Empowering Women Through Fashion Sthri Collective By Selyn
Hi Magazine|Series 15 Volume 5 2017

In a bold move to empower women through fashion, Sri Lanka’s first Fairtrade Certified handloom company launched the Sthri Collective. Selyna Peiris- Wanduragala the force behind the STHRI Collective joined forces with her mother Sandra, the founder of Selyn, to create this collection of chic handloom clothing which promises to empower the women who weave and the women who wear Selyn.

Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Empowering Women Through Fashion Sthri Collective By Selyn

Why did you decide to move from your job in government to Selyn?

Having also worked in the development sector, I came to realise that the social business model Selyn works within, can fill in the gaps and challenges that women face in sustaining their livelihoods. I felt I was more suited to work within the private sector and in my own company to create impact in a more direct manner.

Have you taken over from your mother who founded the company?

Taken over is a strong word! My mother is a powerhouse and our inspiration and always will be but yes, I have joined my uncle and MD Hilary Wanduragala and am involved in the operations on a full time basis.

What is the vision you wish to bring to Selyn?

I strongly believe that the Selyn business model and brand has the potential to use fashion and lifestyle to create a social movement to empower the women of Sri Lanka. The launch of our first sub-brand STHRI by Selyn is just the start of it!

What is the STHRI collective about?

STHRI is a collective, powered and curated by Selyn, which brings together ethical fashion designers and social brands with the mission to empower the women of Sri Lanka. It is empowered fashion, for women by women.

Who is the muse for the STHRI collective?

We are inspired by the working woman of Sri Lanka; those who work with us, those who buy from us and all of those who struggle everyday at work places and at home to make a better life for themselves and their families. 

What is the concept behind STHRI?

This story is from the Series 15 Volume 5 2017 edition of Hi Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Series 15 Volume 5 2017 edition of Hi Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HI MAGAZINEView All
Hi Magazine

Kalukanda House A LABOUR OF LOVE

“Experience the creative and spiritual beauty in Sri Lanka through conscious travel with Kalukanda House” Dee Gibson, owner of Kalukanda House

time-read
4 mins  |
Series 19 Volume 4 - 2021
BENDING IT LIKE BECKHAM
Hi Magazine

BENDING IT LIKE BECKHAM

THE BRIT SRI LANKAN BANDARA BOYS ON PLAYING FOR WATFORD FC AND WHY FOOTBALL REMAINS THEIR OBSESSION

time-read
8 mins  |
Series 19 Volume 4 - 2021
Making A Statement
Hi Magazine

Making A Statement

KLÄDER CEYLON’S DESIGNER MARLIN CHRIS CREATES A BOLD COLLECTION FOR THE MAN WHO DARES TO BE DIFFERENT

time-read
2 mins  |
Series 19 Volume 4 - 2021
The world's youngest couturier
Hi Magazine

The world's youngest couturier

Sri Lankan-Italian designer Andrea Brocca’s graduate collection had the world’s fashion press swooning over him. Awarded the title of the World’s Youngest Couturier by Guinness World Records, the prodigy who dressed Lady Gaga for the cover of Billboard magazine speaks exclusively to Features Editor, Tina Edward Gunawardhana on his meteoric rise in the fashion world

time-read
10 mins  |
Series 19 Volume 4 - 2021
An advocate for diversity
Hi Magazine

An advocate for diversity

TV AND FILM PRODUCER, HIP-HOP ARTISTE, TV TRAVEL SHOW HOST AND CHILDREN’S AUTHOR RUBY LOVELL USES HER OWN CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES OF DIFFICULTIES IN ASSIMILATING TO BECOME A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR DIVERSITY IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE WITH HER COLLECTION OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS PUBLISHED IN THE UK

time-read
7 mins  |
Series 19 Volume 4 - 2021
Champion diver
Hi Magazine

Champion diver

YASHODA DE SILVA IS SRI LANKA’S UNDISPUTED DIVING CHAMPION. WITH HER EYES SET ON WINNING MORE MEDALS YASHODA REMAINS STEADFAST IN HER TRAINING REGIMENT IN AUSTRALIA

time-read
4 mins  |
Series 19 Volume 4 - 2021
CREATING A vibe FOR THE fashion tribe
Hi Magazine

CREATING A vibe FOR THE fashion tribe

KARMA COLLECTION FOUNDERS SEEMA MOCERI AND TIVON PRASAD REVEAL THEIR FASHION PLANS

time-read
5 mins  |
Series 19 Volume 4 - 2021
The Priestly ARTIST
Hi Magazine

The Priestly ARTIST

LTP MANJUSRI A DOYEN OF SRI LANKAN ART

time-read
7 mins  |
Series 19 Volume 4 - 2021
The Lady sings the blues
Hi Magazine

The Lady sings the blues

HAVING SUNG FOR THE QUEEN AT THE MILLENNIUM COUNTDOWN IN LONDON, AND PERFORMED WITH THE LIKES OF SIR VAN MORRISON, JAMIE CULLUM AND BURT BACHARACH, DOCTOR TURNED MUSICIAN SUMUDU JAYATILAKA HAS JUST RELEASED HER NEW ALBUM ‘FOR ALL WE KNOW’

time-read
8 mins  |
Series 19 Volume 4 - 2021
World Traveller
Hi Magazine

World Traveller

AWARD WINNING MUSICIAN AND COMPOSER NITIN SAWHNEY COMBINES ASIAN AND OTHER WORLDWIDE INFLUENCES WITH ELEMENTS OF JAZZ AND ELECTRONIC TO CREATE SUBLIMINAL MUSIC. HE HAS JUST CONCLUDED ‘JOURNEYS’, A CONCERT AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL TO CELEBRATE 150 YEARS OF IMMIGRATION. SAWHNEY EXPLORES THEMES OF MULTICULTURALISM, POLITICS AND SPIRITUALITY THROUGH HIS MUSIC. HE HAS RELEASED HIS NEW ALBUM ‘IMMIGRANTS’.

time-read
2 mins  |
Series 19 Volume 4 - 2021