For more than five decades, the Kandygs family has played a prominent role in preserving and innovating Sri Lanka’s handloom weaving tradition. The latest chapter in their story comes through Manali, a bespoke bridal saree collection launched by third-generation designer Dinuri Nanayakkara and her sister, Isuri.
The origins of Kandygs trace back to 1971 when Sita Yahampath, a schoolteacher, and Felix Yahampath, a police officer, began weaving in their backyard in Maharagama with minimal resources and no formal training. Over time, their determination and craftsmanship earned Kandygs a reputation for quality, leading to the opening of their first showroom in Colombo by 1976 and the commencement of exports to countries including Norway, Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan by 1980. Sita’s contributions to the craft were recognized with several accolades, including a Presidential Export Award.
The second generation brought new perspectives and techniques into the family business. Anuradha Yahampath, trained in design at Leeds, introduced bamboo fiber as a novel material for handloom weaving nearly two decades ago. Bamboo yarn, spun from bamboo pulp, offers a softness and sheen similar to silk, although it requires exceptional skill to weave due to its delicate nature. This innovation expanded the potential of handloom textiles beyond traditional cotton to include luxurious, modern alternatives.
Manali, the bridal collection developed by Dinuri and Isuri, embodies both tradition and innovation. Each saree is handwoven on a loom, a process that can take up to ten days to set up and several more days to complete the weaving. The patterns are integrated into the fabric itself, employing intricate coordination of foot pedals and hand movements. The collection caters not only to brides but also to the broader wedding party, including mothers and guests, with designs that complement one another without overshadowing.
The sisters emphasize customization, working closely with clients to translate personal stories and preferences into one-of-a-kind pieces. Clients may bring mood boards, heirloom fabrics, or specific colors to inspire their sarees. The available color palette ranges from subtle hues like sage green and blush pink to vibrant traditional reds and deep oranges, aligning with the aesthetic demands of Sri Lankan weddings.
Isuri notes that the Manali bride seeks authenticity in her attire, whether favoring minimalistic elegance or more elaborately embellished designs. Each bespoke saree typically requires two to four weeks from consultation to completion. The family aspires for their sarees to retain emotional significance decades after they are first worn, with the ability to be worn again in different styles or life stages without feeling dated.
Manali by Kandygs is available at the Kandygs Thirasara Island showroom in Thimbirigasyaya and online through their website. The collection reflects a legacy not only of craftsmanship but also of a family’s commitment to sustaining and evolving Sri Lanka’s handloom heritage.