Cambodia’s youth draw on a multitude of fashion influences when cultivating their looks. Vandy Muong and photographer Charlotte Pert ask three about their inspirations.

Charlotte Pert PHONG CHAI YUTH, 18, SOTHEAROS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT “To me, fashion is a style to make people fantastic, beautiful and handsome. I don’t care where I buy clothes – I just like them to make me more awesome. “Normally, I shop at Boeung Keng Kang market because it’s close to my house, and there are lots of clothes at a reasonable price. Sometimes, I come up with my own style but otherwise, I like Korean styles. “I wear earrings because it looks good to me, and my hair colour is popular among Cambodian young people today. When I see other people wearing a beautiful style, I follow their styles – I always update myself to become a fashionable guy.”

Charlotte Pert KAE SOKHA, 22, CLOTHES SELLER AT PENCIL MARKET “When I see European people, I always wish to wear clothes like them. European style looks modern and beautiful. Sometimes I see Korean stars wearing clothes from Europe and I dream my style could be like theirs. “I mostly wear long trousers, but sometimes I wear shorts with a T-shirt to be different. Sometimes I wear high heels and sexy makeup to come to the shop. “Because it fits my body, people always look at me and compliment me.”

Charlotte Pert OR SREYLEAK, 27, CLOTHES SELLER AT NIMA SHOP “I wear sexy clothes when I am at my shop and simple clothes when I am at home – my mother doesn’t want me to wear sexy clothes as I am a Cambodian woman. “But sexy fashion is my style, and I like wearing makeup on my face to look more beautiful. “When I see customers and other sellers look beautiful and elegant, I try to find more interesting clothes to make myself look as good as them. “Mostly, I buy clothes in Thailand, because they have more styles and it’s easy to buy stock to sell to my customers. I know I am beautiful when I take pictures.”