Enoka Fonseka has graced the prestigious red carpet of the world-famous Cannes Fashion Festival since 2018.
Her path has been nothing short of a fantastic roller- coaster ride, with both highs and lows. Despite this, she credits her extraodinary achievement to the everlasting support of her cherished family, specially her loving and supporting husband, Chaminda Caldera. (The second son of late veteran singer Henry Caldera).
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself?
A: I am Enoka Fonseka and I am a fashion designer. I think I have a generous personality. I am not just a designer but also a makeup artist and a skilled hairdresser. My creativity and unique designs have earned me the honour of taking part in The Cannes International Fashion Festival multiple times. I have proudly represented Sri Lanka at Cannes since 2018 to-date.
My journey has been a roller coaster ride, with ups and downs, but I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family, especially her husband, Chaminda Caldera and my two little daughters. My signature designs, featuring luxurious floral headpieces with elegant gowns, have graced glamorous red carpets and European fashion models.
Q: What does “being a creative fashion designer” mean to you?
A: Being a creative fashion designer, for me, means embracing my imagination and inspiration to manifest beautiful outcomes in my designs. I find new elements and perspectives to make my fashion stand out uniquely. Despite facing challenges, my determination and passion have led me to showcase my collections at prestigious events like The 76th International Fashion Festival Red Carpet in 2023.
Q: What is your greatest weakness?
A: My greatest weakness lies in my oversensitivity, yet I remain committed to helping others to climb the social ladder even though it often feels like I am subjected to rough and merciless comments, where kindness and understanding are nowhere to be found from the people I have helped.My greatest accomplishment includes walking the red carpet at Cannes with my models, showcasing my collection “ENOKA”
Q: Who is your biggest support system
A: With true love exemplified by my husband, I still believe in true love .My husband is my biggest support system and I don’t know where I would be without my husband by my side.Until I design all the masterpieces my husband takes care of my kids even if he is doing a full time job. I should mention about my parents and my sister as well.Specially my father who passed away back in 2016,I always believe that he continues to watch over me from heaven and I always feel like he is guiding and filling me with strength from heaven.
Q: What is your favourite part in designing
A: As a designer, my favourite part is sketching every day, embracing the artistic and technical aspects of my work.
Q: Why did you think of designing clothes for women ?
A: When women wear my designs, I want them to feel confident and empowered. Starting my own line was not a fearful experience for me; I embraced stepping out of my comfort zone and I want all the women to come out of their comfort zone and give it a shot and see how amazingly their lives would change for the better.
Q: Why did you choose Paris as a fashion designer back then?
A: Paris holds a special place in the world of fashion, and for me , it is the ideal place to establish an international brand. My journey in the city of fashion, Cannes, continues to inspire young designers who aspire to follow in my footsteps.
Q: What do you think of your journey from Sri Lanka to France ?
A: I was born in Negombo, Sri Lanka. I serve as the ultimate inspiration for aspiring young designers in a vibrant city like France. With my unique colourful flower designs, I bring immense happiness to my fellow Sri Lankans and proudly represent my country on foreign soil.Specially I want to highlight the fact that it does not matter where you are born in, yet if you are willing to work hard you can reach for the stars.My talents know no bounds as I envision, nurture, and grow my creative dreams. It’s not just about my iconic brand; it’s about my unwavering passion for what I do, keeping me awake at night, fueled by my love for my passion for designing.
Q: What is your motto in your life?
A: Love what you do and design whatever makes you happy and go the extra mile to make the women beautiful who showcase your designs.
Q: Who helped you to showcase your talents at the 2023 Cannes festival?
A: I am grateful and thankful for my models Jade Bricard who was wearing a satin pleated orange dress and the model Soltana Samira who was wearing a silk satin pearl rose dress. And also I should be thankful for photographers Jerome Kyriacos and Gilles Kyriacos.I must be eternally grateful for Anne Gomis & Alain Zirah for organizing the Off De Cannes event as well.
Q: Would you like to talk about your experience at Paris Fashion Week?
A: When I talk about Paris fashion week I should talk about Rex Cristy Fernando who is one of the best organizers of the event and I have been working with him since 2015. Therefore, I should be grateful to my friend Rexy as well and of course my amazing models and my photographers who helped me to excel in the fashion arena.
Q: What advice would you offer to aspiring designers if you could go back in time?
A: My only advice is to develop a strong passion for a specific niche in the vast world of design, where you can carve your own path and develop a unique style that speaks to your character.
Accept the art of continuous learning, constantly seeking for new techniques and ways to improve your skills, since it is only through this continuing development that you will prosper. Talk to other designers and fashion enthusiasts to immerse yourself in the industry’s dynamic tapestry. Immerse yourself in fashion events, trends and classic design realms.