Pema Choki

The Next Style

I have been passionate about this field ever since I was a child. Fashion was more than just a hobby. It was something that kindled joy in me since a very young age. I used to draw dresses in my notebooks, collect Barbie stickers just to admire the gowns and spend hours playing with paper dolls, designing new looks for them. That childhood curiosity eventually blossomed into a compelling passion that naturally led to me studying fashion design, a path that transformed my dream into a profession.

It allowed me to express creativity, emotion, and imagination, all at once. Watching fashion shows and events like Miss Universe deepened that love, and I found myself constantly fascinated by the designers, models, and the artistry behind every look. One of my biggest inspirations is Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018, not just for her elegance and style, but for the way she uses fashion as a form of meaningful expression.

My design influences come from the world around me- everyday people, art, nature, culture and personal experiences. I find beauty in the small details of ordinary life and often draw inspiration from emotions, movement, color and form. Fashion, to me, is not just about dressing up but it’s about telling a story, creating a mood and capturing a feeling. I’m constantly inspired by the creativity I see around me and I love translating that into wearable pieces that reflect individuality and purpose.

My background has helped shape my perspective on beauty, identity, and creativity. The culture I come from (Bhutan) has its own unique rhythm, traditions, and visual language, which subtly influence how I approach design. Bhutanese textiles, with their rich colors, intricate patterns, and deep cultural meaning, have especially inspired me. Whether it’s through color choices, silhouettes, or styling, I always aim to create something that feels authentic and connected to who I am and where I come from. I believe that fashion should celebrate both personal expression and cultural roots, and I strive to reflect that balance in my work.

Creative experiences

My journey in fashion hasn’t been easy. After high school, I aspired to study abroad but my family had reservations. I was young, and they also felt it was more practical for me to attend a government college.

I enrolled at Gedu College but had to leave due to health issues. I couldn’t return for two years. Then, as if life offered me a second chance, a one year fashion design training appeared while I was still recovering. My family agreed since it was in the country. Ever since I joined the training, everything began to fall into place. It felt like I made it to where I truly belonged.

The experience gave me the skills, confidence, and creative space I had always dreamed of. Far from easy but every step was worth it. Today, I take pride in my signature style that is expressive, elegant, and full of emotion. I enjoy working with different fabrics and materials, experimenting with textures and styles to create something unique. I believe every outfit tells a story, and I love combining different elements in a way that feels balanced and meaningful.

Color, texture, and shapes are at the heart of my work. My goal is to design clothes that make the wearer feel confident, creative, and true to themselves. At its core, my style is about crafting beauty with meaning. What sets my work apart is the personal connection I bring to each piece. I don’t just follow trends but focus on the feeling, narrative and authenticity.

My background and early love for fashion give my designs a playful yet thoughtful essence. I design with purpose, always considering not only aesthetics but comfort, wearability, and emotional impact. It’s important to me that my designs make people feel seen, celebrated and confident.

For me, inspiration is everywhere- in the daily life, people’s moods, art, nature, fashion history and even simple conversations. It even comes from a song, a painting, a memory or even a quiet moment at night when I’m deep in thought, something that happens often, since I’m a Cancerian and naturally emotional and reflective.

I also make time to sketch freely, visit exhibitions, watch fashion reality shows and runway collections, and follow creative people whose work excites me. Staying curious and open to new ideas help me keep my creativity alive and evolving.

While my journey has just begun, there are moments I’m proud of. I’ve created detailed scrapbooks about the fashion world and I designed my own collection inspired by Korean two-piece sets using Bhutanese fabrics and patterns. That collection was well-loved by many customers, which meant a lot to me. I believe that every small step, every creation is part of my growth as a designer. For me, staying consistent and committed to improving is already an achievement, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

Fashion vision BFW 2025

The collection I am presenting is all about comfort, simplicity and everyday wearability. It’s designed to be comfortable and easy to wear anywhere and still carry a deeper meaning. Each look tells a story inspired by the daily life of a farmer, from morning sunrise to evening sunset. Through this collection, I want to highlight the beauty in simple living and honor the hard work, dedication and strength of farmers around the world. My message is about appreciation and respect for those who work on the land and feed us everyday.

For me, BFW 2025 is a huge opportunity and I’m truly grateful for it. I’ve always believed in being thankful for wherever life takes me and this platform means a lot. I see it as a chance to explore, learn and grow as a designer. It’s also an opportunity to share my work with wider audience and to learn from others in the industry. I hope to receive feedback that will help me grow and most importantly, inspire people through my collection. Above all, I want to enjoy the experience, stay true to my vision and take one more step forward in my fashion journey.

I definitely see change and growth in Bhutan’s fashion industry in the coming years. Many new designers are creating unique styles using our traditional textiles, which is attracting both local and international attention. More people are also getting interested in fashion, which will bring fresh ideas and new creativity into the industry.

I believe Bhutanese textiles will play a big role in shaping the future of fashion in our country. They are the key to blending our culture with modern design. As we continue to value our roots while embracing new influences, Bhutanese fashion will become more diverse, expressive, and globally recognized. I’m excited to be part of this journey and to see how far our creativity can flourish.

What More?

I would love the viewers and readers to know that my work is rooted in passion and purpose. I don’t just design, I also takes custom orders from clients who bring their own ideas and inspirations. Even the smallest detail matters to me, and I’m always happy to bring your vision to life. So if you have a design in mind or simply love the styles I create, you’re always welcome to reach out. I offer quality work at a sensible price.