TRUNK Opens at Ramada

The second branch of TRUNK, a boutique store was opened recently at Ramada Hotel by the founder and the sole proprietor of the store Kasunchana Wijeywardena.

The boutique that has a collection of jewellery, designer wears, mementoes, and accessories from around the world had opened its first branch at Cinnamon Grand hotel Colombo in 2008 before the removal of its branch at Galle Face Hotel as a result of the renovation.

The result of one woman’s extraordinary vision, TRUNK, features classic international designers while also giving local designers a beautiful and creative space in which to showcase their work be it clothing, jewellery, souvenirs or accessories.

Since the new branch lacks the beauty of fashion and clothing, the founder said that she will bring them into the store in another few months of time.

Kasunchana is no stranger to the world of fashion and retail. Beginning her journey in a distinctly different environment of retail at a Habitat on Kings Road Chelsea, she rubbed shoulders with rock and roll likes of Yasmin and Simon Le Bon, while simultaneously completing a Maths degree.

Speaking on her vision for TRUNK Kasunchana says, “having moved to Sri Lanka, I felt a void in the local fashion industry, where there seemed to be little support for talented local designers and manufacturers.

I decided to start a boutique retail outlet that showcased, along with premier international brands, the work of a range of local designers, featuring pieces that encapsulate the authenticity, essence and the beauty of the island. Now, just seven years after I opened Trunk, I am elated to see how the local design industry is flourishing, as more people are proud to buy and wear local brands.”

Kasunchana went about setting up and conceptualizing trunk backed by years of hard work, and the extensive experience she gained overseas. While working her way up the ranks at Habitat, and later as a buyer at Selfridges (large shop where many types of goods are sold in different departments on Oxford Street, London) under the tutelage of Vittorio Radice, (a United Kingdom-based Italian businessman and retail manager, who at various times managed Habitat, part of Marks and Spencer and Selfridges) she had the opportunity to work with brilliant architects such as Rachid Din, Christian Liagre and future president in the fashion council of India.