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Phnom Penh & Fashion: The energy and great talent of Cambodian designer Oliva Kong

Writer's picture: Christophe GargiuloChristophe Gargiulo

On Saturday evening, The Peak hosted a fashion show featuring the latest creations by designer Men Seyha, better known by his stage name: Oliva Kong. The collection was full of energy and creativity, and the audience was delighted.

Fashion show 𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐈𝐍 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐍𝐔 𝐋𝐎𝐊 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄
Fashion show 𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐈𝐍 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐍𝐔 𝐋𝐎𝐊 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄

Named ‘Kalkin Vishnu Lok Empires Couture’, this new collection alternates loose, light fabrics with discreet patterns, evening gowns and more sophisticated ensembles, paying tribute to the grandeur of Khmer culture while incorporating modern concepts.

Another original feature of the collection is that certain ‘light’ models are available in women's versions, as well as for men and children.

A large and enthusiastic audience for this 2024 collection
A large and enthusiastic audience for this 2024 collection

Among the original creations that caught the eye were these very baggy trousers and skirts combined with a golden cotte, giving this new collection a somewhat ‘warrior and conqueror’ tone, perhaps a nod to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.

Among Oliva's original creations
Among Oliva's original creations

But the highlight of the show - because the designer had choreographed it to the millimetre - was the marvellous light, loose, shiny dresses that the models twirled around at the end of the catwalk, eliciting several ‘Whaow!’ of admiration from the audience.

Authentic, perfectly synchronised choreography
Authentic, perfectly synchronised choreography

This highly successful show was put on by Bluebell Group and The Peak in collaboration with agency UniBrain and with the support of APD Bank. Prior to the fashion show, guests were treated to a selection of tasty sushi and excellent champagne, as well as a red carpet photo opportunity with the models. For this occasion, the public was invited to favour the colour black in their outfits, and some of them showed great imagination and class.

A great deal of elegance from the guests too
A great deal of elegance from the guests too

As a prelude to the star attraction - the catwalk show - the public were treated to a performance of traditional Khmer ballet, a way for the designer to show his attachment to his roots.

Traditional Khmer ballet
Traditional Khmer ballet

The evening's show was a great success, providing an opportunity to (re)discover a true Cambodian fashion artist. A designer full of talent, who knows how to show originality, measured audacity and above all resilience, because his beginnings in this field were quite difficult.

Oliva Kong with his young models
Oliva Kong with his young models

When asked about this collection, a French-speaking guest and lover of art and culture shared his impressions:

“There's real talent in this designer, some of his models are real successes, and he's not far from international class. For that to happen, he may still need to strengthen his identity, create his own imprint and fully define himself, his concepts and his style.”
Oliva opening the show
Oliva opening the show

Speaking to Cambodge Mag, Oliva said:

“With this collection, I wanted to pay tribute to Cambodian history, covering four different periods. My team and I worked very hard together, and we were able to complete our work in just twenty days, compared with an average of three months for this type of project.”

“Next, I hope to be able to show this collection in the regions and maybe even internationally,” he said, before concluding that, in the fashion world, he particularly admired a great designer, the Frenchman Christian Dior.

 

Watch the video of the final :

 
 

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