Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran has maintained his reign as Malaysia’s “King of Fashion” with a career beginning in the early 1990s. Since then, his influence and talent have only increased, earning him numerous recognitions and accolades, while serving as an inspiration to aspiring young designers. In the last few years, Chandran 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.

But can a fashion designer be a style icon? When he is Bernard Chandran, the answer is a resounding yes. His distinctive and unconventional choices have earned him a place on Tatler’s Asia’s Most Stylish 2022 list. Known for playing by his own rules, Chandran’s fashion philosophy stems from the principle that style is more than just one’s wardrobe. “I don’t dress to fit in, I push boundaries and test the waters,” he says. But to truly understand his impact is to appreciate his advice that stands the test of time: “I want to leave behind a legacy—not just a designer but also as a creator.”

Jewellery: Panthère de Cartier