Self-portrait, the London-based fashion house led by creative director Han Chong, has opened the doors of its studios to creatives from all disciplines in a new “Residency” initiative with designer Christopher Kane the first to take part.
By providing access to its studios and HQ in Clerkenwell, self-portrait is seeking to create a deign hub for artists to experiment and innovate.
This initiative “aims to encourage best in class craftsmanship and design by providing self-portrait’s infrastructure, platforms, resources, teams, and distribution network to spotlight and promote external creatives, offering them the freedom to dream and create”, the brand said,
The line-up of creatives will evolve continuously and will cover all creative disciplines. Christopher Kane is a renowned designer from Scotland, and a former mainstay of London Fashion Week, who first launched his own label with sister Tammy in 2006. Last year the pair bought back the brand in a rescue plan.
As part of the Residency all creatives will be invited to design unique products, experiences, and collections that “reflect their artistry, and complement self-portrait’s commitment to empowering artistic voices”. Kane’s first collection under the initiative will be unveiled at the end of November.
“My ambition for self-portrait has always been to create an inclusive brand, one that empowers with every interaction, and one that focuses on community over competition. This ethos was the starting point when conceiving our new Residency programme. To me, this represents the future of genuine partnership, where creatives support and uplift each other rather than seeing each other as rivals,” Han Chong explained.
Chong established self-portrait in 2013 and it has been one of the industry’s biggest success stories of recent years offering high quality, crafted designs – with lace dresses a signature – at accessible prices. The brand is available online at self-portrait.com and through flagship stores in London, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Taipei, as well as in a number of prestigious multi-brand stores.
In 2021 Han Chong acquired the Roland Mouret label and incorporated it into his SP Collection business. Mouret remained at the helm to lead the creative direction.
