What do Pippa and Kate Middleton, Reese Witherspoon and Beyonce have in common? I so wish I could say they’re collaborating on a Thelma & Louise remake, but that’s not it. These stylish celebs helped the midrange label Self-Portrait rise to prominence in the mid-2010s.
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A short history of Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait made its London debut in 2013 with a collection Vogue described as “feminine, urban-inspired pieces with leather and lace signatures.“
The man behind these girly, gorgeous frocks is Han Chong, an artist-turned-fashion-designer. Chong studied and practiced fine art before landing a gig in the fashion industry. With his feet wet as a designer, he sought out formal training at the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London. After graduating, he co-founded an online store and, later, launched Self-Portrait.
Self-Portrait aesthetic
Self-Portrait delivers romantic occasion dresses that are polished and structured. They balance feminine details like lace, bows, pleating, and flounces with contemporary tailoring and precise cutouts. The color palette is soft and welcoming with neutrals and pastels.
When to wear Self-Portrait dresses
Self-Portrait dresses are made for occasions. Think weddings, upgraded parties, graduations, or anything that will have you in front of the camera.
Thanks to the feminine details, Self-Portrait dresses deliver effortless style. You don’t need to add a bunch of accessories. These dresses wear better with understated shoes, bags, and hair.
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Who wore the label
Since 2013, a string of stylish celebrities have drawn attention to the label. What’s interesting about that is Self-Portrait isn’t priced solely for the rich and famous. Yes, you will spend several hundred dollars on a Chong-designed frock. And while may seem like a splurge to a budget fashionista, it’s downright affordable for A-listers.
Self Portrait dresses have a sweetness about them, thanks to lace details, high collars and A-line silhouettes. They are ultra-feminine without being frumpy. Several designs — such as the pink number Pippa Middleton wore to Wimbledon — feature lace over either bare skin and or a nude slip.
Beyonce also wore Self-Portrait to Wimbledon in 2016. Her dress of choice featured a high, white-lace collar over bare shoulders and long, white-lace sleeves.
Other celebs spotted in the Self-Portrait label include Rachel McAdams, Chrissy Teigan, Zendaya, and Kristin Stewart.
Where to buy Self-Portrait dresses
Self-Portrait pieces are easy to come by. You can find them at ShopBop, Neiman Marcus, Net-A-Porter, and Self-portrait.com. Expect to pay $500 or more for a Self-Portrait dress.
Cost per wear caution
Self-Portrait dresses are beautiful and easy to style. But they are also pricey and distinctive — a combination that often contributes to a high cost per wear. While you don’t need to spend a bunch on accessories to wear with your Self-Portrait dress, you also may not feel comfortable wearing it more than once. It’s not as easy to repurpose as, say, a little black dress.