27/04/2025

theSunday Special ? ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2025

He names three defining moments, “The introduction of my Petang Raya shows, the privilege of designing for our royalty and participating in Fashion Week in Europe.” It’s worth pausing here. Because Pet ang Raya , which now holds a cult-like following, didn’t just introduce contem porary twists to traditional wear – it gave Malaysians the privilege to reimagine culture. It made the Baju Kurung cool, luxurious and runway-worthy. Designing IRU UR\DOW\" 7KDW Ḋ UPHG KLV VWDWXV DW home. And stepping onto Europe’s most coveted fashion stages? That was the moment Bernard transcended nationality and became a designer, period. His work often straddles two worlds. On the one hand, there are the deeply rooted cultural codes of Malaysia, such as rich brocades, traditional silhouettes and ceremonial undertones. On the other, there’s the polished sheen of European education and global fashion vocabulary. “From growing up in Malaysia to being educated in Europe, I have had the privilege of being exposed to the diversity of Malaysia as well as European culture. These inspirations and exposure helped inform my ability to create an aesthetic that appeals to an international audience while showcasing traditional inspirations.” But Chandran is not one to romanticise the journey. Nor does he believe in over-strategising creativity. Asked what the biggest challenge was in breaking into global fashion, he shrugs LW R̆ ³, QHYHU VDZ LW DV D FKDOOHQJH , MXVW kept doing it and believing in it.” That belief – the quiet, stubborn kind has become the backbone of his brand. He doesn’t chase applause. He doesn’t follow trends. “I don’t look at trends, I just follow my gut,” he says, without a hint of pretension. “Keep believing in your work and don’t be afraid to rework and redo it. Don’t worry about fame and fortune, it will come naturally.” He is refreshingly grounded for someone who’s dressed everyone from royalty to celebrities. W KHQ DVNHG ZKDW KH ZHDUV R̆ GXW\ the reply was instant: “I wear what I want all day, every day. I’m a fashion designer. You’d expect nothing less.”

Amid the swirling shifts of fashion, from couture to click-to-cart, slow fashion to microtrends, Chandran remains a compass. He’s not static, though, far from it. “With the evolving landscape, as an experienced designer, I remain open minded and embrace new technologies and younger audiences,” he says. “Social media and fast fashion have revolutionised the fashion industry, mak ing it more accessible and affordable, thereby expanding the fashion market. This accessibility eventually leads to consumers’ desire for quality and au thenticity.” While many brands are now scrambling to embrace sustainability, Chandran’s been there for decades. “My brand has practised sustainability since 1998. We don’t waste fabrics. We recycle or upcycle in many forms.” For him, it’s not a trend, it’s just how things should be done. Despite several decades and collections in, Bernard doesn’t rest on reputation. “New environments and new tools help evolve the process. Alongside consistent practice, don’t stop to look right or left – enjoy it. I always challenge myself creatively.” And if you’re wondering where he gets his endless reservoir of inspiration, it’s not from Pinterest boards or Paris street style. “My family,” he says simply when asked what keeps him going. So, what’s next for Bernard Chandran? “Expect the unexpected,” he says with a smile. He doesn’t elaborate and he doesn’t need to. With a career built not on fol lowing formulas but breaking them, he has never been one to give you what you think you want. Instead, he delivers what you didn’t know you needed. And in that, he remains – as ever – ahead of the curve.

R ĢĢŊãßϰÿěϰX¾ē¾ũłÿ¾μϰľãżěãßϰÿěϰ&ŏľĢĻãμ the designer blends cultural richness with a global perspective.

Chandran ... “I don’t look at trends, I just follow my gut.”