Since its establishment in 2013, Self-Portrait has been a staple in the London fashion scene, and its founder Han Chong has toyed with new methods of production, becoming more responsible through using organic cotton and recycled chiffon, viscose, and polyester.
For Spring/Summer 2022 showcased at London Fashion Week, Bella Hadid transforms into "the Self-Portrait" woman." "I never just have one person in mind – for me, the joy of what I do comes from designing for women with different personalities, different attitudes, and different ways of living their lives," Chong explains, adding that the collection is, "A love letter to the Self-Portrait woman – one who s ready to face the world, be truly herself, and have fun again."
The Malaysian designer studied at Central Saint Martins, and has also set up a scholarship program with the school to offer financial backing for students to complete their MA degrees, as well as mentorship and other assistance throughout the process. After more than a year spent navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the designer is making a difference not just on the runway, but off it, as well.
For SS22, the collection comes with new silhouettes and a vast array of textures. Embracing a new era of "modern dressing," the clothing is free-spirited and designed to be worn effortlessly, but still captures the energy of post-pandemic fashion. Minimal dresses, cut-outs, bold colors, and petite cardigans are the perfect staples for any wardrobe – especially after spending an endless amount of time in cozy clothing.
Self-Portrait is designed for the woman who is confident and sexy, and can throw on a dress for a meeting as well as a night out. She's who I aspire to be, and with Bella Hadid managing to embody all the different "Self-Portrait women," I'm sold.
The collection will be available in Spring 2022, and for more post-pandemic dressing, don't miss Nensi Dojaka's first standalone London Fashion Week catwalk show that made me want to only wear itty-bitty dresses for the rest of my life.
