Han Chong, the creative force behind Self-Portrait, is a man constantly on the move. In just three months, he’s managed to launch a 35-piece Resort collection, host a lavish summer party at the Roof Gardens in Kensington, open a stunning flagship store in Bangkok, and welcome Christopher Kane as Self-Portrait’s first designer-in-residence. This relentless energy comes as no surprise, given that Self-Portrait has continued to thrive despite the challenges faced by the industry, including the implosion of Matchesfashion, a key retailer for the brand.
Chong’s ambition is clear: to transform Self-Portrait into a lifestyle brand. “We now have 70-something physical stores in different territories,” he shared during a preview of his spring collection in his expansive East London studio. The brand’s signature cocktail dresses remain a cornerstone, but Chong is now exploring a new dimension of versatility, catering to the everyday woman. This season, the collection embraces practicality with cropped windbreakers, drawstring jackets, and denim staples. Knitted polo shirts, collared cardigans, and oversized blazers add a touch of office-appropriate sophistication, while lace shifts can be styled for both casual and formal occasions.
Chong acknowledges the shift in priorities, saying, “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.” This relaxed approach doesn’t mean sacrificing glamour entirely. The collection still features show-stopping pieces, like a rhinestone mesh column with swooping cut-outs and bias-cut silk dresses adorned with floral appliqués.
In a testament to Chong’s vision for a collaborative future, Kane’s soon-to-be-released line of partywear occupies its own space within the studio. “I’m not sure who we’ll invite into the studio next,” Chong mused, hinting at the exciting possibilities to come. “Sabrina Carpenter? Imagine a Self-Portrait song of the summer.” With a focus on practicality and a playful spirit, Self-Portrait under Chong’s direction seems poised for continued success, blurring the lines between occasion wear and everyday essentials, and proving that a little bit of glamour can go a long way.
