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ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Fashion History / Sri Lankan History / Cultural Studies / Art History

Book Review:
Dr. Priyanka Virajini Medagedara Karunaratne's Fashion of Royalty is a pioneering and beautifully crafted work that opens a fascinating window onto a little-explored aspect of Sri Lankan history: the world of royal fashion. The Kotte Kingdom (1412-1597) was a period of great cultural and political significance, but the material culture of its court—especially its dress—has been largely neglected. Karunaratne, one of Sri Lanka's first PhDs in Fashion Design, corrects this oversight with meticulous scholarship and evident passion. Drawing on her doctoral research, she reconstructs the garments, textiles, jewelry, and accessories of the Kotte royalty, showing how fashion was not merely decorative but a powerful expression of identity, status, and power. The book places fashion in its broader historical context, revealing how it reflected the kingdom's social structures, cultural values, and international connections. Karunaratne's academic credentials are impeccable: a first-class degree from Peradeniya, a PhD from Moratuwa, and postgraduate training at the University of the Arts London. This book is a testament to her expertise. For fashion historians, Sri Lankan history buffs, and anyone interested in the material culture of power, this is an essential and delightful read. Highly recommended.