The Agency Sri Lanka celebrated its fifth anniversary on 5 December 2020. As part of its anniversary celebrations, The Agency Sri Lanka launched its concept digital calendar, titled “Dynasty”.
Founded in 2015 by Anjuli Flamer-Caldera, The Agency Sri Lanka is a progressive talent management company whose goal is to uplift and formalise the talent management industry in Sri Lanka. In the last five years, they have represented and managed many talented models, actors, influencers, celebrities, stylists, and hair and make-up artists, as well as photographers. The Agency Sri Lanka currently represents talent based in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.
The 12 months of this specially-curated calendar depict 12 epic tales from the great Sri Lankan dynasties, dating as far back as the Fifth Century B.C. Every month in the calendar will be denoted by the corresponding Sri Lankan names – Duruthu, Navam, Medin, and others.
The calendar will portray many epic tales that trace their roots in the three books that record the great dynasties of the island’s history – the Mahavamsa, Dipavamsa and the Culavamsa.
Each image will feature renowned individuals and thought-provoking situations from the island’s heritage in a modernised, avant-garde setting, and with fashion-forward styling. All of these interesting aspects will focus on showcasing homegrown creativity, photography, talent, faces, and artistry that stem from The Agency Sri Lanka. All the images were captured by photographers, and feature models, all part of The Agency Sri Lanka’s portfolio. The gorgeous cultural-based outfits that adorn the models in the pictures are all sourced from the island’s leading designers.
Wunderman Thompson Sri Lanka Creative Director Brandon Ingram conceptualised, and was the creative force behind, this piece, which was photographed and brought to life by the creative Jonathan and Ryan Wijayaratne of You’re My Favorite. Commenting on the concept of the calendar, Ingram said: “We often look to the West for inspiration on creativity, but there is so much of rich culture and history to be inspired by, right here at home.”
He added that The Agency was the perfect client to explore this with, as they are a Sri Lankan company that delivers international standards. He further stated: “What better way to showcase the beginning of their creative dynasty, their first half-decade, than to fuse them with the tales of our dynastic past.” 
The first month, January (Duruthu), titled “Aarambaya”, meaning the beginning, depicts the story of Kuveni’s arrival to Sri Lanka. The designing for the models outfits was done by Lois London and Radisi Fashion, while the hair and make-up were styled by Dominique Sedra and Saima Rashid Bargfrede.
The month of February (Navam) will spin the story of the love of Saliya and Asokamala, while March (Medin) will showcase the power and bravery of Queen Viharamahadevi. For the month corresponding with Vesak, the ruler Parakramabahu VI shows his love for literature and poetry.
Each month will showcase an aspect of Sri Lanka that has been buried and forgotten amongst the hustle and bustle of modern day life. Watch out for other historic characters like Kashyapa and Moggallana, King Buddhadasa and Kusumasana Devi, the last queen of Sri Lanka, that make an appearance in the Dynasty calendar.
The Agency Sri Lanka Founder and CEO Anjuli Flamer-Caldera shared: “The Dynasty calendar showcases the international standards of the models represented by the company, whose roots and DNA are very much Sri Lankan.”
Moreover, she added, this shoot was a collaboration with designers who represent modern Sri Lankan fashion, conceptualised in a way that aims to shed the spotlight on our many skilled homegrown creators. She informed us that the entire project has brought together various partners, who have worked with The Agency Sri Lanka over the past five years, and been part of their journey as the country’s premier homegrown talent management platform.
This digital calendar will be made available to download on The Agency Sri Lanka’s website (theagencysrilanka.com), accompanied by a significant social media campaign that will unfold throughout the year.
Photos by The Agency Sri Lanka