Armed with the idea of shifting paradigms,
the Petang Raya 09/10 collection by acclaimed
Malaysian designer Bernard Chandran, is about
transcending traditions and giving them a modern
take that are light years ahead. The overall feel is
a classic look of the future.

Bernard Chandran also gave chiffon a vacation
and embraced organza with open arms. Interestingly,
the effects of the organza displayed effortless femininity
and fluidity. It may seem billowy like chiffon, but the cut
and technique used on the organza gave a dramatic cocoon-like
volume to the tops.

Bernard also paid special attention to creating signature
sleeves for the Petang Raya 09/10 collection. Known for his
revolutionary sleeves, this year’s collection is not short of
them either, and his designs come in an array of styles.
Mostly, the sleeves come with volume from pouf styles to soft, rounded and cocoon-shaped, playing a significant role in transforming an otherwise traditional and practical ‘kurung’ into something romantic and charming.

Adding contemporary touches, the designs show lots of intricate pleating and darts which give the outfits distinctly elegant frills, spelling a new form of luxury.

Taking the collection to new heights, the designer has ingeniously injected his own print designs on the organza as well as sprayed on prints on the lace and painting on fabric, giving the added allure and freshness to the designs. Another innovation that resulted in the layered look was achieved by placing semi-sheer organza against ornate detailing underneath.

Throughout the collection, the five-petal flower in architectonic shape appears as both jewelled accessories and skilfully crafted fabric origami within the fabric.

The skirts take a poetic form ranging from hip hugging, pencil straight that flare at the bottom into a gorgeous cocoon.

A palette of rich tones including deep pink, burgundy, red and purple are injected with black-and-white, royal blue, teal and spiced up with leopard prints.

Look out for the statement heels, handbags, accessories and statement make-up, together they define fashion that combines strengths of the classics meeting with urban luxury.

Bernard Chandran
S-32 & 35, 2nd Floor,
KL Plaza,
179, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia.
W: www.bernardchandran.com

*Images courtesy of Bernard Chandran*