SELF PORTRAIT MALAYSIA

Why did you choose the name Self-Portrait? Han Chong: “The idea behind Self-Portrait was to explore how we see ourselves, our personal identity and the way we express it. The name also plays on the ‘sel es’ of today’s culture, a concept that in art history would be a self-portrait.” Do your Malaysian roots in uence your style? “As a young boy in Malaysia, I used to watch how my mum and aunt would get ready for special occasions. The attention they paid to the smallest details would complete a look, and that really inspired me. I think it’s partly why I’m obsessed with details today.” De ne the Self-Portrait woman. “She is modern, con dent,

ambitious and e ortless.” Art is also very important in your life. Who is your favourite artist? And how is

art related to your work? “I love Elmgreen & Dragset. They’ve challenged social norms and rede ned the way art is presented. My background in art has greatly in uenced the idea behind Self-Portrait, as it teaches you to approach things in a di erent way. I wanted to bring something new to the industry by challenging the traditional idea of what de nes a luxury brand, and those small, intricate details play a huge role in that.” Is there a designer with whom you would like to collaborate? “I admire the work of so many, so there isn’t a speci c designer I’d choose. I nd the idea of collaborations interesting when it’s something that would challenge me.” •