A London-based label, Self Portrait was founded in 2013 by Han Chong, creating designs that are accessible to all women, combining style with comfort. The brand has centered its creations around natural fabrics that are kind to the environment, such as GOTS certified organic cotton and GRS certified recycled polyester. Its packaging is also 100% FSC certified. Since stylists and sales platforms such as Net-a-porter or Asos have also had their eye on the brand, celebrities such as Kristen Stewart, Reese Witherspoon, Jourdan Dunn, Kerry Washington, Maisie Williams, Anna Camp, Kendall Jenner, Chrissy Teigen, singer Zendaya or fashionable bloggers have all been seen in Han Chong's dresses.
Despite the long list of A-listers donning Self-Portraits dresses, Chongs designs are actually aimed at a general consumer base. Its price range is between 100 and 400 euros. Welcome In an interview with Elle Magazine, Chong commented that he wanted to “create something that would make women feel special without burdening their bank account”. For Chong, "beauty should not be an option that only a privileged few have access to, and it is possible without having to sacrifice the quality of the details if you find a way to make it efficient.”
Han Chong Context of Sustainability in the Textile Industry The textile industry relies heavily on non-renewable resources such as petroleum to produce synthetic fibers, fertilizers to grow cotton and chemicals to dye fibers and fabrics. The linear production system fails to optimize the controlled use of these resources and creates a significant carbon footprint throughout its supply chain, missing out on much more cost-effective options for recycling and reusing materials. Today's customers demand sustainable, eco-friendly, and biodegradable products that they can display and enjoy with a clear conscience. According to a recent report by consultancy Capgemini, 79% of consumers change their purchasing preferences based on criteria of social responsibility, inclusivity, or environmental impact. Even more so after the pandemic where 67% of shoppers have raised the level of commitment and awareness regarding the scarcity of natural resources in their purchasing processes Sustainability Journey Self Portrait is aware of this, and is making a conscious effort to be a part of the solution when it comes to lessenting the industry’s impact on the environment. It’s including more responsibly-sourced fibers in its collections in order to enhance circularity in fashion. After a year of investigation, the brand launched its first collections with the introduction of GOTS-certified organic cotton and GRS-certified recycled polyester in 2020. All garments are designed in its studio in East London and manufactured between China and Italy. The team makes bi-annual visits to its suppliers to carry out due diligence and risk assessments, ensuring that its manufacturers adhere to its code of conduct.