She has always been a rebel at heart though there hasn’t always been a cause. So it was natural for a 19-year-old making her debut in the fashion industry to reflect her character in her label – yes, there was logic behind Ruchira Karunaratne’s brand ‘Rebel.’

Counting 20 years in the industry today, she has steadfastly focussed her collections on being a tribute to women and their femininity. Intricately handcrafted and best seen in Ruchira’s favourite colour palette of champagne, gold, pink, black, red and white, Rebel has evolved from ready-to-wear clothes to customised designer dresses… with a ‘rebellious’ touch, of course.

Ruchira has been through ups and downs in life but maintains that each chapter made her stronger, as well as more adept at understanding life’s nuances. Meditation, listening to bana and steeping herself in the philosophy of Buddhism have been the building blocks of Ruchira’s practical outlook on life

However, work always takes precedence because she’s passionate about it; and it’s the reason she wakes up in the morning brimming with exuberance.

Though she was born in Ratnapura, her parents relocated to Colombo to ensure that their daughters received a good education. And Ruchira didn’t disappoint when she excelled in the Grade 5 scholarship exam, and gained entry to Visakha Vidyalaya.

But at 12, Ruchira’s mind turned from conventional academics to creative spheres as evidenced by her books that were filled with fashion sketches, which led to many a reprimand from her teachers.

The rebel in her persisted nevertheless; and today, it’s fashion that has taken her into the spotlight and onto the ramp as a designer.

Single and “happily divorced,” Ruchira has an enviable recipe for the joy she exudes through her naturally affable personality. She lives next door to her parents with the love of her life Kalu – an eight-year-old female rescue dog she adopted a few months ago.