Self-Portrait

Oh my days, am I excited about this. It's finally here, the anticipation of its arrival is over and I can finally introduce to you, drum roll pleeeeeeaseeeeee, the fabulously divine, Self-Portrait!

So, you have all heard me ramble on about Three Floor Fashion, the profoundly stunning and unique London based brand, established by Han Chong and Yvonne Hoang, yes? If not, where have you been in my life the past two years? Anyway, Han Chong left Three Floor Fashion earlier this year to start his own, equally amazing and stupendous brand, Self-Portrait, and yesterday, we finally seen the powerful launch with an overwhelmingly beautiful first collection. 

I've been following the countdown on Instagram for Self-Portrait's first collection and I have literally been shaking in my boots for its arrival. So yesterday I literally could not have typed in the web address faster as the collection went live online for the very first time! Undeniably, I was not let down by what I saw. The collection is perfect. Like Three Floor Fashion, Self-Portrait possesses many similarities such as shape, cut and contrast in their designs, but there are definite factors which set the two apart. Han Chong has knocked it out the park with this one, the collection oozes beauty and elegance with a modern day interpretation and I literally want to buy the whole collection right now. 
The collection exploits a contrast of dark and light, with the initial garments of the collection being pure, progressively moving into raw, dark, alluring beauty. For example, take the 'Panelled Long Sleeve Dress'. This garment is the definition of provocative innocence. The streamlined panelling of the garment is utterly magnificent, highlighting and accentuating the female form excessively. The coverage of the dress interprets the innocence whilst simultaneously, the attention to detail and structure of the garment interprets its provocative side. Furthermore, the underlay of the neckline and sleeves gives an almost sheer appearance further enhancing this factor, however, topped off with the small slit in the back of the dress just rounds it off. A woman's back is an incredibly understated factor of sex appeal and by displaying this small area of it, the dress leaves its innocence behind and moves its way to the dark side. 

'Panelled Long Sleeve Dress' - £175

COLOUR SPLASH BABY. So I said about how this collection mainly focuses on the contrast of dark against light, BUT, it wouldn't be a Han Chong collection without some bold contrasting colours somewhere in between. Take the 'Panelled Pleated Midi Dress' for example. This dress is a work of art in itself with unbelievable structure and attention to detail; I literally could sit and admire it all day. However, Han Chong has contrasted emerald green and navy blue here to give a stunning colour battle as each element exploits the other and compliments it to its utmost advantage. Then we move onto a garment such as the 'Starlet Midi Dress'. Oh wow. This dress sets itself aside from the rest of the collection and if it were an animal it would be the lioness of the kingdom; proud, beautiful and respected. The colour of the dress immediately draws our eyes in bringing us into recognition of the fabulous attention to detail. The structure of the dress is incredible with cut out panels in each side of the dress and a nude, sheer back to create the illusion it is bare, again playing on the sex appeal of the garment. The pattern on a whole of the dress is so intricately beautiful and the folds of the skirt accentuate this as we watch it flow in front of our eyes. This dress is definitely a work of art. 

'Panelled Pleated Midi Dress' - £219

'Starlet Midi Dress' - £219

Finally, this is the part I have literally been quivering with excitement to share. My favourite piece of the entire collection; the 'Frill Seekers Midi Dress'. Firstly, I would just like to say, the name itself is absolutely fabulous with its cheeky play on words, and being a total english fanatic like myself, I do enjoy a good word pun. This dress though, oh my days where do I even begin. This dress is so powerful in ways you can't even imagine. The shape alone is astounding, combining a double overlay skirt with a fitting top to the dress, completely streamlined to the waist; a match quite literally creating perfection. Furthermore the combination of nude, navy and black creates a garment so allusive you find yourself falling in love at first sight. Texture. The word belongs in a sentence of its own with a crown on top as this dress defiantly exploits the meaning of texture in fashion. Lace overlay, sheer panelling and faux leather; a combination so magical it casts you under its spell. I am literally starting to lose myself for words I am so in love with this dress. Han Chong, I salute you, you have created a masterpiece. 

Pièce de résistance - 'Frill Seekers Midi Dress' - £199

These are only a few of the spectacular designs which make up the breathtakingly beautiful collection for Self-Portrait, so please go check out the full collection for yourself by clicking here. The collection features so much more with outstanding pieces such as the 'Textured Lace Bomber Jacket' which is perfect for the current reinstated bomber jacket craze. So have a look and I can only hope you find Self-Portrait even half as magnificent as I do. 
Love and frills.