T-shirts featuring Khmer traditional cultural themes such as Angkor Wat Temple and sticky rice cakes. Photo supplied
As the Khmer New Year approaches, a new line of shirts has been launched which celebrate the rich tapestry of Cambodian culture, with a blend of iconic imagery and contemporary fashion.
These shirts are more than garments; they are canvases that depict the soul of the Kingdom. Each design weaves together elements of tradition and modernity, offering wearers a vibrant glimpse into the heart of the Khmer spirit.
One of the standout designs features the timeless majesty of the Angkor Wat Temple at equinox. The silhouette of the iconic temple against a dramatic sunrise symbolises the enduring heritage of Cambodia, reminding wearers of the Kingdom’s rich history and cultural legacy.
Another pays homage to Num Ansom, a traditional sticky rice cake, with its pattern of woven banana leaves. This design not only celebrates Cambodian cuisine but also showcases the intricate artistry embedded within it.
The creativity doesn’t stop there. The shirts adorned with images of white Kouprey (Bos sauveli) in blue, red and black boast a plethora of identifiable symbols, from the majestic Royal Turtle (Batagur affinis) to the vibrant Rumduol flower (Sphaerocoryne affinis), Cambodia’s national emblem.
Behind these stunning designs lies a group of young visionaries from Ahsora World, whose passion for preserving Khmer identity shines through every stitch.
Born from national pride
Their journey began during Cambodia’s hosting of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and Para Games, where they designed shirts aiming to support Team Cambodia at the historic event.
Next, they created Kun Khmer patterned shirts, before beginning to incorporate symbols of Cambodian identity onto a new range of “Hawaiian shorts” ahead of the upcoming Khmer New Year celebrations.
Tay Theara Rithyrack, operations manager of Ahsora World, shares their vision, saying “Our mindset is to design a Khmer style for modern youth”.
Their efforts have garnered widespread support from social media users, reflecting a growing demand for fashion that celebrates Cambodian heritage.
The road to creating these shirts hasn’t been easy. It required importing stretch fabrics and employing meticulous sewing techniques to bring the designs to life. Each shirt is a labour of love, reflecting the dedication of these young artisans to their craft and their culture.
“Of the eight shirts, the Equinox model is the most difficult, because the image on the shirt may be a bit slanted, especially at the buttonhole,” Rithyrack tells The Post.
As a group of young people who are proud of their Khmer identity, they dreamt of making these shirts many years ago, looking forward to a time when Cambodians would celebrate Khmer New Year in clothing designed and manufactured right here in the Kingdom.
The fabric is now in stock and is in the process of being pre-printed and sewn. Pre-orders of these unique shirts are $19.99, while they will be sold for $22.50 once they get to market.
The importance of giving back
What sets Ahsora World apart is not just their commitment to preserving the Khmer identity, but also their dedication to supporting the local community.
By partnering with artisans from Siem Reap province’s Banteay Srei district to craft traditional Khmer packaging, they not only provide a platform for these artisans to showcase their skills but also contribute to the preservation of Cambodia’s cultural heritage.
This collaboration not only enhances the cultural authenticity of Ahsora’s products but also supports the livelihoods of skilled artisans, fostering economic empowerment.
Rithyrack says that in addition to chic designs, the brand’s products also focus on quality. From fabrics to dyes, to the palm leaf boxes the shirts are delivered in, each aspect exudes class.
“Although we say we created these shirts for stylish young Khmer to celebrate the New Year in, they are suitable for people of all ages and nationalities,” he adds.
“At the beginning of April, we will be packing them into their handmade palm leaf boxes, and sending them out to our customers,” he explains.
He stresses that each image or design that is used – whether a temple, animal, traditional sticky rice cake or other national symbol – is entirely the work of the in-house design team.
“None of our images are copied from anyone else. We took the photographs ourselves and painted all of our own work,” Rithyrack tells The Post.
Encouragement from above
Chhim Sothy, head of the Department of Fine Art and Handicrafts at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, commends the efforts of the young team. He emphasises the importance of promoting national identity through innovative design.
He reckons that Ahsora’s shirts not only celebrate Cambodia’s heritage but also have the potential to drive economic growth, sustaining the creative endeavours of additional young designers.
Sothy, being both a designer and an artist himself, appreciates the innovative approach taken by these young individuals, particularly in how they have avoided controversy by steering clear of products resembling those of neighbouring countries.
“I believe that these new designs can succeed because they represent our national identity. They are creative and appear commercially viable.
“The revenue they generate will enable them to sustain their future design plans. Without capital and an income, it’s challenging to progress. Art can only flourish when the economy is functioning,” he tells The Pos..
As these shirts make their way into the hands of customers, packaged in traditional Khmer boxes, they will serve as more than just clothing – they are symbols of the Kingdom’s pride, tradition and resilience.
They carry the story of Cambodia, inviting wearers to join in the celebrations of a culture as vibrant and diverse as the patterns adorning their shirts.
