27/04/2025

theSunday Special II ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2025

“M Y parents were conservative but inspired,” Bernard Chandran shares. “What I mean by that is they never in their wildest dreams thought being a fashion designer could be a successful career path, yet they always had a keen eye for good workmanship, HVSHFLDOO\ P\ PRWKHU ´ ,W¶V D ¿WWLQJ VWDUW from the man who has spent decades turning fabric into emotion, heritage into modern silhouettes and Malaysia into a quiet but potent presence on the global fashion radar. Growing up, Chandran was captivated not just by the textiles and tailors around him but by the technicolour boldness of ‘80s music videos. “David Bowie and Duran Duran inspired me to go into fashion,” he says. “My vision began with a desire to be like the famous Eu ropean designers and evolved

The needle never sleeps and neither does style Malaysian icon Bernard Chandran shifts tech and sustainability, and still does what he has always done best while trusting his gut, staying grounded and keeping the world guessing

BY theSUNDAY TEAM

into a desire to bring Ma laysian fashion to the international stage.” That evolution didn’t happen overnight. It unfolded through carefully stitched

Social media and fast fashion have revolutionised the fashion industry, making it more accessible and affordable.”

milestones: years of persistence, re invention and unapologetic boldness.

The heart behind the stitch ... Chandran draws strength and inspiration from his family, the quiet force behind every thread and silhouette.