What stands out as new in Self-Portrait’s new resort collection is the understated reinterpretation of its features. As we approach the holiday season, creative director Han Chong offers a wide range of intriguing choices that combine elegance and simplicity. “This season we aimed for a more easy-going, understated approach,” the designer said during a preview at his London headquarters. “It’s about getting a dressed-up look without looking too calculated.”
With his eveningwear, Chong explored a more minimalist version of sophistication. There were figure-hugging monochromatic mesh dresses adorned with crystals, including a striking dark olive green slip silhouette, satin maxi dresses with lace accents and a black velvet cut-out number adorned with dainty brooches. On the casual side, everyday pieces were combined with extravagant fabrics; these include jewel-encrusted wide-leg jeans, glittering bouclé twin sets with Bermuda shorts and versatile bejeweled lycra bodysuits that double as going-out tops.
To what does Chong attribute the success of Self-Portrait? “It’s simple,” he says: “When we have fittings, we always ask input from every fit model involved about how they feel in the clothes, what they think looks good and what could be adjusted to make something better. It is 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.”
