Khmer-Inspired Menswear Hits New York Runway

Marissa Carruthers | Editor

Cambodia-based menswear label Drewe Taylor Designs brought Khmer-inspired style to the global stage at Noir Fashion Week in New York City, where founder Ryan Drewe Taylor debuted his ‘Kingdom Rising’ collection blending Cambodian heritage with bold contemporary streetwear to create a catwalk show through collaborations with local creatives

For the collection, Drewe Taylor said he collaborated with Cambodian industry players to avoid any potential cultural appropriation and ensure his designs were sensitive to Cambodian culture. The result is a bold and bright collection of hot pink, electric orange and neon yellow, alongside dark denim, “sharp tailoring” and subtle Khmer motifs, embodying Cambodian urban energy.

“Structured suits transitioned into elevated street silhouettes including jeans and zip-ups, each look layered with texture, paneling, and intention. Gold Khmer-inspired headpieces and sculptural arm cuffs introduced a regal undertone, reframing masculinity through symbolism and strength rather than restraint,” the organisers said.

“Patchworked denim, tailored cuts, and layered proportions amplified the tension between royal influence and raw urban energy. True to a design philosophy that is bold, individual and never boring, Drewe Taylor challenged muted menswear conventions by presenting colour as power and heritage as forward momentum.”

Collaboration currency

In addition to the fashion show, Drewe Taylor joined three other fashion designers for a panel discussion titled ‘Collaboration Currency’, where he spotlighted the industry in Cambodia, where - unlike the majority of the fashion industry - collaboration is rife.

“The difference here is that designers and people in the fashion industry do collaborate. We don't always have the funds or resources, so collaboration is your most valuable thing. In the big global fashion capitals, no designer wants to do a show with another designer,” he told Kiripost.

“We all help, whether it's photographers, models, makeup artists or designers. We don't often do solo shows, but we often collaborate, and I think that's what makes us slightly more of a tight knit community, and it's a way to uplift each other.”

Drewe Taylor pointed to his collection ‘Kingdom Rising’, which he said was also a form of collaboration. He consulted with Cambodian artist and designer Em Riem to ensure his designs were culturally sensitive. Ming Guang from Gorpsual designed the accessories to accompany each outfit, while the soundtrack for the catwalk show was by Cambodian musician Jady.

“I'd always wanted to design something Khmer, but the time never felt right. But doing something international, I really wanted to put something from Cambodia on the international stage and make Cambodia proud,” he said.

“It was in New York and streetwear is popular there, and you have Gen Z now, which is an exciting young generation, so I wanted to do something urban and incorporate Khmer elements, and introduce Cambodia to the international stage.”