Fashion is more than clothing; it is a reflection of identity, legacy, and passion. For Prithi Fernando, Founder and Creative Director of Prenita Chic, fashion is deeply personal, entwined with family heritage and her own journey. Inspired by her mother, Mrs. Nita Fernando, Sri Lanka’s pioneering fashion entrepreneur, Prithi has revived Prenita Fashions as Prenita Chic, offering international designer wear to Colombo while ensuring that every purchase contributes to charity. In this exclusive Q&A, she shares her inspiration, vision, and insights on balancing elegance, culture, and purpose.
Q What inspired you to start Prenita Fashions, and how has your vision evolved since its inception?
Fashion has always been in my blood. My greatest inspiration was my mother, Mrs. Nita Fernando, who in 1968 became the first lady in Sri Lanka to open a fully imported saree boutique; Prenita Fashions. As a little girl, I would watch her dress women in the finest sarees, and I can still remember the joy and pride in their faces. That elegance stayed with me. Later, I carried the same passion, but at that time, I had devoted myself fully to my beloved Mr. A.G. Ratnapala Samaraweera, who was my strength and encouragement. Because of that commitment, I couldn’t continue the store then. After he passed, I felt an emptiness, a loneliness… and that’s when I knew it was time to bring Prenita back to life. Today, I have revived it with a new vision; modern, stylish, yet full of purpose. Every purchase at Prenita Chic goes entirely to charity.
Q After the relaunch in Colombo, how would you describe the new identity of Prenita?
The new identity, Prenita Chic, carries the same spirit my mother began, but with a fresh vibe. It’s about giving Colombo a taste of international fashion; designer wear, party wear, and statement pieces that are both stylish and affordable. Stepping into Prenita Chic should feel like entering a little corner of Milan or Paris, right here in Colombo. What makes it most meaningful is that 100% of profits go to charity. This isn’t just business for me; it’s my hobby, my passion, and my way of giving back.
Q What gap in the Sri Lankan fashion market do you hope Prenita Chic fills?
Sri Lankans love global fashion, but it often feels out of reach with the prices abroad. I wanted to bridge that gap, to bring the same quality and exclusivity right here to Colombo, at prices that feel more accessible.
Q Can you share the story behind the name ‘Prenita’?
The name Prenita is very personal. It’s a blend of two names; mine, Prithi, and my mother’s, Nita. To me, it’s more than just a name; it’s a symbol of our bond, our shared love for fashion, and a reminder that style is always timeless when it’s connected to meaning.
Q Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
From two places, first, the international runways and fashion hubs I follow, and second, from the everyday grace of Sri Lankan women. I always keep my mother’s impeccable taste in mind, because she taught me that elegance should never go out of style.
Q How do you balance global fashion with local culture?
Even though every item is imported, I choose with Sri Lankan women in mind. I look for pieces that feel international but still carry a sense of our own culture, elegance, and practicality.
Q What is your process when curating a new collection?
I personally handpick each piece from international fashion hubs. For me, quality, elegance, and affordability must come together. I want every customer to feel that what they buy is special, yet wearable with confidence.
Q Why did you decide to relaunch now?
Honestly, it was very personal. After losing my beloved partner, I felt alone. Fashion has always been my passion, and bringing back Prenita became both healing and purposeful for me. And because all profits go to charity, this isn’t about business; it’s my way of keeping my mother’s and my own passion alive, while also making a difference.
Q How is Prenita Chic different from other fashion stores in Colombo?
Exclusivity, affordability, and purpose. Everything is imported, carefully chosen, and priced reasonably. But unlike most, here every purchase contributes to charity. Customers are not just shopping; they’re also giving.
Q What is different now compared to the original Prenita Fashions?
The original Prenita was famous for imported sarees. Prenita Chic is broader, we offer designer wear, party wear, and modern global collections. It’s a new era, designed for today’s woman.
Q Which part of this relaunch excites you most?
Seeing women walk out with pieces that make them feel beautiful and confident, knowing that at the same time, they’ve contributed to something meaningful. That’s what excites me the most.
Q How do you see Sri Lanka’s fashion industry in the next five years?
I see it becoming more inclusive and globally recognized. With the rise of digital platforms, Sri Lankan designers have the chance to shine internationally. My dream is to see Colombo on the map as a fashion-forward hub.
Q What challenges do you face running a boutique brand in Colombo?
The biggest challenge is balancing affordability with high quality. But I see it as a challenge worth pursuing, it pushes me to be creative and thoughtful.
Q Can Sri Lankan fashion compete with international labels?
Definitely. We have so much raw talent here. With the right opportunities, Sri Lankan fashion can proudly stand alongside global labels.
Q How do you balance being both founder and creative director?
As founder, I carry the vision. As creative director, I live in the details. Both roles let me honour my mother’s legacy while shaping something modern and purposeful.
Q What has been your most rewarding moment so far?
Reopening Prenita Chic in honour of my mother, while carrying my beloved partner’s memory in my heart. To see women embrace fashion that also does good; it’s been truly rewarding.
Q Who inspires you the most?
Of course, I admire international designers, but my greatest inspiration will always be my mother. Her courage, elegance, and pioneering vision set the foundation for everything I do today.
Q What’s your message to young Sri Lankan women entering fashion?
Be fearless, be authentic. Fashion is not just about wearing trends, it’s about expressing who you are. If you follow your heart and add purpose to your work, the possibilities are endless. Remember, elegance with meaning never goes out of style.
Prenita Chic is more than a boutique, it is a living legacy, a bridge between international fashion and local culture, and a platform for giving back. Through Prithi Fernando’s vision, Colombo women can enjoy global trends while making a difference, proving that style and purpose can go hand in hand.
