The art of Revivre
Tifanny Bophadavy Doche is the founder of @revivrestudio, a gorgeous sustainable and ethical brand deeply influenced by her Khmer and French roots. She’s also the lead designer and Global Ambassador of ReMade Cambodia, a fashion enterprise that transforms recovered textile waste into wearable products, empowering local designers and raising awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry. She talks about her mission to redefine the meaning of “Made in Cambodia” through Revivre and she’s well on her way!
Hi Tifanny, what’s your earliest memory of enjoying fashion or wanting to be a designer?
As a 12-year-old, I received a fashion designer kit from my mom for Christmas, complete with a light table for sketching various designs. That was the moment I discovered my love for designing clothes, and experimenting with mixing and matching different pieces. Initially, it was just a childhood passion, a fond memory, and I never imagined it would evolve into my entire career. Since that day, I eagerly devoured fashion magazines like Vogue, l'Officiel, and ELLE while waiting for my parents to finish grocery shopping. Little did I know that those early interests would shape my future in the world of fashion.
How did Revivre come about and what inspired the brand’s creation?
My ultimate goal was always to establish my brand. While I could have pursued this dream in France, I felt a strong pull to reconnect with my roots, embrace my culture, and contribute to the fashion scene in Cambodia. The name 'Revivre,' which translates to 'revive' in French, came to me unexpectedly during a workout session. Phnom Penh was amid a two-week lockdown due to COVID-19, and it felt mentally frustrating. Despite the challenges, I wanted to emphasize my commitment to starting afresh in Cambodia.
“The name 'Revivre' surfaced during a conversation with my uncle at the gym's condo, capturing the essence of my journey—coming here to initiate a new chapter, to revive.”
How would you describe your style and how does it influence Revivre Studio ?
Revivre Studio stands as a modern fashion brand, specializing in both made-to-order and ready-to-wear garments. Our approach involves a fusion of diverse cultures and narratives, aiming to showcase the human experience through intricate details. Additionally, we prioritize functionality by incorporating practical elements, such as pockets in dresses, to enhance the overall utility of our clothing.
What does sustainability mean to you and how is this represented in Revivre?
I believe that sustainability is a fundamental value that every new brand should embrace, especially for the sake of the next generation.
“Textile waste is a significant problem in the fashion industry. When I established Revivre Studio, I felt the pressure to create a brand that respects our environment, our community, and our culture.”
At Revivre Studio, we prioritize sustainability by locally sourcing our materials from the market, primarily utilizing dead stock fabrics. We control our quantity and stock by producing limited pieces or unique one-of-a-kind items. Additionally, we actively engage in upcycling special pieces as part of our commitment to minimizing environmental impact.Embracing slow fashion, we focus on quality and sustainability, crafting limited pieces. Each collection represents a new creative journey, telling a story for those who value purposeful style.
What are some of the ways you incorporate your French and Khmer background into your designs?
During my time in France, I learned the vital importance of 'savoir-faire' and a strong dedication to garment quality, aspects that I'm dedicated to infusing into my designs.
“Our goal is to raise the standard of 'Made in Cambodia' and take pride in our country's rich knowledge and skills.”
This commitment compels us to set demanding standards for every garment, ensuring the highest possible quality for our nation. We seamlessly integrate this quality standard with traditional Khmer outfit details, be it through a unique shirt cut, incorporating a flower that symbolizes our country through intricate beading, or drawing inspiration from people's stories to weave into my designs.
Was was your last favourite creation?
One of my most cherished pieces from the latest collection is a men's jacket that beautifully blends faux leather with silk organza. (Revivre is not street Jacket)
This fusion of fabrics serves as a commentary on the societal perception of masculinity – the tough exterior expected by society, contrasted with our desire to infuse a touch of romance into the character. The symbolic bow, a signature detail, is strategically placed as part of the sleeves, adding an extra layer of narrative to the garment.
What was it like to leave Paris for Cambodia and how has that influenced your designs?
In the beginning, the transition from Paris to Phnom Penh was challenging. The cultural differences posed some difficulties in adjusting to the people and societal norms. However, as time went on, I became more adaptable and mature. The initial feelings of frustration and anger subsided, and I started to appreciate Cambodia more. Despite missing France, this incredible country with its rich history and stories became a constant source of inspiration for me. Every day, I discover something new about my culture, and the learning process continues to shape my creative journey.
“This fusion of fabrics serves as a commentary on the societal perception of masculinity – the tough exterior expected by society, contrasted with our desire to infuse a touch of romance into the character.”
How has your role as Designer and Global Ambassador changed your perspective on fashion and sustainability?
My goals and values for establishing a sustainable fashion brand in Cambodia have not changed much; they have only deepened. The opportunities to raise awareness in my community have been larger than I anticipated, motivating me to push even harder. I'm doing my utmost to give a voice to Cambodia and the next generation. This journey has changed me by reinforcing my belief in my ability to drive positive change.
