Man in the Mirror

Single-handedly, he closed Singapore Fashion Week with an upbeat flourish. We sit down for a chat with Han Chong, the Malaysian designer and founder of London based contemporary label Self-Portrait.

- Allysha Nila

You were an artist before you were a fashion designer. How did the transition from one field to the other occur?

I kept doing both initially and then fashion took off around 2008, and I couldn’t focus on two things anymore. I also started fashion label Three Floor but left after two years because I wanted to have more control. Upon reflection, art didn’t give me the same satisfaction as much as fashion does. Dressing women is so much more rewarding!

What’s rewarding about dressing women?

To witness how special and powerful they feel. Since the beginning, I’ve wanted to do what makes women feel special. What really interests me is making something at a contemporary price point for normal people with a normal income who can also dress like they would with a luxury brand. I don’t like to design for my own creative desire.

How sustainable are affordable price points for luxury items in today’s market?

I think it’s possible if you put in more effort, do more research, go on more trips, keep on sourcing fabrics. There are always possibilities if you’re not so greedy about profit margins. I come to Asia often because that’s where my production and fabrics are located. I also want to be here to experience and understand the lifestyles of my customers. The more you travel, the more you understand cultures.