The Sri Lankan design maestro, who is set to do a pop-up exhibition in India in November, talks about his vision, work philosophy, inspirations and more
Udayshanth Fernando, founder, Paradise Road, Image: Courtesy Paradise Road
Udayshanth Fernando’s legacy—Paradise Road, a design store in Sri Lanka’s Colombo—is coming to India as a pop-up exhibition in mid-November. Besides Paradise Road, Fernando’s family, which is considered as the leading design family in Sri Lanka, owns a 10-suite hotel Tintagel; a cafe which is a Geoffrey Bawa structure, designed by Fernando, called The Gallery Café; the concept store PR, founded by Fernando’s older daughter; and, the Saskia Fernando Gallery started by his younger daughter.
Paradise Road began as a modest store specialising in carefully curated antiques and contemporary local handicrafts. Over the years, Fernando has revolutionised the design culture of Sri Lanka, with Paradise Road products now being a quintessential feature in many homes across the country. By reinterpreting traditional crafts and collaborating with artisans from all over the island, he has played a crucial role in the evolution of local design. What brings Fernando immense pride is the fact that even at the age of 70-plus, he continues to personally design most of the items available in his stores, maintaining a hands-on approach to his work.
Fernando’s impact extends beyond local markets, and his innovative approach to handcrafts and homewares has significantly boosted Sri Lanka's design sector, positioning it on an international stage. His restaurants and hotels have drawn the attention of royalty and celebrities from around the globe, enhancing his reputation as a tastemaker. As a passionate art collector and patron, Fernando has also been instrumental in supporting the careers of numerous visual artists.
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In partnership with Living Room Story x Anaita Shroff, Paradise Road is bringing its home decor pieces to Mumbai for the first time. The exclusive three day showcasing will display the design maestro's signature aesthetic through a selection of monochrome palettes, neutral tones, and clean geometric patterns. Bringing a distinguished collection of chic home decor, unique antiques, and locally crafted pieces, the showcase promises to introduce a sophisticated touch of Colombo to the Indian design landscape, offering a rare glimpse into the artistry that has transformed Colombo’s most prestigious landmarks.