2014. We had been planning a launch party, but almost everything sold out. We still had the party, though (laughs). Then Net-a-Porter came along and we sold out within five hours. Everything went a little crazy after that.
2014. We had been planning a launch party, but almost everything sold out. We still had the party, though (laughs). Then Net-a-Porter came along and we sold out within five hours. Everything went a little crazy after that.
Who were you most excited to see wearing Self-Portrait?
Michelle Obama, who is such a respected and amazing woman. I am so honoured that I got to dress her. When I woke up and saw the e-mail, I was so happy I wanted to cry.
What is it about Self-Portrait dresses that women love so much?
They are statement pieces with interesting design details, so when you walk into a room, you get noticed. Yet, they are effortless – they aren’t too precious, so you can have fun in them. Some dresses are so intricate and expensive you can’t even go to the restroom in them!
How do you keep prices reasonable but quality high?
I go on research trips to many countries just to source the right fabric with the best quality, at the most reasonable price. A lot of effort is put into making the dresses look and feel special. Finally, I can’t be too greedy when it comes to profit margins. (laughs)
What do you enjoy most about working with lace?
Growing up in Malaysia, I was surrounded by kebayas and their traditional lace designs. Lace is so intricate and beautiful, I wanted to modernise it so that women would be able to wear it every day. Every season, I try to introduce different types of fabrics and try out new techniques. There’s a lot of trial and error involved. We design everything in-house and have mills in China that produce exclusively for us.
Your favourite look(s) from the S/S ’17 collection?
I’m very excited about this new technique we’ve been working on – laser-cutting suede to make it look like lace. I especially like an off - the-shoulder top that was bonded together using men’s shirt fabrics, which you can pair with a khaki miniskirt. Oh, how about the black shoulder cut-out jumpsuit we closed our show with at the recent Singapore Fashion Week? I really like girls in jumpsuits!
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Rachel McAdams looking sleek in Self- Portrait’s white and black pieces.
