Last night, London’s fashion heartbeat quickened as Self-Portrait unveiled its first-ever Residency collection—a collaboration that melds the visionary minds of founder Han Chong and designer Christopher Kane. Hosted at the Alva Coachwork Studios, the event wasn’t just a launch; it was an immersive experience where fashion met performance art.
Christopher Kane, stepping in as the program’s inaugural Resident, showcased a thirty-look collection that reinterprets gems from his own archives, even nodding to his breakout 2007 debut. Picture crystal chainmail flirting with soft lace ruffles, satin dresses cut on the bias with intricate lace panels, and knitwear punctuated by lace cut-outs and crystal embellishments. The palette was playful, the silhouettes subversively elegant—classic Kane with a fresh twist. Accessories didn’t play second fiddle either, featuring crystal bolster necklaces and handbags adorned with ruffled lace handles.
The crowd? A curated mix of over a hundred fashion and creative insiders. Edie Campbell, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Laura Carmichael, Laura Haddock, Jessica Plummer, Katie Grand, Suzy Menkes, and Sarah Mower were just a few among the stylish assembly. They didn’t just watch; they became part of the unfolding narrative as campaign and lookbook shoots happened live around them.
Earlier in the day, photographer George Eyres wrapped the lookbook shoot, setting the visual tone that would be revealed today. As the evening unfolded, Larissa Hoffman captured models like Colin Jones, Marina Perez, and Hannah Motler against an intimate, home-like backdrop—turning the studio into a living, breathing set. These campaign images are set to drop over the coming weeks, keeping the momentum rolling.
Of course, no fashion event is complete without the right culinary and cocktail accompaniments. Margot Henderson of Rochelle Canteen curated a seasonal three-course feast, perfectly paired with Bird in Hand Wines’ Chardonnay and Syrah. The drinks flowed—Classic Negronis mixed with Campari and refreshing Campari Spritzes kept conversations and spirits high.
Adding another layer to the launch, Self-Portrait Residency teased campaign images of Kane’s longtime supporter, Carine Roitfeld. Shot at her Parisian home by Hoffman, Roitfeld dons pieces from the collection, embodying the effortless sophistication that defines this collaboration.
“It has been an absolute joy working with Han and his incredible team on the Self-Portrait Residency,” Christopher Kane shared. “From the very beginning, the energy and creativity have been infectious, making this entire experience so fulfilling. I am thrilled to finally share with the world what we’ve been creating together. This partnership celebrates the spirit of collaboration, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve achieved.”
Han Chong reflected on the milestone: “Self-Portrait Residency represents an ambition I’ve had for years: to create a space where creatives can come together, experiment freely, and shape something entirely unique. By opening our studio doors and resources to others, we’re building a community that values collaboration over competition, with each Resident being invited to share their own distinctive voice. Christopher Kane has been the perfect first Resident, not only have we learnt an enormous amount from him, he has also set the tone for this programme by giving us all access to his inimitable designs and having fun along the way.”
The Self-Portrait Residency program is more than a collaboration; it’s a progressive platform inviting artists from diverse disciplines to create within the brand’s London hub. By offering infrastructure, resources, and a network, Self-Portrait is crafting a vibrant ecosystem that champions individuality and creative expression. It’s about breaking down barriers, fostering community, and delivering top-tier design at prices that don’t exclude.
This launch doesn’t just signify a new chapter for Self-Portrait—it signals a shift in how the industry can embrace collective creativity. As the campaign imagery begins to roll out, one thing is clear: the future of fashion is collaborative, and Self-Portrait is at the forefront, rewriting the rules and inviting everyone to join the narrative.
