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Cambodia-based menswear label Drewe Taylor Designs brought Khmer-inspired style to the global stage at Noir Fashion Week in New York, where founder Ryan Drewe Taylor unveiled his ‘Kingdom Rising’ collection—a fusion of Cambodian heritage and contemporary streetwear, developed in collaboration with local creatives.
The Kingdom’s fashion industry stepped into the international spotlight as the label showcased its Khmer flair on the runway during the ninth season of Noir Fashion Week in New York.
Held alongside New York Fashion Week, the three-day event aims to connect emerging designers from around the world with established fashion houses and global markets, featuring fashion shows, workshops, and panel discussions.
Founder and designer Ryan Drewe Taylor—a long-term Cambodia-based expat originally from South Africa—presented ‘Kingdom Rising’, which organisers said brought "unapologetic colour and commanding presence" to the runway.
"With ‘Kingdom Rising’, designer Drewe Taylor delivered a high-voltage collision of Khmer heritage and contemporary streetwear, transforming the runway into a declaration of cultural pride and fearless individuality," Noir stated.
To avoid cultural appropriation and ensure sensitivity to Cambodian culture, Drewe Taylor said he collaborated closely with Cambodian industry professionals. The result is a bold, vibrant collection featuring hot pink, electric orange, and neon yellow alongside dark denim, "sharp tailoring", and subtle Khmer motifs—capturing the energy of urban Cambodia.
"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 added.
"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
Beyond the fashion show, Drewe Taylor joined three other designers for a panel discussion titled ‘Collaboration Currency’, where he highlighted Cambodia’s fashion scene—remarkable for its collaborative spirit, unlike many major fashion capitals.
"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 noted that ‘Kingdom Rising’ itself was a form of collaboration. He consulted Cambodian artist and designer Em Riem to ensure cultural sensitivity. Ming Guang from Gorpsual designed the accessories, and the runway soundtrack was composed 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."
