Self-Portrait Spring 2017 RTW. Han Chong mixed his signature feminine lace dresses with patent leather that fit right in the feminine flow.
Founded in 2013 by Han Chong, the London-based label Self-Portrait first came to prominence with its beautifully designed, intricately cut lace dresses that looked more couture than contemporary. Although the label is known for its party-ready lace dresses, Han is ready to keep pushing the label forward. For Spring ’17, he unveiled a lineup of floaty ruffles and his signature guipure lace, but these looks did not come without edge.
This season, his collection manifested in a combination of his signature feminine lace dresses with an influx of military inspiration. Dresses were pulled off the shoulders, while trousers, military skirts, and button-finished playsuits added structure. The flashiest details were patent leather — pants and shoes that fit right in with the feminine flow. It seemed that Han Chong wanted to appeal to broader parts of a woman’s wardrobe by offering laid-back styles, that can be worn from morning to night. Moving away slightly from the full-on feminine repertoire of his reputation, Han Chong pushed the boat out to bring the wearer more transeasonal options.
In an industry whose biggest stars are selling oversized ’90s concert hoodies for thousands of dollars, it’s rare to see a designer who eschews theatrics and exorbitant prices to create a collection of clothes that women not only want to wear, but that most of them can actually afford. With this collection, Chong definitely has proved that he’s more that just lace up his sleeve.