Co-founder Hugh Koh and brand director Jack Gan reflect on the biggest lessons from their time at Pestle Mortar.

Pestle Mortar, also known as Pestle & Mortar Clothing or PMC, is one of the pioneers in Malaysia’s streetwear scene. It has built its reputation for its innovative designs, often bringing together international brands with Southeast Asian talents. Highlights include its collaborative projects with KFC, Ultraman, Chagee, AirAsia, Mokky’s Pizza, and Honda.

In 2025, the local brand announced a major rebrand–entering a new era with “a new look” but the “same heart”. Under this refreshed direction, it released a new collection entitled ‘Us’, a series of elevated essentials. Pestle Mortar in its latest iteration is a reflection of his own style, which has changed since he launched the brand as a 25-year-old more than a decade ago, explains co-founder Hugh Koh. However, he does not plan to forget Pestle Mortar’s roots. Far from it, in fact.

To celebrate its 15th-year anniversary, Pestle Mortar held a party in Kuala Lumpur, at which they released a commemorative book, sharing its origin story and revisiting past designs and projects over the years. It also released the Pestle Mortar x Diadora collection, comprising of caps and football shirts which bring together Malaysian culture, such as the songket pattern and Jawi script, with the heritage of 2000s Italian football. The Jawi script spells out the phonetics “PMC”, representing Pestle Mortar Clothing.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Koh shares, “Fifteen years in, we’re still driven by the same things. Making pieces that feel honest and connected to real life. Working with Diadora felt right because there’s a shared understanding of heritage and movement. This collection reflects where we are now, not just where we’ve been.”

Harper’s BAZAAR Malaysia managed to catch Koh and Pestle Mortar’s brand director Jack Gan at the brand’s anniversary party. They share the biggest takeaways from their time at the helm of the local brand.

“You just have to go out there, have fun, do what you love, and just keep creating!” says Koh.

Gan agrees, adding: “Never be afraid to fail. The perseverance element is important in running a business.”

Watch on to see our POV of Pestle Mortar’s 15th anniversary party.

 

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The Pestle Mortar x Diadora collection is available for purchase at its store at APW Bangsar and online.