The Alley: In Conversation With Han Chong

This Christmas, we’re trading gift bows for Bow Bags - and you’re welcome to join us! self-portrait is playing Santa and there’s plenty of holiday excitement to go around. For starters, the brand’s Mommy & Me collection presents classic boucle and knit styles to costume your annual family portrait. For glam party attire, turn to the Resort 2023 Collection, where Designer Han Chong has upped the ante with high-octane hues, rhinestones, and Lurex. And if you’ve been extra nice this year? Treat yourself to one - or all three - of self-portrait’s Lane Crawford exclusive styles.

Read on as we speak to the Malaysian designer about his favourite design from the latest collection, everyday dressing tips for the modern woman, and what he’s going to wear this Christmas.

LC: What was your inspiration for designing kidswear, and how does the process differ from that of womenswear?

Han: I launched kidswear slowly and consciously so that I could treat it like a standalone brand with its own personality and character. It was important to still reflect a dreamier and more playful aesthetic style, rather than a direct mini-me copy of the designs in my womenswear collections. I'm also very aware that by nature, kids' styles have a shelf life. This influenced and inspired the way I designed the pieces. Each season is a focused collection of timeless shapes and styles that are designed to be passed down.

LC: What’s the design that best encapsulates your latest collection?

Han: The introduction of rhinestone-embellished fabrics. It's been such a joy to work on the designs and on such a variety of pieces - from dresses to shirts to swimwear. Although we've introduced fun new fabrics and bold colours for Resort, I really wanted the designs in this collection to be uncomplicated. We've worked hard on stripping back our existing staples to create pieces that are more sleek and clean-lined. We've also introduced more separates, denim, and everyday styles in order to diversify our product offering.

LC: Tell us more about your mission to champion functional dressing for the modern woman.

“I've always wanted to provide high-quality designs for women that are timeless yet modern, pieces that empower and uplift them, that make them feel like the very best version of themselves.”

Han: The balance between comfort and statement-making styles is one that takes time to get right, but one that I'm very proud of. When we see a strong response to certain styles, we like to keep them in our collections, updating them with new colourways, lengths, and fabric variations, so that they always stay relevant.

LC: What are your dressing tips for a seamless day-to-night transition?

Han: Pick pieces that can lift existing pieces in your wardrobe - a great tailored jacket, a knitted suit that you can style together or mix and match with pieces you already own, and a brilliant dress that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

“The key is versatility and selecting pieces that can transform your wardrobe effortlessly.”

LC: And how will you be dressing this festive season?

Han: As I'm going to be in Asia over the holidays, I'll be dressing for the weather and keeping it smart-casual by throwing together a formal shirt with relaxed trousers or shorts.

Shop self-portrait’s latest drop below.