Feminine, modern, and oh-so-stylish is what you get when you opt for the designer brand Self-Portrait. London-based designer, Han Chong, established the label in 2013, and will now be celebrating a successful decade of superior fashion for women. The brand strives to make phenomenal design easily available to all women.
Flowing fabrics, romantic lace accents, floral prints, and feminine silhouettes are some of the hallmarks of the Malaysian-born designer's innovative creations. The attention to detail – in both the designs as well as in the craftsmanship – makes these unique styles an easy choice no matter if you are going for a bold and daring look or something more soft and delicate.
Self-Portrait – a look that’s all about you
The brand chose its name based on its vision of reflecting the women who wear the collections. In other words, the clothes are designed to suit the styles and preferences of the women who wear them so that they both look awesome and feel comfortable at the same time. Han Chong, founder and creative director of Self-Portrait believes that “Fashion is not about oneself, it’s about the people who physically wear it – it’s about respecting them and their comfort.” This wearer-focused view is very practical and down-to-earth. Considering that many styles in the fashion world are primarily for aesthetics, it is a valuable find when you come across a luxury brand that has items that are as stylish as they are comfortable.
Even today, a lot of women’s fashion has been associated with pain and endurance – shapewear and stilettos are not exactly what women usually choose as loungewear. Unfortunately, there is a long history of a “no pain, no gain” outlook on looking good, like corsets that are so tight that make breathing difficult or jeans that fit so snugly that you might need your friends help to zip them all the way up. While many contemporary fashion styles are exquisite to look at but offer little in terms of comfort, others deliver the best of both worlds. Self-Portrait is a brand that brings this comfort and style to the table, with designs that are easy to wear and easy on the eyes.
Ruching and ruffles, lace and grace
Self-Portrait’s exclusive collections abound with delicate details, exquisite fabrics and feminine flair. The luxurious designs have graced the likes of some of the most popular celebrities. Innovative designer, Han Chong, is a graduate of Central Saint Martins, who combines a sophisticated look with a keen knowledge of how to put fabrics together to create a unique statement. His know-how and intuition have been the driving force behind the brand’s skyrocketing popularity that has taken the fashion world by storm. You might say that “comfort is the new black,” since more and more fashionistas are opting for clothes that are easy to wear. In light of this, many trendy brands have been venturing into athleisure and luxury loungewear – that’s why even a simple T-shirt with a famous logo on the front has become a go-to it-item for many.
Considering that the most comfy clothes are items like t-shirts and athleisure bottoms, it is really a great discovery to see that Self-Portrait offers a whole range of beautiful womenswear for a wide variety of occasions. The signature pieces are dresses, skirts and jackets that are chic, easy style. The feminine touches are really exquisite along with the superior use of materials. A lot lies in the details, such as flower-shaped buttons, bows, side-slits and ruching, ruffles, rhinestones, sequins, pearls, and lace accents. A little lace can go a long way – for example, it is easy to style a lace top with your favorite jeans for a versatile look that is both casual and feminine at the same time. The comprehensive selection of dresses are also simple go-to fashion wins, since all you need to do is pair with your most comfortable pair of wedges and you are good to go.
Innovate designer Han Chong
Self-Portrait’s designer was born in Penang, Malaysia. In 2003, he traveled to London to pursue studies in the visual arts. He ended up studying Womenswear Design at Central Saint Martins, where he successfully obtained his degree. His interest in art is also what inspired the name of his brand, as he designs the clothes as an expression of the women who wear them. As an artist, the designer exhibited his pieces at the 53rd Venice Biennale but felt that his creative talents would be better channeled through fashion. His motivating factor was to inspire as many people as he possibly could, and he felt that he would be more effective in doing so by designing clothes rather than artworks.
While staying in London, he fell in love with the city’s pulse and dynamism and so the British capital became the home for his designs. Self-Portrait collections are designed in London for an international following, targeted for modern fashion-enthusiasts who appreciate beauty as well as feeling comfortable in how the clothes make them look and feel. In this way, the choice should be simple and the clothes easy to wear and style, while empowering the wearers with confidence. The brand beautifully describes its vision, “Self-Portrait believes in celebrating and empowering the women in the clothes. Femininity ensured by elegant functionality, reflecting a sincere engagement and appreciation for a contemporary way of life.”
Taking a closer look
By examining a couple of selected Self-Portrait models as a representation of the brand’s style, it can be easier to understand the designer’s vision. For example, let’s take a closer look at a collared shirt. When first hearing the term “collared shirt,” you may perhaps envision the standard white button down of crisp cotton. The rhinestone satin shirt is a bold, feminine take on the traditional version, with abundant sparkle and in a vibrant shade of hot pink. Another item that is definitely worth getting more than a glimpse of is the floral handkerchief mini dress. The square neckline with a delicate lace border and lace accents at the waist in both blue and white add sweet details that complement the floral mauve print.
