebrate their special moments while embracing the richness of our heritage. DB Ceylon will always remain focused on occasion wear and glamorous creations, but with a unique emphasis on bringing traditional artistry to the global stage.
Finally, what does success feel like to you today, and how has that definition shifted from when you first began?
Success, for me, is no longer just about making a name in the industry— it’s about maintaining that name and reputation. Once a brand is established, every creation is closely watched, and audience expectations are always high. This makes sustaining a brand’s reputation a real challenge. In my view, true success lies in balancing the preservation of that reputation with the continual growth and evolution of the brand.
