self-portrait
Style keywords
About the brand
Self-Portrait is a contemporary womenswear brand founded in London in 2013 by Malaysian-born designer Han Chong, a Central Saint Martins graduate. With a creative vision to make beautiful design accessible to all women, the brand has become renowned for its modern yet feminine aesthetic, characterized by intricate lace, sharp tailoring, and sophisticated understanding of structure and materials. The brand's signature Azaelea dress, crafted from textured guipure lace, has become iconic and been worn by celebrities including Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, and Beyoncé. Self-Portrait's philosophy centers on "femininity ensured by elegant functionality," creating pieces that empower women while maintaining accessibility through democratic pricing around $500-600. Over its decade-long journey, the brand has expanded from lace dresses into accessories, bridal wear, and childrenswear, establishing flagship stores in London and globally across Asia, cementing its position as a go-to label for contemporary luxury.
What people are saying
Products from self-portrait
self-portrait
Grosgrain-trimmed embroidered satin and guipure lace midi dress
$176
$585
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Grosgrain-trimmed embroidered satin and guipure lace midi dress
$176
$585
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Feather-trimmed crystal-embellished crepe mini dress
$655
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Bouclé minidress
$585
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Bridal embellished crêpe midi dress
$555
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Bow-detail off-shoulder crêpe minidress
$357
$510
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Belted cotton-blend guipure lace midi dress
$222
$555
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Crystal-embellished crêpe gown
$615
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Crystal-embellished crêpe minidress
$495
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Polka-dot taffetta corset dress
$655
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Bridal bouclé midi dress
$670
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Bridal embellished mesh-trimmed gown
$549
$785
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Bow-detail sequined minidress
$420
$600
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Sequin-embellished crocheted mini skirt
$110
$365
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Double-breasted taffeta blazer dress
$555
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Bow and crystal-embellished off-the-shoulder crepe midi dress
$185
$615
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Floral lace maxi dress
$444
$635
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Floral-appliqué satin slip dress
$399
$570
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Sequined tweed minidress
$420
$600
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Satin minidress
$392
$560
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Sequined cutout midi dress
$511
$730
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Sequined tweed minidress
$444
$635
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Tweed maxi skirt
$332
$475
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Tweed top
$399
$570
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Strapless velvet midi dress
$413
$590
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Rhinestone-embellished mesh maxi skirt
$500
$715
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Waffle-knit embellished pencil skirt
$280
$400
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Velvet minidress
$392
$560
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Rhinestone-embellished mesh maxi dress
$609
$870
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Peplum velvet midi dress
$444
$635
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Embellished fishnet midi dress
$609
$870
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Sequined minidress
$465
$665
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Rhinestone-embellished midi dress
$532
$760
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Peplum velvet bustier gown
$532
$760
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Sheer lace maxi dress
$721
$1,030
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Checked cotton and linen bra top
$199
$285
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Beaded bow-detail crêpe minidress
$420
$600
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Bow-detail lamé jacquard minidress
$420
$600
Mytheresa
self-portrait
Faux pearl-embellished sequined bouclé-tweed mini skirt
$152
$380
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Wool-blend pencil skirt
$266
$380
Mytheresa
What Makes self-portrait the Go-To Brand for Occasion Dressing at the Accessible Luxury Price Point
self-portrait built its reputation on a specific proposition that most brands at the $500 price point cannot deliver: the visual complexity and finish of a much more expensive garment. The guipure lace dresses, embellished midi styles, and structured knit pieces are engineered with a level of construction detail, from metallic threading to beaded embellishment to intricate cutwork, that reads far above the price point in person and in photographs. A YouTube reviewer described being unprepared for how good the quality would be, noting the dresses look exactly like the photos, which is rare. Glamour and Gains noted the aesthetic as ladylike but fashion forward, feminine and flattering, which captures precisely why the brand has become a default choice for weddings, galas, and celebrations across a very wide demographic. The brand has been worn by Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, and Beyoncé, which is a meaningful proof point for a label priced at genuine accessibility rather than aspirational luxury.
Why self-portrait Works Across the Full Wardrobe Beyond Just Occasion Dressing
The range on Plush covers dresses, jumpsuits, coats and jackets, pants, skirts, tops, shorts, and swimwear, giving shoppers a complete wardrobe from a label that has consistently expanded its range without losing its core identity. The tailored styles and knit separates extend the brand into smart casual and daywear territory, while the lace and embellished pieces remain the strongest occasion wear option at this price point on the market. For shoppers comparing brands at a similar contemporary occasion wear level, Needle & Thread, Saloni, Zimmermann, and Giambattista Valli are worth comparing on Plush.
Frequently Asked Questions
self-portrait runs small, particularly through the bust and waist, and this is consistent across multiple buyer reviews. Sizing up by one is strongly recommended for most shoppers, especially on fitted lace dresses and styles with a non-stretch waistband. The brand is not consistent in sizing from style to style, so checking the size guide on each individual product listing before ordering is important. Reddit buyers specifically flag that even sizing up is sometimes not enough on bodycon and very structured styles, so reading individual product reviews before purchasing is the safest approach.
self-portrait sits at the accessible luxury price point, with most dresses ranging from $400 to $650 at retail. The construction detail on the guipure lace, embellished, and beaded styles reads significantly above the price point in person, which is why the brand has retained its reputation as the most reliable accessible luxury option for occasion dressing across a decade. Glamour and Gains specifically noted the quality and craftsmanship as consistently well executed across styles.
The brand is best known for occasion and event dressing. Lace midi dresses and embellished styles handle weddings, galas, cocktail parties, and formal events. Structured knit dresses and tailored styles cover smart casual and dinner dressing. The tops and skirts extend the brand into elevated everyday dressing.
Needle & Thread works at a very similar price point with a more romantic, floral and embroidered approach to occasion dressing. Saloni shares the contemporary occasion wear positioning with a more print-led, fluid approach to dressing. Zimmermann operates at a comparable price point with a stronger resort and warm-weather aesthetic. Giambattista Valli works at a higher price point with a more voluminous, couture-adjacent approach to occasion dressing. self-portrait is the most construction-forward and lace-focused of the group, with the strongest accessible luxury positioning for event and formal dressing.
self-portrait is available directly at self-portrait.com and through NET-A-PORTER, Mytheresa, Revolve, and Shopbop. On Plush you can compare available pieces and live sale pricing across all retailers in one place.
Return policies vary by retailer. self-portrait's own site at self-portrait.com accepts returns within 14 days of delivery. NET-A-PORTER accepts returns within 28 days, and Mytheresa, Revolve, and Shopbop each accept returns within 30 days. Each product listing on Plush identifies the source retailer so you can review the applicable terms before purchasing.