A diverse kaleidoscope of culture seamlessly folds into an expression layered with tradition and modernity in Bernard Chandran’s latest collection, Unmatched.
As the collection’s title suggests, Bernard Chandran’s unmatched skill and perspective remain a regal ode to contemporary Malay fashion, where old and new come together. The collection honours traditional Malay wear while broadening horizons to carve its space in the modern fashion realm.
It all started when Chandran was once faced with the suggestion that Malaysian women who wear the outfit tend to be nondescript when reflecting on traditional Malay wear. “I thought I would never come back to Malaysia. It was freedom”, shares the designer in a statement as he reflects his days as a student in Paris in the ’90s. “But when I was there, I learnt that their fashion reflected their lifestyle. When I realised that, I felt that I needed to come back to Malaysia, which is my own culture. Malaysia needed me more than Paris needed me.”
With an unwavering determination to rid these perceptions, a vision that involved breaking the rules and a distinctive point of view, he returned to Malaysia, championing an identity for contemporary Malay fashion. Ever since, with heritage and evolving style preferences held at its heart, Bernard Chandran’s craft flourished into a trailblazing breakthrough in the industry.
Explore the collection here :
Intricate designs meld with stylish innovations and an exquisite aesthetic palette to create a visual orchestra, weaving a more-is-less approach to fashion. Unlocking an artistic sphere of finding beauty in the unknown, Bernard Chandran embraces busy and visually complex patterns through deliberate juxtapositions to allow them to stand out in a manner that complements and contrasts each other.
A spectacle of denim dominance makes a bold wave through its fusion with the Baju Kurung and Kebaya’s traditional charm, harmonising its timeless elegance with the rugged versatility of denim. Despite its structured appearance, the garment poses different facets at every turn, showcasing steady symmetry between form and freedom that paints a picture of reinvention. Boasting innovative silhouettes, Unmatched transforms the traditional two-piece attire into a one-piece look with a single zipper. Signifying much more than just a design, the zipper embodies the coexistence of tradition and modernity within the same space.
Inspired by the signature style of women in government departments, Unmatched showcases a clever integration of Baju Kurung and Kebaya with modern jackets and coats that accent the art form of balancing practicality and cultural heritage.
Injecting notes of edgy artistry and pop culture into the collection, expect to see statement-making ripped jeans and ripped sequined Songket in classic Kurung and Kebaya tops. From voluminous sleeves to long coats in ornate brocade, rich embellishments and men’s inspired tailoring dressed in gem beadwork and impeccable hand-worked embroidery tie the collection together through distinctive cameos.
Marking 30 years in the Malay Contemporary fashion scene, Bernard Chandran continues to push the boundaries and make sense of the world’s complexities through fashion. Creating unique stories behind every look comes a pool of cultural reverberance and ideas surrounding notions of freedom, diversity and unity that the acclaimed designer flawlessly immerses into his work.
All images credited to Bernard Chandran.
