Bernard Chandran, born on February 27, 1968, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, epitomizes cultural fusion and creative ambition in fashion design. Raised with both Indian and Chinese heritage, his multicultural upbringing instilled a distinct perspective that continues to shape his innovative approach to fashion. Although he initially pursued accounting, Bernard followed his true passion by enrolling at the International Fashion Training Centre in Kuala Lumpur in 1988, followed by the Paris American Academy in 1989.
His career flourished in Paris, where he became the first non-European to win both the Silk Cut Young Designers Award and the Open European Contest for Look of the Year in 1991.
Returning to Malaysia in 1993, Bernard launched his eponymous brand, pioneering designs that reimagined traditional Malay attire. His inventive use of embellishments and fabrics earned acclaim from Malaysian elites and global icons such as Michelle Yeoh, Lady Gaga, and the Brunei Royal Family. This recognition cemented his status as a trailblazer in the fashion industry. In recognition of his contributions, Bernard was conferred the title of Dato’ in 2006 and later Dato’ Sri in 2016 by the Sultan of Pahang.
His international influence grew with milestones including his debut at London Fashion Week in 2000 and the opening of his flagship boutique in Kuala Lumpur in 2003. Notable achievements include designing the attire for Malaysian athletes at the 2012 London Olympics and receiving the Designer of the Year award at the Malaysia Fashion Awards in 2017. In the same year, he pushed boundaries with a collection featuring all-black models, which advocated for greater diversity in fashion.
In 2024, Bernard marked a career milestone with a retrospective exhibition in Kuala Lumpur titled UNMATCHED: Bernard Chandran – 30 Years in Malay Contemporary Fashion. That same year, he debuted his first art exhibition, MYTH Evolution, which led to its sequel MYTH Creation, unveiled at Christie’s in London in 2025.
Each year, Bernard Chandran continues to uphold his signature ethos: “Expect the unexpected from Bernard Chandran.”