Fresh Face: Puthyvong Vanly
INNER FRAME collection at Phnom Penh Designer Week
F&M’s Fresh Face is a series featuring young Southeast Asian fashion practitioners, where we speak with them about how they embarked on their careers and what propels them as creatives.
Puthyvong Vanly. Photo by Seng.
Puthyvong Vanly is a Cambodian designer whose practice explores the relationship between craftsmanship and identity. Founded in Phnom Penh in 2022, his eponymous label, PUTHY VONG, draws from Cambodian culture, architecture and personal experiences, translating stories and emotions into structured, contemporary silhouettes. Alongside his design practice, Puthyvong is also an educator, with an approach shaped by thoughtful design processes. His work with his brand continues to explore new perspectives within Cambodian fashion while contributing to its evolving creative landscape.
PUTHY VONG, SAISEISAN collection. Photo by Patumnakul. Image courtesy of the designer.
Hi Puthyvong! Could you start by telling us about your background and what inspired you to establish your namesake brand?
I grew up surrounded by women, including my mother, my sisters and other female family members, which introduced me from a young age to beauty, textiles and the way clothing can influence confidence and self-expression. Watching them choose outfits, appreciate craftsmanship and express their personalities through fashion sparked my curiosity long before I realised it would become my career.
As I grew older, that curiosity developed into a passion for design. I wanted to create clothing that not only looked beautiful but also allowed people to feel confident, comfortable and true to themselves. At the same time, I saw an opportunity to present Cambodian creativity through a fresh, contemporary perspective while honouring the artistry and craftsmanship that are part of our culture. That inspiration led me to establish my eponymous label, PUTHY VONG, in 2022. For me, the brand reflects my journey, my upbringing and my vision for modern Cambodian fashion.
Where do you draw inspiration for your pieces? Are there particular themes, experiences, or references that consistently inform your work?
My inspiration comes from the people around me and my upbringing. Growing up in a family of women gave me an appreciation for elegance, confidence and the way clothing can express personality. I also draw inspiration from Cambodian culture, architecture and craftsmanship, exploring ways to reinterpret tradition through a contemporary lens. Each collection begins with a story or emotion, which I translate into structured, timeless designs with a contemporary perspective.
PUTHY VONG, SAISEISAN collection. Photo by Patumnakul. Image courtesy of the designer.
Tailoring as well as the exploration of fabric and texture have become defining elements of your practice. How do these techniques influence your creative process and the way each piece is constructed? What challenges do you encounter, and how do you overcome them?
Tailoring and fabric are at the heart of every collection I create. I begin by understanding how a fabric moves, feels and interacts with the body, as this naturally shapes the silhouette and construction of each piece. For me, good tailoring is not just about precision. It is about creating garments that make people feel confident and comfortable.
One of the greatest challenges is balancing creativity with wearability. Sometimes a fabric does not behave as I imagined, so the process involves experimentation, fittings and refinement. I see these challenges as part of the creative journey, and they often lead to stronger design solutions.
PUTHY VONG, INNER FRAME collection. Photo by ODDONESOUT. Image courtesy of the designer.
Your latest collection, INNER FRAME, was recently unveiled at Phnom Penh Designer Week. Could you walk us through how the concept developed from your initial research to the final silhouettes?
INNER FRAME explores modern masculinity through structure, restraint and emotional depth. The collection is inspired by the unseen framework that shapes people mentally, emotionally and physically. Rather than emphasising overt expressions of power, the collection focuses on quiet confidence. Tailoring serves as a form of protection, while layered garments suggest the balance between composure and vulnerability. Clean lines, architectural construction and considered detailing reflect discipline, tension and refinement.
The collection represents someone who is confident, introspective and emotionally aware, someone who does not rely on excess to express himself. It explores the idea that strength can be conveyed through structure, balance and restraint.
PUTHY VONG, INNER FRAME collection at Phnom Penh Designer Week Runway. Photo by Chai Vizion. Image courtesy of the designer.
PUTHY VONG, INNER FRAME collection at Phnom Penh Designer Week Runway. Photo by Chai Vizion. Image courtesy of the designer.
What was it like to showcase INNER FRAME at Phnom Penh Designer Week, and what did the experience mean for you and your practice?
Showcasing INNER FRAME at Phnom Penh Designer Week was an important milestone for me. The collection took nearly six months to develop and was one of the more demanding projects I have worked on. From refining the concept and experimenting with fabrics to perfecting each garment, the process required patience, discipline and persistence.
Looking back, those challenges helped shape the collection. Presenting INNER FRAME on that platform was a rewarding experience, allowing me to share not only the designs but also the thinking and process behind them. It reinforced my confidence in my creative direction and encouraged me to continue contributing to the evolving landscape of Cambodian fashion.
Alongside your work as a designer, you are also a fashion educator at Raffles International College Phnom Penh. How has teaching influenced your own creative practice?
Teaching has had a significant influence on my creative practice. Working with students encourages me to stay curious, keep learning and consider design from different perspectives. It also reinforces the importance of strong fundamentals and thoughtful craftsmanship.
At the same time, my experience as a designer allows me to bring practical industry knowledge into the classroom. I see teaching and designing as complementary practices that inform one another, and both continue to support my growth as a designer and educator.
“I see teaching and designing as complementary practices that inform one another, and both continue to support my growth as a designer and educator.”
Behind-the-scenes at Phnom Penh Designer Week’s backstage. Photo by Chai Vizion. Images courtesy of the designer.
Behind-the-scenes at Phnom Penh Designer Week’s backstage. Photo by Chai Vizion. Images courtesy of the designer.
As both a designer and educator, what are your hopes for the future of Cambodia's fashion industry, and how do you hope to contribute to the next generation of designers?
I hope to see Cambodia's fashion industry continue to develop, with greater recognition both locally and internationally. We have a rich cultural heritage, talented creatives and a strong foundation of craftsmanship that can inspire new directions in contemporary fashion.As a designer and educator, I hope to contribute by sharing my knowledge, encouraging young designers to explore their identities and helping them develop confidence in their creative voices. I believe the future of Cambodian fashion lies in the next generation’s ability to honour our heritage while introducing fresh perspectives and ideas to the industry.
“I believe the future of Cambodian fashion lies in the next generation’s ability to honour our heritage while introducing fresh perspectives and ideas to the industry.”
Finally, what's next for your practice and brand? Are there any upcoming collections or projects you can share with us?
Looking ahead, I am continuing to develop my practice and explore new ideas for PUTHY VONG. I am currently working on new concepts and experimenting with different approaches to design, craftsmanship and storytelling.A new collection may be introduced towards the end of this year or early next year. While I cannot reveal too much at this stage, I look forward to sharing new work that reflects my vision, my journey and the continued development of the brand.
See more of Puthyvong’s work on Instagram at @puthyvong.official and @puthyvong.vanly.