London-based self-portrait unveiled its groundbreaking Residency program on November 22, marking a new chapter in fashion collaboration as Christopher Kane designing from the luxury brand’s London headquarters presented his debut collection of thirty looks through an unprecedented dual-city reveal. The collection first emerged in Paris, where fashion icon Carine Roitfeld was photographed in her private residence by Larissa Hofmann, before culminating in a live immersive event at London's Alva Coachwork Studios.
Co-hosted by self-portrait founder and Creative Director Han Chong and Christopher Kane, the evening evolved from traditional fashion presentation conventions as over 100 luminaries from the creative sphere witnessed a campaign shoot unfold in real-time at London's Alva Coachwork Studios, featuring models Achol Ayor, Colin Jones, and Hannah Motler.
Industry figures including Edie Campbell, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Katie Grand, Suzy Menkes, and Vogue's Sarah Mower joined actors Laura Carmichael, Laura Haddock, and Jessica Plummer for a celebratory experience. A dinner accompanied the evening with Rochelle Canteen's Margot Henderson presenting a seasonal three-course menu, complemented by Bird in Hand Wines' Chardonnay and Syrah, Classic Negronis and Campari Spritzes.
The collection is a sophisticated dialogue between Kane's provocative aesthetic and self-portrait's contemporary sensibility. Revisiting his landmark Spring-Summer 2007 debut, Kane weaves a complex narrative of textures and techniques including liquid crystal chainmail cascades against architectural lace ruffles and bias-cut satin dresses which showcase precisely calculated lace insertions. The offering extends to refined knitwear detailed with considered cut-outs, crystal-embellished cocktail dresses, and accessories that echo the collection's dual nature of subversion and elegance. Photographer George Eyres captured the collection's lookbook earlier in the day, as revealed below, within the same historic space.
Speaking about the program's vision, Chong said, "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."
Reflecting on the inaugural Residency, Christopher Kane remarked, “It has been an absolute joy working with Han and his incredible team on the Self-Portrait Residency. 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.”
This initiative represents more than a collection; it signals a paradigm shift in creative partnership. By opening their London atelier to diverse artistic voices, self-portrait establishes a new model for fashion collaboration—a vision that prioritizes creative freedom while maintaining accessibility. The Residency program provides infrastructure and resources to external talent, ensuring exceptional design reaches a broader audience without compromising artistic integrity.
In an industry constantly seeking new forms of creative expression, self-portrait's Residency program emerges as a visual manifesto for artistic collaboration, potentially becoming a blueprint for fashion's future—one where creativity and accessibility coexist in harmonious innovation.
The collection is now available through self-portrait's Mayfair and Chelsea locations, as well as select luxury retailers including Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdales, Selfridges, and at self-portrait.com.
