Photo credit: Bernard Chandran

Dato' Sri Bernard Chandran’s new collection sparks conversation and explores the diverse Malaysian heritage, in #throwback inspirations of the 70s and 80s.

Till this day, the oldie-but-goodie 70s and 80s remain muses to fashion designers and tastemakers, who still infuse their pieces with the glamour, silhouette and motifs of those eras. This spring/summer, Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran adopts those sentiments into a collection augmented by his diverse Malaysian heritage.

The designer’s background of mixed Chinese and Indian parentage, growing up in a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities unique to Malaysia, adds a dynamic diversity to a cultured collection. Popping colours, patchwork prints, and generous volumes permeate silhouettes inspired by pop culture, consisting of rich patterns of silk and energetic tones of light blue, orange, aqua glass and gold.

See also: A Stitch In Time With Dato' Sri Bernard Chandran and Tanestrran Lournard Chandran

1. MTV Divas

Tatler Asia
Above Photo credit: Bernard Chandran

Semblances of the 80s music video and TV mavens are seen in the oversized lantern sleeves, puffed to voluminous proportions. Tapered into narrow cuffs and slim cut, the overall air is dramatic and feminine.  

2. Scarf sophisticate

Tatler Asia
Photo credit: Bernard Chandran
Above Photo credit: Bernard Chandran

An origami style of scarf cuts featured in silhouettes influenced by the 70s – a riot of vibrant prints and clash of colours translated into a sense of liberation that retained an understated sophistication. Feminine, fun and flattering; the scarf theme went through different lengths of exploration.

3. Canvas of culture

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Photo 1 of 3 Photo credit: Bernard Chandran
Photo 2 of 3 Photo credit: Bernard Chandran
Photo 3 of 3 Photo credit: Bernard Chandran

Upon plunging necklines, high-waisted pairings and padded shoulders, Chandran infused a canvas of Asian delicacies, namely fruits like mangosteen, durian and mackeral and ‘kerawang’ flower motifs. For men, collections are rendered with oriental scenery, geometry and herring print.

See also: 9 Belles Of The Ball Share The Local Designers Behind Their Red Carpet Gowns

4. Gold finesse

Tatler Asia
Photo credit: Bernard Chandran
Above Photo credit: Bernard Chandran
Tatler Asia
Photo credit: Bernard Chandran
Above Photo credit: Bernard Chandran

Only the finest embroideries is fitting for the designer recognised as Malaysia’s King of Fashion. Craftmanship of glass beading, sparkling jewels and diminutive crochet of gold thread are the essential finishes made upon the women’s pieces. In menswear pieces, plastic trimmings add a sportiness to the fabric of silk duchess and cotton bombers.

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