Self-Portrait (Q7478)
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Self-Portrait is a fashion house from BOF.
| Language | Label | Description | Also known as |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Self-Portrait |
Self-Portrait is a fashion house from BOF. |
Statements
Leading the best-dressed guests at the 2024 Fashion Awards were the actress Gemma Chan and model Lara Stone in lingerie-frilled bodycon numbers from Self-Portrait and Christopher Kane’s recent collaboration. The line was released in November as the first of Self-Portrait’s Residency program, and has been a serious hit among fashion insiders, a phenomenon that has, in turn, cast a halo of cool around its mastermind Han Chong. In fact, it was a fashion journalist who the designer seemed most thrilled to have dressed that night. She walked the red carpet, nine months pregnant, in a stretch-knit column with scrunchie cut-outs. “It was so empowering to see,” the designer said. “Women are amazing.”Christopher Kane’s capsule exceeded all sales targets, but that’s beside the point—its most valuable outcome has been returning a sense of creative freedom to Self-Portrait. “The fashion system is getting tired, but this lets us step outside its boundaries,” Chong said. “I want Self-Portrait to make the cash so the residencies can remain passion projects.” The designer’s pre-fall collection will doubtless fund a couple more, offering an accessible, mix-and-match wardrobe to the professional woman who loves fashion, but has less and less time to plan her outfits. Houndstooth blazers are easily paired with bubble-hemmed minis in lilac and burnt-orange taffeta, cropped trench coats with sheer-knit maxi dresses, and swim-inspired bandeaus with denim cargo skirts. Shortcuts to looking good in a flash, most of the pieces can be shoved into a carry-on and spring back to life without a single crease.Rhinestone-embellished slips and cowl-neck dresses with tactile leopard-print surfaces will do well on the events circuit, but Chong has, for the most part, dialed down his signature razzle-dazzle. “The girls don’t want to dress up as much,” he said. “Our interns go out partying in hotpants and a hoodie.” It’s a high-low approach to twisting codes that informed the introduction of Self-Portrait’s debut windbreaker—styled here with a glossy kick-pleat skirt—drop-shouldered bombers layered over pussy bow dresses and costume jewels with slogan tank tops. This treads a fine line: “If it’s too fashionable, it’s not relatable,” Chong said. “I want to inspire, of course, but it needs to be achievable.”
20 December 2024
Han Chong is always plotting something. In the short space of just three months, the designer has—deep breath—released a 35-look resort collection; staged the most extravagant of his annual summer parties at the Roof Gardens in Kensington; opened a marble-and-steel flagship in the center of Bangkok; and welcomed Christopher Kane as Self-Portrait’s first designer-in-residence, (back in 2021, he also lifted Roland Mouret’s brand out of administration). Even despite the implosion of Matchesfashion—the British e-commerce giant once sold significant quantities of Self-Portait’s flirtatious cocktail pieces—business continues to bloom and boom.“We now have 70-something physical stores in different territories,” Chong said at a preview of his spring collection in his sprawling east London studio. “Which means I need to think of Self-Portrait as more of a lifestyle brand.” There’s only so many occasion dresses that one person needs, and so this season, the designer focused on building a versatile, daytime wardrobe to keep all those shop doors revolving. Cropped nylon windbreakers, drawstring canvas jackets, barrel-legged jeans, and button-down skirts in cream denim were about as practical as Self-Portrait gets. Elsewhere, knitted polo shirts, collared cardigans, and oversized woolen blazers bearing crystalline pinstripes looked office-appropriate until styled with sheer skirts and suede hot pants. Lace shifts were designed to be worn over sensible camisoles or holiday bikinis. “What do they call it?,” Chong said. “Cost-per-wear?”But glamour will always (always) trump pragmatism. The designer was at his most animated when speaking about the construction on a rhinestone mesh column with swooping back cut-outs. See also: the bias-cut silk dresses with floral appliqués and the bonded crepe minis that felt sturdier than the sum of their parts. “The Self-Portrait girl used to put more effort into going out, but she prefers to chill with her friends these days and so the collection is less serious as a result. It’s not over-done,” he added. Kane’s soon-to-be-released line of partywear twinkled from a distant rail. “I’m not sure who we’ll invite into the studio next,” Chong said. “Sabrina Carpenter? Imagine a Self-Portrait song of the summer.”
23 September 2024
“The modern woman is ready for the return of sexy. No more of that quiet luxury,” said Han Chong at a resort 2025 appointment. The designer, who built up Self-Portrait with fun, colorful, Instagrammable pieces, decided to diversify this resort offering with a bit more edge and grunge than the usual. Replacing the cutesy pastel mini dresses of previous seasons were lace teddy negligee babydolls and ultra short hot pants that Chong is determined to make part of the new “going-out” uniform of the party types that frequent his brand.Chong, who has a deep understanding of his customer base, made sure that evening pieces were not only pretty but also photogenic. “Normal sequined pieces lay flat against the fabric, but for me, I know my customers,” explained Chong. “I have to make my clothes photogenic, which means I have to maneuver some of the sequins in different directions so that they catch the light and sparkle of camera flashes.” For daytime options, Chong included some “basics” that are anything but basic. Classic blue jeans got the bow treatment with subtle rhinestone embellishments, while hoodies came in luxe cashmere blends for an elevated touch.
8 July 2024
Self-Portrait’s global appeal isn’t just about accessible price points; it’s designer Han Chong’s uncanny ability to synchronize with the spirit of the times while comprehending the tastes of his diverse clientele. Chong weaves geographical nuances into his creations, offering tailored precision to meet the varied preferences of different regions. That said, for his pre-fall collection, he took a bold step towards simplicity, infusing classic silhouettes with pragmatic, utilitarian elements, while maintaining the brand’s inherent sophistication.“We wanted styles that effortlessly transition from day to night,” Chong expressed in a preview. “We’ve seen a rising preference for simpler shapes, and we want to make sure our customer finds what they need for any occasion.” Taffeta dresses boast refined strapless and square-neck styles, while satin frocks exude timeless glamour. The introduction of linen marks a new chapter for the brand, bringing a fresh, relaxed aesthetic to safari-inspired tailored sets and playsuits. Lace mini dresses and tiered A-line skirts in soft pastels and creams offer daytime chic, complemented by form-fitting yet comfortable knit dresses and bouclé jackets paired with high-waisted shorts.Innovative denim pieces, including a new camel wash, redefine casual elegance with embellished crop tops and maxi skirts. From light wash shift dresses to dark blue mini dresses adorned with sparkling rhinestones, the denim range has an ultra-girly allure.
10 April 2024
In recent seasons, Han Chong, founder of Self-Portrait, has shifted toward a more pared-back interpretation of the brand’s trademark high-octane glamour. Recognizing the multifaceted lifestyles of his discerning clientele, even those in the upper echelons of society, he acknowledges their desire for comfort and versatility by seamlessly transitioning from day to evening. The fall collection perfectly encapsulated this ethos. Speaking at his East London HQ, Chong elaborated, “We wanted to enhance our wardrobe with more effortlessness without losing our elegant touch. Certain pieces might seem more casual, but the details are quite extravagant.”Balance was paramount throughout the collection, with an abundance of casual denim separates tailored into refined, ladylike silhouettes. A paneled maxi skirt and a cropped aviator jacket with a shearling collar were particularly sophisticated. The classic Self-Portrait bow insignia adorned a pair of baggy jeans, infusing everyday attire with girlish charm. Knitted cardigans featured crystal-encrusted collars, while cream knit styles with peplums and crystal buttons coexisted with monochrome sets complete with sailor collars. And breaking news: Self-Portrait now offers oversized hoodies, crafted from sumptuous cashmere for luxurious comfort.In the realm of eveningwear, a cornerstone of Self-Portrait, sheer stretch knit gowns decorated with sequins and ornate buttons stole the spotlight. Satin strapless dresses embellished with polka dots boasted voluminous puff-ball skirts, while shimmering sleeveless minidresses effortlessly transition from day to night. The classic bouclé tweed suit underwent a modern transformation into form-fitting dresses and jumpsuits, the ultimate in easy glam. It’s evident: Self-Portrait remains dedicated to the fabulous lifestyle while prioritizing the comfort of its clientele.
23 February 2024
What stands out as fresh in Self-Portrait’s new resort collection is the understated reinterpretation of its signatures. As we approach the festive season, creative director Han Chong is offering a wide range of intriguing choices that combine elegance and simplicity. “This season, we aimed for a more easy, understated approach,” the designer said during a preview at his London headquarters. “It’s about achieving a dressed-up look without appearing overly calculated.”With his eveningwear, Chong explored a more minimalist version of sophistication. There were form-fitting monochromatic mesh dresses embellished with crystals, including a striking dark olive slip silhouette, satin maxi dresses with lace accents, and a black velvet cut-out number adorned with ornate brooches. On the casual side, everyday pieces were combined with extravagant fabrics; these included jewel-encrusted baggy jeans, shimmering bouclé twin-sets with Bermuda shorts, and versatile bejewelled Lycra bodysuits that double as going-out tops.To what does Chong chalk up Self-Portrait’s success? “It’s simple,” he said: “When we have fittings, we always seek input from every fit model involved about how they feel in the clothes, what they believe looks good, and what can be adjusted to make something better. It’s important for us to know what people really want—it’s not just about the concept and design, it’s also about the person wearing it, too.”
2 November 2023
Han Chong of Self-Portrait has a deep understanding of his clientele. With over 60 global stores and a devoted celebrity fan base—including megastars like Beyoncé, Zendaya, and Margot Robbie—he’s clearly onto something. In his latest spring collection, Chong updated his shimmering eveningwear aesthetic for a daytime mood. “The direction is very spring and summer focused—quiteliterally,” the designer said at a preview in his London HQ. “It’s less fussy, and there’s a certain ease to everything.”The spring collection was a lighter, more refreshing take on the brand’s stalwarts. However, a level of refinement was maintained through its ladylike silhouettes and choice of lustrous fabrics. There were breezy twinsets, ruffle-trimmed dresses, and broderie anglaise miniskirts that felt like they could work for summer in the city as well as a night out in a picturesque seaside town. Stretch knits were transformed into chic, low-slung maxiskirts paired with matching bikini bottoms, as well as floral-accented shift dresses and floor-length wraps. To add an eclectic touch, snug cashmere cardigans showcased mismatched buttons in variegated shapes.Denim played a pivotal role in maintaining the overall relaxedness. Yet, adhering to the quintessential Self-Portrait vibe, pieces were decorated with an abundance of miniature crystals. These embellishments graced crop tops, bolero jackets, baggy jeans, and A-line Bermuda shorts. An off-the-shoulder denim set with ruffles provided a sleeker alternative for those who might prefer a less glittering choice.While the collection primarily focused on daytime separates, it also featured a handful of evening-appropriate dresses in suitably striking cuts. From sequin-flecked minidresses to figure-hugging, thigh-slit stretch viscose LBDs complete with hip cutouts, the Self-Portrait aficionado will always find their attention-commanding favorites each season.
27 September 2023
Self-Portrait’s Han Chong is in a summer state of mind. “Pre-fall is really high summer for us, so everything is much more relaxed, in a way,” he said over a Zoom call from his London studio. One look at the dresses made of fishnet embroidered with beads and sequins, and you could feel yourself being whisked away to a glamorous island location, or maybe even next to a pool. They come with a slip dress lining, “but you can also wear it without, over your bikini,” Chong added. “It’s very versatile.”A long sleeve gown in sky-blue, sequin-embroidered mesh with a gathered cutout detail on the chest seemed ready-made for prom, while a crystal-embellished lilac long-sleeve shirt and matching maxi skirt brought to mind Gwyneth Paltrow’s iconic green Donna Karan set from theGreat Expectationsmovie. A few styles came embellished in crystals in a design Chong described as “contouring,” with darker shades brought in around the waist and hips. “It’s not very in-your-face,” he explained, “just a bit of contour around the body.”For those not beach-adjacent, the collection still offered options. Denim separates, like the cropped bustier with crystal embellishments worn with a matching denim pencil skirt, or the lilac wide-leg cargo trousers worn alternatively with a sequin-embroidered mesh top or knit cardigan-jacket were sportier takes on the label’s wardrobe staples.
25 April 2023
Business is booming at Self-Portrait. Since 2020, Han Chong has opened over 40 stores in China along with a flagship in London’s tony Chelsea neighborhood, his second in the city. Self-Portrait’s success is not a fluke, Chong takes careful consideration of the wants and needs of his customer, wherever in the world she may be. “Because of the extension of the business, we have to make sure we have a very diverse category offering,” he explained over Zoom, mentioning the importance of denim, knitwear, day wear, and of course eveningwear, which made the brand what it is today. Despite these varied offerings, it was one of Chong’s most pared-back collections. “A lot of the shape is cleaner, and more streamlined in terms of silhouette,” he added. “The focus is on materials and an effortless flattering shape.”Indeed the collection has a restricted color palette of black, white, and blue, punctuated by splashes of pink and gold. A long sleeve version of the short denim skirt suit that Michelle Williams wore to a recent Oscars luncheon is represented here, and this season’s jeans feature curved seams on the front and two exposed zippers at either side of the hips (“We try to make them very elongating”), in both a blue mineral wash and black. These are paired with a wide array of “going-out tops,” like long sleeve cropped tops with an asymmetrical neckline done in all over gold sequins, or a little white knitted sweater embellished with micro sequins and crystal buttons that, upon first glance, resembles a classic tweed jacket. Though Chong favors tweed separates—and there are plenty of mini-dresses, and skirt suits on offer made from houndstooth tweed—the big story this season was the faux-tweed knitwear. “It looks a lot younger, and when you wear it is much more comfortable,” Chong explained.The Self-Portrait girl clearly loves to show off her legs, but a few of the maxi-length pieces in the collection were some of the most interesting, like the tweed jacket-inspired navy long knitted cardigan coat with silver embellished button details. The model wore it with simple pointy-toed flats and Self-Portrait’s Bow bag made from fuzzy pale yellow fake fur (“Very Easter,” Chong declared). It was effortlessly glamorous. Another look featured a floor-length all-over gold sequin mermaid skirt paired with a cream tweed jacket; it was a more modest, or perhaps older version of the Self-Portrait woman, but it wasn’t missing any fun.
6 March 2023
At Self-Portrait, Han Chong is constantly looking for new ways to fill a void in his customers’ wardrobes. “A very significant part of the revenue comes from direct-to-consumer,” the designer explained on a Zoom from his studio in London. “So resort is a very important dynamic category for us.” Chong is thinking not only about what his woman wears to “dress up” and to “go to work,” he’s also making clothes for a global consumer. “Whether they are American on the East Coast or the West Coast, or they are in Asia where they have a different lifestyle and culture, we need to create a range that is able to have all of these elements in there.”That means this collection includes his signature tweed dresses and tailored separates trimmed with crystals, a corded lace shift dresses with enameled floral buttons, mesh dresses with crystal details, cotton poplin pajama-esque sets, and denim pieces that are consistently one of the best parts of his offering. For resort, he chose a dark, slightly washed denim for femme-but-baggy shorts with a matching bustier and a scalloped edge detail, and a pair of excellent high waisted, straight legged jeans cropped right above the ankle that served as the perfect grounding foil to a flouncy blouse with a curvilinear design at the bodice.“It’s a bit sexy, but still a quite clean look,” he said. “I feel like after the pandemic, you have to think of the girl dressing up. She wants to be comfy but she wants to make a statement.” A black sequin-knit jacket with bronze-colored embellished trim at the edges was certainly a statement piece, and he showed it two ways: with a matching mini-skirt and over a cutout swimsuit-worn-as-a-bodysuit, and those boyish-cut jeans. It was an instant way to show the versatility of such an item in a wardrobe and surely one of the many reasons why his girls keep coming back for more.
10 November 2022