Bold Elegance Takes the Spotlight: Jean-Benoît Lasselin and Colorblind Win at the 2025 Business Grand Prix

In a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurial courage, the 2025 Business Grand Prix organized by the French-Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCIFC) crowned its newest winners last week in Phnom Penh. Among them, Jean-Benoît Lasselin and his creative studio Colorblind captured top honors in the New Enterprise or Activity category, a testament to their distinctive approach to fashion and corporate design.

Jean-Benoît Lasselin

The honor highlights Colorblind, the tailoring workshop Lasselin leads, which blends French sartorial excellence with Khmer craftsmanship to create innovative corporate uniforms designed for Phnom Penh’s tropical climate. Launched in 2011 from humble beginnings, the brand’s growth story reflects a vision for contemporary, sophisticated menswear that stood out in a competitive field also featuring notable contenders like La Plantation and entrepreneur Alix Langlois.

Recognized in the presence of diplomatic partners including representatives from the French Embassy, Lasselin’s success at the gala not only brings him prestige locally but also opens doors for elevated recognition on an international stage — including potential nomination at Paris-based awards in 2026.

From Toulouse Roots to Khmer Innovation

Arriving in Cambodia in 2010 for an internship at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, Lasselin quickly developed a deep attachment to the country and its dynamic contradictions. Drawing inspiration from his Vietnamese heritage, where appearance carries cultural weight, he identified an unmet demand for refined men’s clothing in Phnom Penh.

After training with a tailor on Monivong Boulevard, he founded Colorblind. The brand gained early prominence during Cambodia’s first Fashion Week in 2011, selling out its collections and soon establishing itself as a local reference in men’s fashion.

Today, Colorblind employs about ten skilled artisans and plans to open a new boutique this September. Its biannual collections use ergonomic technical fabrics, appealing to a broader customer base that has shifted from primarily expatriates to approximately 80 % Cambodian and Chinese clients since 2018–2019 — underscoring the brand’s relevance and cultural fusion.

More Than Fashion: Corporate Craftsmanship

While Colorblind remains rooted in men’s tailoring, its services have expanded to include corporate uniform design that redefines tropical professional wear, marrying comfort with style while promoting local production and craftsmanship.

A Broader Vision: Adventure and Engagement

Lasselin’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond fashion. Five years ago, he co-founded C4 Adventures with David Minetti, turning once-niche trekking experiences into a popular choice for Phnom Penh residents. Their offerings include multi-day treks to Mount Aural, Cambodia’s highest peak at 1 813 meters, as well as corporate team-building programs and eco-tourism advisory services.

This evolution reflects Lasselin’s broader vision of sustainable engagement with Cambodia’s culture and natural landscapes. Known also for his candid and humorous writings that explore Phnom Penh life — from everyday absurdities to deeper societal observations — he combines critique with a heartfelt appreciation for his adopted home.

An Entrepreneur Bridging Cultures

Lasselin’s award at the 2025 Business Grand Prix underscores the vitality of Franco-Cambodian entrepreneurship and the value of innovation in navigating local challenges. His journey — spanning fashion, adventure, and cultural commentary — affirms how international perspective and local commitment can coalesce into lasting impact.