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
Belted cotton-blend guipure lace midi dress
$222
$555
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Sequin-embellished crocheted mini skirt
$110
$365
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Bow and crystal-embellished off-the-shoulder crepe midi dress
$185
$615
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Faux pearl-embellished sequined bouclé-tweed mini skirt
$152
$380
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Cutout crystal-embellished mesh turtleneck top
$128
$425
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Twist-front cutout crystal-embellished stretch-mesh top
$128
$425
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Appliquéd belted satin midi dress
$255
$510
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Belted corded lace midi dress
$278
$555
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Appliquéd ruffled cold-shoulder georgette maxi dress
$308
$615
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Embellished appliquéd tulle and satin mini dress
$234
$585
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Check Cardigan
$189
$495
FWRD
self-portrait
Gathered satin and embellished tulle mini dress
$176
$585
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Sequined crocheted cotton and cashmere-blend mini skirt
$114
$380
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
One-shoulder asymmetric crystal-embellished mesh top
$128
$425
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Knit Short
$122
$290
FWRD
self-portrait
Scalloped ruffled broderie anglaise cotton peplum top
$117
$390
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Bow-detailed cotton-guipure lace midi dress
$325
$650
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Strapless belted ruched floral-print taffeta midi dress
$375
$750
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Lace-trimmed crystal-embellished jersey gown
$315
$1,050
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Drawstring broderie anglaise cotton midi dress
$260
$650
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Belted scalloped broderie anglaise cotton-voile mini dress
$290
$580
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Open-back bow-detailed floral-print linen and cotton-blend mini dress
$233
$465
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Crystal-embellished denim mini shirt dress
$230
$460
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Lace-trimmed satin midi dress
$298
$595
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Crystal-embellished crepe mini dress
$300
$600
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Paneled denim halterneck mini dress
$230
$460
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Satin-trimmed lace maxi dress
$336
$840
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Scalloped broderie anglaise cotton mini shirt dress
$290
$580
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Checked crystal and chainmail-embellished faille mini skirt
$194
$645
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Belted leather skirt
$270
$675
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Crystal-embellished stretch-mesh maxi dress
$400
$800
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Bow-embellished cotton-blend and lace maxi dress
$350
$700
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Houndstooth woven shorts
$148
$370
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Belted twill mini skort
$175
$350
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Embellished ribbed-knit and poplin maxi dress
$266
$665
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Crystal-embellished denim mini dress
$212
$530
Net-a-Porter
self-portrait
Strapless belted embellished satin-twill top
$131
$435
Net-a-Porter
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.