During this year’s summer edition of Colombo’s Fashion Week held from March 28th to April 1st at the  Shangri-La Venue in Colombo, a collaboration has been showcased between designer Sharmila Ruberu of Meraki and Chupa Chups of Perfetti Van Melle, a first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Inspired by the vibrance and playfulness of the ‘Forever Fun’ confectionery brand ‘Chupa Chups’, the collection showcased the brand’s signature personality fused together with the unique design aesthetic that Meraki is known for.  

The collection is titled ‘Sensurreal’ with a wink to Salvador Dalí, the famous designer of the Chupa Chups logo. Eight female and four male outfits were presented with a whirl of colour that  mesmerised the audience at the catwalk held on March 31st  at the Colombo Fashion Week 2023.  

Leaving a lasting impression on all attendees and stakeholders involved in the fashion industry of Sri Lanka, Sensurreal was a prime example of how cross-industry collaborations can push the boundaries of creativity. Sharmila Ruberu, Founder of Meraki, commented, “I had a great deal of fun working on this collection with both CFW and Perfetti teams. In the Sensurreal collection the senses are heightened and taken to a whole new level in a colourful and vibrant context. I hope that this collaboration opens the doors for other designers to question what is the norm and push themselves to even greater heights.” 

Speaking about this ground breaking initiative, Mohit Bhalla, Country Manager of Perfetti Van Melle Lanka Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to partner with Colombo Fashion Week and Sharmila, which represents a unique collaboration in Sri Lanka that embodies the spirit of our beloved and forever fun Chupa Chups brand.” 

Meanwhile, Christine Cool, Licensing Area Manager of Perfetti Van Melle, added, “Sharmila has elevated the Chupa Chups brand to sheer poetry with this beautiful fashion collection. By adding touches of vibrant colour and iconic elements of the brand to the delicate fabrics of her silhouettes, she evokes the thrill of anticipation when you open the lollipop wrapper and are about to indulge yourself.” 

ABOUT PERFETTI VAN MELLE GROUP
The global confectionery group Perfetti Van Melle is a privately-owned company producing and distributing candies and chewing gum in more than 150 countries worldwide and it owns many much loved brands, of which several build successful licensing programs in key markets across the globe.  

Chupa Chups has been conquering the heart and taste of kids and teens since 1958. The brand has become world famous for its round lollipops in many flavours and the flower shaped logo which was designed by the famous artist Salvador Dalí in the late sixties. 

Chupa Chups’ characteristic flavour profile is also ideal to bring credibility and to inspire innovative food and beverage products that never fail to stand out on retail shelves.  

For further information, contact Anna Amat, Licensing Coordinator at PVM Licensing Division: anna.amat@es.pvmgrp.com or visit our web  http://www.pvmlicensing.com, Instagram or LinkedIn account @perfettivanmellelicencing. #pvmlicensing 

ABOUT COLOMBO FASHION WEEK
Colombo Fashion Week is a developmental platform that started in 2003 and celebrates 20 years this year and has contributed significantly to creating a fashion ecosystem in Sri Lanka where over 80% of designers we see today are products of the CFW platform.