Meet the region's leading fashion designers
His multi-cultural background inspires Bernard Chandran to blend Chinese, Malay and Indian influences in his designs.
Having studied fashion at the Paris American Academy, Chandran learned couture at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture's school and founded his own label in 1993. He established his own couture house in Kuala Lumpur and built a successful business with a loyal following among the rich, including the royal families of Brunei and Malaysia. He won his first award in 1991, when he became the first Malaysian to win the Open European Contest for Look of the Year 2000. He was also 1993 Designer of the Year at the Malaysian International Fashion Awards.
Chandran opened a store in London's Knightsbridge last year, offering ready-to-wear and bespoke creations.
Most of his materials are sourced in Europe, and his accessories come from India. His extravagant, colourful creations are made with chiffon, organza and silk embellished with beads, stones and ribbons.
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