Who's the next great fashion designer? We're on the lookout for the lesser-known or up-and-coming stars who are creating collections and careers worthy of some praise and closet space. Although they aren't household names yet, we're so impressed with their skills that we bet they will be soon. Check out "The Fresh Faces of Fashion" for the scoop on the designers we believe are the next big thing.
Self-Portrait by Han Chong
We've been fans of fashion designer Han Chong's swoon-worthy creations since his days as creative director at Three Floor. So it was no surprise that when he launched his own brand, Self-Portrait, last year we'd be coveting the entire collection. The Malaysia-born-and raised designer is own for his ultra feminine, eye-catching cocktail dresses that boast lace, leather and sheer detailing -- making them both sexy and sophisticated.
Chong once told Elle.com that the mission of his line was to design clothes that are "sophisticated enough so celebrities will wear it, but accessible for normal people." Mission accomplished. The line has been worn by Reese Witherspoon, Miranda Kerr and Christy Tiegen, and with dresses selling for no more than $450, snagging one of Chong's signature peek-a-boo frocks isn't out of the realm of possibility.
We caught up with Chong and got the scoop on the type of woman he designs for, what his alternate dream profession would be and the one Self-Portrait dress we should all own. Check it out below.
HuffPost Style: Why did you name the collection Self-Portrait?
Han Chong: There is a lot of talk about selfies the last couple years... but the notion of a self-portrait actually has a long tradition within art history. Through the self-portrait, artists have been portraying the times they lived in, its style and the dominant mindset of that time. The name plays with the idea of creating a personal identity.
HPS: There are a lot of sheer elements in your design. What's the inspiration behind that?
HC: Most of the designs are rather detailed. With their layered textures and combinations of materials, these designs have multiple references to various time periods and styles. A lot of the dresses are very quite feminine, but in each collection you’ll find some more androgynous-looking pieces, too.
HPS: Who is the Self-Portrait woman?
HC: Hopefully our creations encourage women who wear them to standing out rather than just blend in. Our designs are not what you would label “utilitarian “ like many other mid-price brands out there currently.
HPS: What celebrity would you love to see wearing your designs and why?
HC: Honestly, no one in particular. I feel very privileged every time someone chooses to wear Self-Portrait. All this is still relatively new to me – this whole thing with suddenly having a market – and I find it totally amazing that a larger number of women now choose to buy my designs. I remember when a friend of mine told me that she had been to a private party and that there was this girl wearing my stuff and I felt so proud.
HPS: What's the one piece from this collection that every woman should own?
HC: I would say the Azaelea dress -- it represents the true signature of a self-portrait women.
HPS: You're a Central Saint Martins grad, so you've definitely rubbed shoulders will plenty of amazing designers. Are there any classmates or alums whose work you admire?
HC: There are many designers, also from my own generation and from previous generations who have inspired me and who I truly admire, not just one. I find other designers’ work inspiring for various reasons. I love what Simone Rocha and J.W Anderson are doing also Christopher Shannon for Menswear.
HPS: If you weren’t a fashion designer, what would you be?
HC: I started studying art and then shifted into fashion. However, I doubt I would have become a very successful artist. I have participated in a few art exhibitions and even been included in the Venice Biennial in 2009 but it is different to experiencing my designs on display in departments stores all over the world, in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok, Milan, New York and here in London.
HPS: What question do you wish you were asked more?
HC: I am not very good in interviews, so I’d actually prefer to let my designs speak for themselves. Ha ha!
Self-Portrait by Han Chong
Self-Portrait by Han Chong
Self-Portrait by Han Chong
Self-Portrait by Han Chong
Self-Portrait by Han Chong
Self-Portrait by Han Chong
Self-Portrait by Han Chong
Fashion Designer Han Chong
Getty
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.