Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran

Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran has maintained his reign as Malaysia’s “King of Fashion” with a career beginning in the early 1990s. His ascent in the fashion industry took shape in Paris, where he broke new ground as the first non-European to clinch both the Silk Cut Young Designers Award and the Open European Contest for Look of the Year in 1991. Compelled by a sense of responsibility to return to his roots and elevate the Malaysian fashion landscape, he made his homecoming in 1993 and launched his eponymous label with a mission to revitalise Malay traditional wear—and so he did.

Fast forward to 2024, Chandran marked his 30th year in the fashion game with an exhibition titled Unmatched, featuring 111 exquisite pieces from his archive that have redefined the possibilities of traditional Malay garments.

Throughout his illustrious career, Chandran has earned numerous recognitions and accolades for his contributions to the Malaysian fashion scene, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering force in the fashion industry. His avant-garde designs have caught the attention of global icons, with the likes of Michelle Yeoh and Lady Gaga donning his creations. He has also become known as a major player in the local arts scene, curating inspiring fashion exhibitions as well as organising one of Kuala Lumpur’s biggest art exhibitions, ArtisFair KL.