Bernard Chandran first started his Petang Raya collection in 2006. As we take a walk down memory lane and reminisce some of his notable designs, this Hari Raya season sees the designer coming back with yet another revolutionary style, staying true to his consistency in bringing fresh concepts and constantly updating the traditional Malay wear.
Can you tell us about your Petang Raya 2015/16 collection?
It is definitely current, but I still retain the femininity and full-on glamour.
How would you describe the design aesthetics and new innovations that you introduced for this collection?
Lace is definitely in. In fact, I gave them a different treatment; you will see there are some lace-on-lace designs which created a whole new effect. I also introduced lace patching in a whole new fun way. The ‘kurung’ cut is updated to look more like blouses and standalone dresses with some designs spotting a sports jacket trend.
Definitely there are embellishments but they are introduced as stripe patterns. I like my clothes to be functional but current, and I don’t think everything has to be done in the same way year in year out. The whole idea is to inspire even young people to embrace our traditional wear. Traditional wear does not have to be ‘traditional’!
What is the colour palette for this season?
A play of black and fluorescent hues, from shocking pink and lime green to bright turquoise.
What’s the inspiration behind the Petang Raya Collection?
I was inspired by the colours on my daughter’s T-shirt. I thought, hey these are fun and young and the challenge was to experiment on these colours and still retain the glamour on my Petang Raya collection.
You’ve mentioned before that you love to push the fashion boundaries of your audience, what boundaries are you pushing in this new collection?
Giving reference to this collection, firstly, I updated the silhouette. I introduced various designs for the ‘kurung’ tops. Some are spotted with collars; some have double sleeves, pleated blouses and patch pockets showing.
Secondly, the colour palette! I use pop colours including fluorescent pink, lime green and bright turquoise and mixed them together.
Thirdly – the ‘embellishments’. I updated the ‘kerawang’ using tube beads instead of thread or cutwork. I use crystals as stripe patterns.
Fourthly – I introduced fur to the collection.
Why is there fur in your Petang Raya collection? Is that practical for our climate?
Why not fur? Especially when you travel to cold countries, they could still embrace the traditional wear in fur!
Describe the type of woman who would wear the Bernard Chandran Petang Raya?
She is confident; she is adventurous and does not hide her femininity.
