{{Short description|Malaysian fashion designer (born 1968)}} {{Multiple issues| {{fan POV|date=February 2026}} {{promotional|date=February 2026}} {{COI|date=October 2024}}}} {{Use British English|date=September 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}} {{infobox person | image = | caption = | name = Bernard Chandran | honorific_suffix = [[Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang|SSAP]] [[Order of the Crown of Pahang|DIMP]] | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1968|2|27}} | birth_place = [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Malaysia]] | spouse = Datin Sri Mary Lourdes Chandran | death_date = | death_place = | education = Paris American Academy | awards = | website = {{URL|bernardchandran.com}} | native_name = பெர்னார்ட் சந்திரன் | native_name_lang = [[Tamil language]] }}
'''Dato Sri' Bernard Chandran''' ([[Tamil language|Tamil]]: பெர்னார்ட் சந்திரன்; born 27 February 1968) is a [[Malaysians|Malaysian]] fashion designer and television personality of Indian and Chinese origin, best known for modernising Malay traditional dress and presenting his work internationally.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> He founded the Bernard Chandran label in 1993, won the Open European Contest for Look of the Year and the Silk Cut Young Designers Award in 1991, and has been conferred Malaysian honourifics including Dato' (DIMP) and Dato' Sri (SSAP).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Bernard Chandran |url=https://www.bernardchandran.com/about |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=www.bernardchandran.com}}</ref> He is often referred to as Malaysia's 'King of Fashion' and has been profiled by Tatler Asia, Harper's Bazaar Malaysia, Prestige, Options The Edge, and Vogue UK.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Jayatilaka |first=Tania |title=Why These Diwali Traditions By Dato' Sri Bernard Chandran & Family Will Never Go Out Of Style |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/the-scene/people-parties/diwali-traditions-with-dato-sri-bernard-chandran-and-family |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230131064447/https://www.tatlerasia.com/the-scene/people-parties/diwali-traditions-with-dato-sri-bernard-chandran-and-family |archive-date=2023-01-31 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=Tatler Asia |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Teh |first=Janice |date=2022-06-17 |title=Defining Elegance: Bernard Chandran Couture |url=https://harpersbazaar.my/bazaar-man/bernard-chandran/ |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=Harper's BAZAAR Malaysia |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Designer Bernard Chandran's latest high-fashion venture embraces striking designs for men |url=https://www.optionstheedge.com/topic/style/designer-bernard-chandrans-latest-high-fashion-venture-embraces-striking-designs-men |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=www.optionstheedge.com |language=en}}</ref> He gained recognition as the chief designer on the reality television show ''[[Project Runway Malaysia]]'', which premiered on [[8TV (Malaysia)|8TV]] on August 3, 2007.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Khoo |first=Rubin |date=2007-08-03 |title=Fashion TV show to unearth talents |url=http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F7%2F25%2Fcentral%2F18324246&sec=central |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521070545/http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F7%2F25%2Fcentral%2F18324246&sec=central |archive-date=21 May 2011 |access-date=21 May 2011 |website=The Star Online}}</ref> Additionally, Chandran appeared as a guest judge on ''Britain's Next Top Model'', Cycle 6, Episode 12, in which the top three models walked in his fashion show during [[London Fashion Week]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=28 September 2010 |title=Grazia Daily reviews Britain's Next Top Model: Episode Thirteen! |url=http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2010/09/28/grazia-daily-reviews-britain-s-next-top-model--episode-thirteen.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002133954/http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2010/09/28/grazia-daily-reviews-britain-s-next-top-model--episode-thirteen.htm |archive-date=2 October 2010 |access-date=27 June 2023 |website=Grazia Daily}}</ref>
==Early years and education== Bernard Chandran was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to P. Ramachandran and Chow Yook Lin, of Indian and Chinese heritage respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yin Fong |first=Pang |date=18 June 1998 |title=Daddy dearest |pages=1 |work=New Sunday Times |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VRAWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=whQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5874,5344091&dq=bernard+chandran&hl=en |access-date=27 June 2023}}</ref> Growing up in a multicultural environment, he was exposed to diverse cultural traditions from a young age, which would later influence his design philosophy. Initially studying accounting to fulfill his father's wishes, Chandran realized after eighteen months that his true passion lay in fashion design. In 1988, he convinced his father to allow him to pursue his dream and enrolled at the International Fashion Training College (IFTC) in Kuala Lumpur. In 1991, he won the 'Open European Contest for Look of the Year 2000', becoming the first non-European recipient of the title.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hua Chee |first=Kee |date=29 December 1991 |title=Malaysian designs on Paris |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WrgTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R5ADAAAAIBAJ&pg=5568,4861404&dq=bernard+chandran&hl=en |access-date=27 June 2023 |work=New Straits Times |pages=12–13}}</ref> Determined to further his education in the fashion capital of the world, he moved to Paris where he studied at the Paris American Academy and trained in pattern making at L'Union Des Chambres Syndicales Parisiennes, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts.<ref name=":2" />
==Fashion business==
=== Early success and recognition (1991–2000) === While still studying in Paris in 1991, Chandran became the first non-European to win both the prestigious Silk Cut Young Designers Award and the Open European Contest for Look of the Year. This early recognition established his reputation as a designer of exceptional talent.<ref name=":2" />
Upon graduating in 1993, Chandran returned to Malaysia with the ambition to become, in his words, 'the Chanel of Malaysia. He launched the Bernard Chandran label and began building his fashion empire from Kuala Lumpur. In 1994, he introduced a revolutionary new silhouette and technique for using embellishment and fabrics in traditional Malay outfits, particularly the [[kebaya]] and [[Baju Kurung|baju kurung]]. This innovation marked a pivotal turn in the way traditional Malaysian attire was designed and worn, earning him recognition among Malaysian aristocracy and the Brunei royal family.<ref name=":2" />
In 2000, Chandran received the Maurice Lacroix Recognition Award, acknowledging his contributions to Malaysian fashion.
=== International expansion (2003–2010) === In 2003, Chandran opened his flagship boutique in Kuala Lumpur and was named Designer of the Year at the Malaysian International Fashion Awards (MIFA) The following year, in January 2004, he expanded internationally by opening his first European store in Knightsbridge, London<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Dato' Sri Bernard Chandran |url=https://doty.com.my/personnel/dato-sri-bernard-chandran/ |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=DOTY |language=en-US}}</ref> A major milestone came in 2005 when Chandran became the first Malaysian designer to showcase at London Fashion Week, debuting his Autumn/Winter 2006 Ready-to-Wear collection. He continued to present collections at London Fashion Week for several seasons, establishing his presence in the international fashion circuit. His line became available in Europe, Dubai, and throughout the Far East.<ref name=":5">“Dato Sri Bernard Chandran.” ''Tatler Asia – Celebrating the Best of Asia'', [https://www.tatlerasia.com/people/dato-sri-bernard-chandran. www.tatlerasia.com/people/dato-sri-bernard-chandran.] Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.</ref> In 2006, Chandran was conferred the title of Dato' (DIMP) by the Sultan of Pahang in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the fashion industry.<ref name=":4" />
This honorific, equivalent to a knighthood in the United Kingdom, reflected his status as a cultural ambassador for Malaysian fashion.<ref name=":2" /> Chandran's influence extended to television in 2007 when he served as head judge on Project Runway Malaysia, inspiring a new generation of designers. The following year, he appeared as a guest judge on [[Britain's Next Top Model]].<ref name=":5" /> In 2009, he received the MIFA Special Achievement Award.<ref name=":4" />
=== Recent work and milestones (2011–present) === In 2011, Chandran opened Area 27, a concept store in Kuala Lumpur. The following year, he designed the official attire for Malaysian athletes at the 2012 London Olympics. In 2013, he curated The Contemporary Malay Wedding, showcasing his vision for modernised traditional wedding attire.<ref name=":5" />
In 2016, Chandran was elevated to Dato' Sri (SSAP), a higher honorific title.<ref name=":4" /> The following year, he won Designer of the Year at the Malaysia Fashion Awards.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />
In 2019, Tatler Asia named Chandran Asia's Most Stylish, a recognition he has maintained through 2025.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> Throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s, his work continued to attract international celebrities, including Fan Bingbing, who wore a striking Bernard Chandran gown in Melaka in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=CHEONG |first=BERVIN |date=2024-06-19 |title=Striking dress worn by Fan Bingbing in Melaka is a Bernard Chandran design |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/style/2024/06/19/striking-dress-worn-by-fan-bingbing-in-melaka-is-a-bernard-chandran-design |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=The Star |language=en}}</ref>
In 2024, Chandran celebrated 30 years in fashion with the Unmatched exhibition, featuring 111 archive pieces that traced his evolution as a designer.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Fuad |first=Danial |date=2024-08-17 |title=Bernard Chandran's 30 years of 'Unmatched' fashion legacy in tradition and modernity - BASKL |url=https://baskl.com.my/bernard-chandrans-30-years-of-unmatched-fashion-legacy-in-tradition-and-modernity/ |access-date=2026-02-02 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Fashion Forward: Bernard Chandran's 30-Year Journey |url=https://www.bfm.my/content/podcast/fashion-forward-bernard-chandrans-30-year-journey |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=www.bfm.my |language=en}}</ref> He also launched the MYTH Evolution exhibition, dedicated to his late mother and inspired by the Chinese dragon. In 2025, this exhibition was extended to Christie's London as MYTH Creation.<ref name=":8">Dato Sri’ Bernard Chandran on turning dreams into reality. (n.d.). In ''AugustMan Malaysia''. Retrieved February 3, 2026, from https://www.augustman.com/my/fashion/dato-sri-bernard-chandran-on-turning-dreams-into-reality/amp/</ref>
== Style and influence == Chandran is recognized for contemporising the kebaya and baju kurung, traditional Malay garments, by blending modern tailoring, intricate embellishment, and bold prints.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":9">''Diwali traditions with Dato Sri Bernard Chandran and family''. (2019, October 24). Retrieved February 3, 2026, from https://www.tatlerasia.com/the-scene/people-parties/diwali-traditions-with-dato-sri-bernard-chandran-and-family</ref> His approach combines sharp silhouettes with feminine elegance while maintaining an edgy aesthetic. The Paris-trained couturier is credited with successfully bridging his rich cultural heritage with contemporary fashion, making traditional Malaysian attire accessible and appealing to modern audiences.<ref name=":4" />
His annual Petang Raya showcases demonstrate his innovative approach to festive fashion, incorporating unconventional materials such as leather, denim, and sportswear elements into traditional silhouettes.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":3" /> This willingness to experiment while respecting tradition has defined his signature style and influenced contemporary Malaysian fashion design.<ref name=":3" />
Chandran's celebrity clientele includes international figures such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Estelle, Tori Amos, and Michelle Yeoh, as well as members of royal families in Malaysia and Brunei.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Khoo |first=Natalie |date=2018-11-23 |title=Bernard Chandran pays tribute to Mickey Mouse for his 90th birthday |url=https://firstclasse.com.my/bernard-chandran-x-mickey-mouse/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240722073637/https://firstclasse.com.my/bernard-chandran-x-mickey-mouse/ |archive-date=2024-07-22 |access-date=2026-02-02 |work=FirstClasse |language=en-US}}</ref> He has also collaborated with global brands, including a Mickey Mouse capsule collection.<ref name=":10" />
In recognition of his work promoting Southeast Asian design, Chandran participated in the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, presenting a songket-based design at Buckingham Palace in a showcase curated by Vogue UK.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bumpus |first=Jessica |date=2008-08-15 |title=Autumn Fever |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/bernard-chandrans-take-on-lace |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=British Vogue |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Exhibitions == '''Dreams & Reality (2022):''' Displayed over 130 unique couture pieces, highlighting Chandran's journey through fashion and his mastery of haute couture craftsmanship.<ref name=":11">Diana Khoo (19 December 2020). Bernard Chandran displays at least 130 unique pieces in his ‘Dreams & Reality’ exhibition. Options, The Edge. Retrieved from https://www.optionstheedge.com/topic/style/bernard-chandran-displays-least-130-unique-pieces-his-‘dreams-reality’-exhibition</ref><ref name=":12">Dian Pasquinal Kaur (6 December 2020). Bernard Chandran: Dreams & Reality exhibition. Prestige Online. Retrieved from https://www.prestigeonline.com/my/lifestyle/art-plus-design/bernard-chandran-dreams-and-reality-exhibition/amp/</ref>
'''Unmatched (2024):''' A retrospective exhibition marking 30 years in fashion, featuring 111 archive pieces that traced Chandran's evolution from his early designs to contemporary collections.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />
'''MYTH Evolution (2024):''' An art exhibition in Kuala Lumpur dedicated to Chandran's late mother and inspired by the Chinese dragon, exploring themes of heritage, transformation, and cultural identity.<ref name=":8" />
'''MYTH Creation (2025):''' An extended exhibition at Christie's London, continuing the MYTH series and bringing Chandran's artistic vision to an international audience.<ref name=":8" />
==Family== He is married to Datin Mary Lourdes Chandran, a former Malaysian model of ethnic Indian origin who supported his decision to pursue fashion from his early days in Paris. The couple maintains strong cultural traditions, particularly during Diwali celebrations. Each year, Chandran personally designs new outfits for their children, emphasizing white and gold colors for their symbolic associations with purity and auspiciousness. These family rituals reflect Chandran's commitment to preserving cultural heritage while adapting it for contemporary life.<ref name=":9" /> They have five children. Chandran, a Hindu, stated that he wants his children to be grounded in [[Hinduism]].<ref name="thestar.com.my">{{Cite web |last=Low |first=Sandra |date=1 November 2009 |title=Bernard Chandran, unmasked |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/11/1/lifearts/4986272&sec=lifearts |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102143729/https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/11/1/lifearts/4986272&sec=lifearts |archive-date=2 November 2009 |website=The Star Online}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-14 |title=Datin Sri Mary Lourdes-Chandran |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/the-scene/people-parties/datin-sri-mary-lourdes-chandran-on-boarding-school-and-raising-independent-kids}}</ref>
== Legacy == Bernard Chandran is widely credited with modernising Malay traditional attire and elevating Malaysian fashion onto the international stage.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":13">Jessica Liew (18 February 2019). 4 Asian Takes On Retro, In Bernard Chandran’s Spring/Summer 2019 Collection. Tatler Asia. Retrieved from https://www.tatlerasia.com/style/fashion/4-asian-takes-on-retro-in-bernard-chandran-spring-summer-2019-collection</ref> His reinterpretations of the kebaya and baju kurung have influenced a generation of designers in Southeast Asia, demonstrating how heritage and contemporary aesthetics can coexist.<ref name=":13" /> Through exhibitions such as Dreams & Reality and Unmatched, Chandran has preserved couture as a form of cultural storytelling, while his MYTH Evolution and MYTH Creation projects demonstrate his ability to merge art, fashion, and personal heritage.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":11" /><ref name=":12" />
Often referred to as Malaysia's 'King of Fashion,' Chandran's legacy lies not only in his celebrity clientele and international showcases but also in his role as a mentor and cultural ambassador. He has inspired younger designers to embrace tradition while innovating for global relevance, paving the way for many who wish to pursue careers in fashion in a region where conservative attitudes historically limited such ambitions.<ref name=":2" />
==Awards== * He was the first Malaysian to win the 'Open European Contest for Look of the Year 2000' in 1991. * He was voted [[Designer]] of the Year at the Malaysian International Fashion Awards in 2003. * He received the honorific ''[[Dato']]'' in 2006 when Sultan Ahmad Shah Sultan Abu Bakar, the [[Sultan]] of [[Pahang]], Malaysia awarded him the ''Dato' Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP)''.<ref name="thestar.com.my" /> * Chandran was awarded the Malaysian International Fashion Alliance's [MIFA] ''Special Achievement Award'' in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 November 2009 |title=MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK 2009 |url=http://www.m-ifa.com/media/pressrelease-mifa.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215173832/http://www.m-ifa.com/media/pressrelease-mifa.pdf |archive-date=15 February 2010 |access-date=2009-12-07 |website=Malaysian International Fashion Alliance |df=dmy}}</ref> * Received Diamond of Excellence Award by Malaysia Tatler in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aziz |first=Iylia |date=2016-11-15 |title=The Glam Pics From Malaysia Tatler Ball '16? Here's What Some Of Them Do For A Living |url=https://vulcanpost.com/594079/malaysia-tatler-ball-2016-guests-career/ |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=Vulcan Post |language=en-US}}</ref> * He received the honorific title Dato' Sri in 2016 when he was conferred the ''Darjah Sri Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (SSAP)'' by Sultan Ahmad Shah Sultan Abu Bakar, the [[Sultan]] of [[Pahang]], Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 Oct 2016 |title=Fashion designers honoured by Sultan |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/10/25/fashion-designers-honoured-by-sultan-award-an-inspiration-to-everybody-says-chandran/ |website=The Star}}</ref> * {{Flag|Pahang}} **[[File:MY-PAH Order of the Crown of Pahang - Knight Companion - DIMP.svg|50px]] Knight Companion of the [[Order of the Crown of Pahang]] (DIMP) – '''Dato'''' (2006) ** [[File:MY-PAH Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang - Grand Knight - SSAP.svg|50px]] Grand Knight of the [[Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang]] (SSAP) – '''Dato' Sri''' (2016) ** He received Designer of the Year & Malaysia Fashion Awards in 2017.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> ** Named Asia's Most Stylish and Asia's Most Influential by Tatler Asia. (2019-2025)<ref name=":5" />
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * [http://www.bernardchandran.com Official Webpage of Bernard Chandran] * [https://archive.today/20130210002253/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BernardChandran/ Yahoo! group for Bernard Chandran] * [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bernard-Chandran/6976972388?ref=ts Official Facebook Fan Page for Bernard Chandran]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Chandran, Bernard}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:1968 births]] [[Category:People from Petaling Jaya]] [[Category:Malaysian Hindus]] [[Category:Malaysian people of Indian descent]] [[Category:Malaysian people of Chinese descent]] [[Category:Malaysian fashion designers]]