Bernard Chandran’s latest collection, UNMATCHED, is a powerful interplay of diversity and unity, where the boundaries between tradition and modernity are layered, and diverse cultures come together in a seamless symphony.
UNMATCHED is not merely a collection; it is a declaration of cultural liberation and inclusivity. The collection speaks volumes about Chandran’s design philosophy for making sense of the world’s complexity through fashion. Each look comes with a unique story, reflecting the diversity of cultures and ideas that Chandran masterfully brings together as a unified whole. What may seem disparate and out of place at times are beautifully reconciled in Chandran’s visionary creations, offering a unified and compelling aesthetic that resonates with the spirit of freedom, diversity and unity.
This fusion of the old and the new accentuates Chandran’s commitment to honouring traditional Malay wear while pushing the boundaries and boldly defining its place in contemporary fashion.
Highlights from the UNMATCHED collection:
When More Is Less
The Collection captivates audiences with a visual orchestra where intricate designs meet stylish innovations and aesthetic patterns. The pairing boldly asserts that more can indeed be less—less ordinary,
less predictable, and infinitely more engaging.
In the realm of fashion, “busy” patterns and prints often refer to complex designs that are visually dense.
These include florals, geometrical patterns or eclectic combinations of prints that traditionally might be seen as clashing when combined. However, Chandran’s approach redefines these boundaries by deliberately juxtaposing and layering such patterns that do not compete for attention and invites us to
rethink our perceptions of fashion by unlocking beauty in the unexpected.
One Zip Rules Them All
Fashion is not just about the clothes themselves; it is about how they fit into the life of the wearer. Chandran’s design embodies this philosophy by transforming the traditional two-piece attire into a seamless one-piece through the clever use of zip, while maintaining the appearance of a classic two-piece
Baju Kurung / Kebaya.
The single zip is more than a design. It illustrates how tradition can be honoured and preserved while being adapted to meet modern needs. Chandran’s creation is proof of how fashion can enhance the everyday life of the wearer, making style both practical and profound.
Rise of the ‘MakCik’ Power
Inspired by the women in government departments, this look draws on their signature style. These ladies typically don themselves in traditional Baju Kurung / Kebaya but adapt their attire with power jackets or cardigans to suit the chilled environment of air-conditioned offices. Their unique blend of tradition and modernity has birthed a distinctive look that balances practicality with cultural heritage.
Bernard Chandran did a remake of this unique style through the lens of luxury and innovation. By reconstructing the classic Baju Kurung / Kebaya and integrating it with the versatility of modern jackets or overcoats, Chandran amplifies the idea into comforting elegance resulting in a one-piece dress concept. This approach highlights a paradox between the structured form and the construction of fabric, ultimately
focusing on the body’s freedom within the design.
Denim Dominance
The fusion of denim with the traditional Baju Kurung / Kebaya creates a striking and UNMATCHED concept, combining the rugged versatility of denim with the timeless elegance of the Kurung / Kebaya.
Despite its structured appearance, the garment comes alive with every turn, showcasing a balance between form and freedom; reinvented to embrace both heritage and progressive fashion sensibilities,
offering a seamless fusion of comfort, style, and cultural resonance.
Pop Culture Aesthetics
By injecting dynamic elements of pop culture and edgy artistry such as ripped jeans and ripped sequined Songket into the classic Kurung / Kebaya tops, these looks immediately stood out as statement pieces; allowing the Kurung and Kebaya to be visually exciting and relevant in modern style.
Look out for other highlights including the cropped voluminous sleeves jacket, new necklines, playful pockets, long coats in brocade, rich embellishments, transparent overlays, men’s inspired tailoring, and worked embroidery and gem beadworks, all bring about interesting cameos in the collection. In Chandran’s extraordinary celebration of 30 years in Malay Contemporary Fashion, the UNMATCHED collection unveils a montage of designs that surpass understanding to weave ‘unmatching’ elements into
a rational and captivating narrative.
