Datuk Bernard Chandran is one of Malaysia's most famous fashion designers. Currently known as Malaysia's 'Prince of Fashion', his talents have earned him many faithful clients among Malaysia's elite most notably the Royal families of Brunei and Malaysia as well as two former Miss Universe. Bernard Chandran is also a Malaysian television personality. He's known as the chief designer of the reality television show Project Runway Malaysia, since its 2007 debut on 8TV.
Datuk Bernard Chandran | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | Malaysian |
| Label | Bernard Chandran |
| Website | http://www.bernardchandran.com |
Bernard Chandran is of mixed Indian-Chinese parentage. He initally studied fashion in a local fashion collage in Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. During his time at the collage, he was known for his embarrasment and shyness backstage around the undressed models during his initial fashion shows. After honing his skills overseas in Paris, he returned to Malaysia to set-up his maiden shop in KL Plaza. From there, he built up his client base amongst the who's who of Kuala Lumpur, ranging from the rich to royalty. He has now expanded and even has a boutique in London. He regularly shows around the world, although he does tailor his overseas ranges to be more daring than his range for Malaysia.
Early Years
Chandran is of both Indian and Chinese parentage. He grew up in an average Malaysian family. His father wanted him to become an accountant and he almost followed this advice, before briefly considering being a tobacconist, "It's a good career!".
At aged 16, he had already decided he wanted to be a fashion designer and it was just a case of convincing his father. Given three months to prove himself, he arranged his debut show, taking the first steps on the road to becoming Malaysia's top designer. Bernard's father was won over and helped fund his son's studies, with Bernard soon winning a place at the prestigious Paris Fashion School in Paris, France.
He became the first Malaysian to win the 'Open European Contest for Look of the Year 2000' in 1991.
Bernard is only too aware how important this was in starting his career, "Everyone must go to a fashion school to understand the basics of fashion. Not only to learn design, but the history of fashion too". After graduating, he worked at the House of Dior for 6 months, before heading back home to Malaysia.
Fashion Business
The first 'Bernard Chandran' store was just a small rented shop in with a handful of staff. From there he gradually built up his customers and staff, soon expanding internationally. Bernard belives in the importance of creativity, confidence and vision. "I believe in myself. If my heart feels right then I will go with what it says"
In 1993, he launched his label and opened his couture house in KL Plaza, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. His shop in KL Plaza has now expanded to take up 4 shop lots and is nearly 300square meters in area. He was voted Designer of the Year by the Malaysian International Fashion Awards in 2003.[1]
His creations are drawn from Chinese, Malay, Indian and other eastern cultures.
Chandran has also started introducing Europe to his couture with a boutique at swanky Knightsbridge, London. Stocked with sumptuous gowns, gorgeous tops and luxurious skirts, Chandran's unique collection here, which are not even available in Malaysia, delight his European customers with their unique design and vivid colours.
He received his honorific, Datuk, in 2006 when he was awarded the Seri Indera Mahkota Pahang (SIMP) by the Sultan Ahmad Shah Sultan Abu Bakar, the Sultan of Pahang, Malaysia.[2]
Family and Inspiration
He is married to a former model, Mary, and has five children. Bernard is happily married with his Indian wife (who used to model for him also) with 5 children. He is intensely proud of his Indian heritage and has many portraits in his home of him and his family regaled in extravagant historical Indian garb.
"My inspiration comes from my customers...how they move, how they talk, their attitudes, their lifestyles. When I first meet a new customer, I make her understand that I am here to make you look good," [3] Chandran's favourite designers at the moment are Valentino "For his femininity and finishing", and Galliano "He has a great spirit".