AsiaLIFE

This month Sok Nareth of Mulberry Boutique takes up the AsiaLIFE hot seat.

Why did you choose to open a clothing shop?
When I first opened Mulberry, three years ago, I mostly sold Cambodian souvenirs.  Then in 2007 the Cambodia hotel contacted me and asked me to design and create their staff uniforms. They wanted me to mix Chinese, Khmer and European styles. In doing this I realized that it had always been a dream of mine to design and sell clothes. I have always loved fashion.

When did you first develop your sense of creativity?
I’ve been creative since I was young. I always cut my own hair and made my own clothes as a kid. I learned how to make traditional Khmer clothes from my Mother. She also used to make her own clothes.

Do you design the clothing and accessories in your shop?
I design all of the clothes and the home décor – but the handbags and purses come from UNDP handicraft projects and from my friend’s store, Kravan House.  

Where does your silk come from?
All of my silk is Cambodian, I buy it from Takeo and Prey Veng. I try to use all Cambodian products as much as possible. But for certain things I have to get materials from Thailand. For instance I use elastic thread for my dresses – this gives the pieces the ability to move with your body and makes for a more beautiful fit.

Have you lived in Cambodia all you life?
Yes I have. I have been to Thailand and Vietnam but I’ve never been outside of SE Asia. I would very much like to travel around the world. I would love to go to Australia because I think I’d like the weather there. In November I’ll be going to Singapore and Malaysia for a week on an iCAN school trip. (I also work as a Kindergarten teaching assistant).

Where did you study fashion design?
I haven’t actually studied fashion design in the usual sense. I used to work for a training organization called AAC, Artisans’ Association of Cambodia. There I learned how to die cloth, and how to design bags and scarves, but they didn’t teach me how to design clothes. I taught myself how to design clothes and how to embroider. Making European style clothing was something that I learned once I had opened my shop.  It was difficult at first because Cambodian and Western styles are so different.  


How did you learn to adjust your style?
I’ve learned from my customers. I also watch what foreigners wear when they go to parties.  I didn’t know at first if people would like the styles I was trying or not because they weren’t the styles I would wear. But I watched what my customers were ordering, and what they liked and made more of those designs and built new styles based on those.

Where do you find your inspirations for designs?
I’m always looking at catalogues, magazines and the internet. I also like looking at what Angelina Jolie wears – I like her style.

How is Mulberry different from other silk clothing shops?
I think we are all a little different. My designs are very unique because all of the styles come from my head. In my shop I make only one of each design – so that people can look at what they like and then order one specially made for them. Also, I pay attention to what people like.  So my clothes are carefully tailored to what people need, and what style will work well for each person.

How have you promoted your shop and your designs?
Last year I had a fashion show at Gasolina. In the show I had some models wear traditional clothing while doing traditional things like harvesting the rice, and the men making palm wine. People loved it. This year I’ll be having another fashion show in late November. I’m going to have it at FCC this time – just to do something different.

Do you have any plans for expanding in the future?
I want to have the shop that is very fashionable. I want the inside to have a better design. I feel like everything in here is still very messy – I want it to look more elegant. This is only my first shop – I’m still learning.  

Mulberry Boutiques’ silk dresses range from US$60-140. Their silk shirts and trousers range from US$30 to US$45. Cotton dresses range from US$20 to US$45.  All clothing can be custom made for you in two to three days – or 1 day if you’re really in a rush.

Sok Nareth
Company: Mulberry
Position: Clothing Designer & Owner
Nationality: Cambodian
Age: 34
Married: No, but looking
Job Title: Clothing Designer & Shop Owner.

Mulberry Boutique
9 Street 51, Tel. 017 558 239