Daddy cool

DATUK Bernard Chandran is one of Malaysia's top fashion designers, having made a name for himself on the international stage.
Some of his prominent clients include actress Michelle Yeoh, American singer Lady Gaga, British singer Estelle, Britain's former premier's wife Cherie Blair, Indian beauty icons Lara Dutta and Sushmita Sen, and members of the Brunei royal family.
Bernard, 48, was also a guest judge on season six of Britain's Next Top Model, and is an inspiration to many young fashion designers here in Malaysia.
Not many people may be aware that Bernard is also a loving father to his children.
In honour of Father's Day on June 19, theSun spoke to Bernard about being a father first and a famous designer second.
Bernard and his wife - former model Mary, 50 - have five children – Terimunite Lournard, 22, Trunan Lournard, 20, Tanzanite Lournard, 18, Tanestrran Lournard, 15, and Thanya Kumari Lournard, 14.
"Fatherhood has taught me to love people more," Bernard says. "Everyone was a child once, and a child is always pure."
He shares such a close bond with his children that he and his four sons even wear the same clothes.
"My children are my best friends," he says. "Even though I am their father, I have a genuine friendship with them.
"It is amazing. They confide in me. They can tell me anything. I tell them about my day and my work.
"Some people have said that a father can never be a child's best friend. But I believe if you make the effort, you can be his best friend."
One thing Bernard always does with his children is to have a family meeting where all of them give each other an update on their lives, and share their ups and downs.
"These small family meetings help us get to know each other better," he says.
Despite being their best friend, Bernard adds that he has no reservations when it comes to discipline.
"I am the one who sets the rules and system in my household and in my family," he states succinctly.
His fashion career may take a lot of his time, but he is never too busy to spare time for children.
Asked about some of the acitivies he enjoyed doing with his children, he says: "We like sport. We enjoy movies. We love discovering new food."
Naturally, they are also passionate about fashion. "We love getting dressed up, even if it's just heading out to watch a movie."
In fact, he used to take his children overseas with him for his fashion shows.
"I enjoyed showing them my work, sharing my dreams and getting opinions on my designs from them."
Other cherished memories with his children include the time he sent his oldest boy, then the second and the fourth, to study in the United States.
He not only helped each one of them to shop for the things they would need for their life in the States but also accompanied them to their universities to make sure that they settled down safely and comfortably in their dormitories.
"Most of them are studying overseas [now]," he says. "[But] we make it a point to either Skype, call or text each other every day.
"Sometimes, when I see old pictures of my children and me around the house, I will snap a photo and send it to them and we have a good laugh over it."
Bernard says his biggest challenge as a father is to inspire his children.
"It is not about getting As in exams. I want to inspire all my children to find their own path in life that they can enjoy."
One important advice he gives to them is to be genuine and honest.
He says: "I strongly believe in karma. If you do good, then good will come back to you, and vice versa."