Self-Portrait Unveils ‘Miss Self-Portrait’: A Celebration of Female Empowerment
October 7, 2024
London-based fashion house Self-Portrait has launched its latest campaign, featuring the magnetic Emily Ratajkowski captured through the lens of celebrated photographer Tina Barney.
Titled "Miss self-portrait," the campaign is a vibrant celebration of feminine empowerment through self-expression and self-assurance. It captures the essence of the London-based fashion house - a brand that designs for women who defy conventions, embrace their multifaceted identities, and confidently command attention.
The campaign cleverly reimagines the concept of a beauty pageant, subverting traditional notions of competition and external validation. In a series of striking images, Ratajkowski and a diverse cast of models are seen donning 'Miss Self-Portrait' sashes, crowns, and even holding trophies, all while showcasing the brand's latest designs. This playful take on pageantry serves as a metaphor for self-celebration and individual empowerment, aligning perfectly with Self-Portrait's ethos of embracing one's unique identity.
The series of candid portraits and videos, masterfully captured by Barney, presents a contemporary and playful approach to occasion wear. It portrays the women who inspire the Founder and Creative Director, Han Chong: those who approach life with a light-hearted spirit and derive immense pleasure from sartorial self-expression. Barney's distinctive photographic style, renowned for capturing authentic, intimate moments, perfectly embodies self-portrait's spirited and self-assured ethos, elevating the concept of women celebrating their unique qualities and crowning themselves in their own right.
Chong eloquently expresses the essence of the campaign: "When I was thinking of the name for my brand, I wanted to find a name that made sense globally, and that had the power to bring an emotion straight away. 'self-portrait' is a very personal and nuanced name - no person sees themselves as one thing. We evolve constantly, we have so many facets, we go through so many emotions on a daily basis. This sentiment has become the heartbeat of the brand."
Chong further elaborates on the campaign's concept: "When it came to this campaign, I wanted to play on this idea of celebrating women, and of highlighting the joy in owning your personality and beauty - this is our heightened version of feeling empowered in any situation."
The series of candid portraits and videos reflect a modern and playful approach to occasion dressing, portraying women who don't take themselves too seriously and who find great joy in dressing up. Tina Barney's unique photographic style, known for capturing intimate, real moments, perfectly embodies Self-Portrait's playful and confident spirit.
This campaign marks Ratajkowski's second collaboration with Self-Portrait, following her appearance in the "At Home, with Self-Portrait" series last year. Through Barney's lens, she navigates themes of identity and image ownership, embodying the ultimate Miss Self-Portrait.
The collection showcases Self-Portrait's latest designs, artfully blending pageant glamour with contemporary style. Standout pieces include a dazzling Silver Rhinestone Fishnet Maxi Dress reminiscent of classic pageant gowns, and a chic Blue Soft Knit Top and skirt set that offers a modern twist on contestant uniforms. New pieces available for pre-order include a striking red sequin dress perfect for a grand finale moment, and a monochrome off-the-shoulder knit dress that balances elegance with comfort. All pieces are available through self-portrait.com and selected retailers.
Notably, the launch of this campaign coincides with Tina Barney's first-ever retrospective in Paris, opening on September 28th at the Jeu de Paume. This exhibition, titled "Tina Barney: Family Ties," will feature fifty-five large-scale works spanning her illustrious career.
As "Miss Self-Portrait" continues to roll out over the coming months, it promises to redefine the conversation around occasion wear and self-expression, reinforcing Self-Portrait's position as a brand that celebrates the multifaceted nature of modern womanhood.
