Phnom Penh is bracing itself for the arrival of the fashion elite as the bi-annual Phnom Penh Designers Week prepares to stage a two-day sartorial extravaganza at the opulent Rosewood Phnom Penh.

The upcoming showcase of talent and creativity was heralded during a chic press conference held at the Rosewood on April 22.

Seven influential fashion brands are slated to unveil their latest collections on May 30 and 31, within the elegant confines of Salon One at the Rosewood Phnom Penh.

Organisers are promising an event that will “pull out all the stops" to fete the fashionable attendees.

This edition of Phnom Penh Designers Week will revolve around the compelling theme of ”Fragile Heritage”.

The concept serves as a direct appeal to designers to foreground heritage within their fashion narratives, acting as a counter-movement against the increasing homogenisation of global fashion trends.

The underlying message champions creativity as intrinsically linked to cultural diversity, asserting that fashion's trajectory gains significant richness through the celebration of distinct local cultures.

Sofia wears a delightful textured number by A.N.D. Sophea Ke

Filipino fashion designer Don Protasio, who co-founded Phnom Penh Designers Week with Sophea Ke in 2013, has been the driving force behind the event, as its creative director since its inception.

Under his guidance, the bi-annual event has become a crucial stage for both local and international fashion luminaries.

Speaking at the press conference, Protasio described the press conference event on April 22 as “a wonderful cocktail party for people who are connected to fashion and of course it's so nice to connect to all of you”.

“We don't see you often, when you do your fashion show, you're so busy backstage, you don't talk to you or even mean like, you know, I just wanna go home after a fashion show.

“But this is a time for us before Phnom Penh Designers Week that we introduce the designers who are part of the upcoming fashion show on May 30 and 31 here at Rosewood Phnom Penh,” he said.

He hinted at future editions, guaranteeing that his year will not be the last.

“There’s gonna be a few more, but this time it's amazing to see the participants and to introduce the designers and their muses”, he said.

Model, actress and influencer Koy Anna demonstrates the length of her throat, in Alfredo Vaez. Sophea Ke

Fashion enthusiasts can anticipate a captivating array of styles. The womenswear night promises “feminine gestures and unique pattern creations” from the collections of A.N.D, ESSK, SCT and Alfredo Vaez, offering a diverse range from everyday wear to striking evening gowns.

Menswear will take centre stage with the offerings of Ambre Men, Drewe Taylor Designs and Don Protasio, showcasing everything from “experimental looks and classic urban style with softer touches” to propositions of “sensual masculinity and fashion forward looks”.

The overarching aim of Phnom Penh Designers Week is to provide a vital platform for fashion designers and brands striving to build a distinct identity by establishing healthy business strategies and cultivating their market presence for sustained growth.

Model, actress and influencer Koy Anna, a former Miss Grand Cambodia 2023 first runner-up, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I can say that I am very happy and excited because the programme is attended by top designers in Cambodia as well as from other countries. As a model, I want the chance to develop myself as a total package that can cover all areas,”.

She also shared her other aspirations, noting “Two or three years ago I dreamed about being airtight in a programme like this, and I very much  wanted to participate,” she explained.

“It is 100 per cent certain that this year I will have the opportunity to participate in the Phnom Penh Designer Week fashion show as well,”” she added.

Anna also expressed her delight at the chance to be “wrapped” in a beautiful dress from Drewe Taylor Designs.

Hailing from South Africa, but operating entirely within Cambodia, Drewe blends “artful design with luxury materials” to create both ready-to-wear and custom pieces, whether you want to strut the braai or the catwalk.

“It's always a pleasure to offer industry insiders a sneak preview of what's to come. This collection embraces a tropical aesthetic,” noted the wholesalers.

In contrast to the previous collection, which featured soft, pastel hues, this new one draws inspiration from India and reflects the pressing issues of climate change and global warming through its design style and fabric choices.

Model Chamroeun Chomrong, attending the press conference, shared his excitement about showcasing Drewe Taylor's collection for the second time, noting, “so I was very happy because his clothes are inspired by colorful and LGBT-oriented concepts”.

“I like his new collection, which is very creative and related to climate change, such as Indian style, which makes his customers more interested in his clothes,” he explained.

Another model, Kong Yangnan, echoed the sentiment.

“I am very happy to show his collection. What I am preparing for is my body. His collection has many sexy styles. So we try to work out a lot to get a beautiful body to walk in the future,” he said, via the gym.

Alex, a model and aspiring designer who has been a regular at Phnom Penh Designers Week, highlighted the event's consistent evolution.

“Designers Week always brings something different, like the press conference for the first season of 2025, which will be held on the 30th-31st of next month,” he said.

“Every year, I participate as a model, but one day I hope to participate as a designer. I am ready for the programme because I have been involved in the industry for such a long time as a model,” they said.

With anticipation building, Phnom Penh Designers Week promises to be a significant date on the fashion calendar, celebrating heritage, innovation and the burgeoning talent within Cambodia and beyond.

The prestigious event is produced by Fashion Lab, in collaboration with the Rosewood Phnom Penh, Minerva TV and a strong contingent of media partners including The Post, Khmerer, and Sovrin Magazine.