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Roland Mouret acquired by self-portrait founder Han Chong

Lauretta Roberts
20 December 2021

Han Chong, the founder contemporary womenswear brand self-portrait, has acquired the Roland Mouret label, which will be integrated into the newly formed SP Collection group.

The Roland Mouret brand, founded by the British-based French designer of the same name, fell into administration last month after sales of its luxury dresses and formalwear plummeted during the coronavirus pandemic. Mouret will continue to head the label under its new ownership in the role of Founder and Creative Chair.

Chong, who founded self-portrait in 2013, becomes CEO of SP Collection. He said of the acquisition: “I am very honoured to have the chance to take this luxury brand on the next stage of its journey. As part of SP Collection, Roland Mouret will benefit from the infrastructure and resources necessary to ensure it can flourish in the coming years. The Roland Mouret brand already has a powerful and respected legacy and I’m excited to see how we can develop it for luxury customers around the world. I am also delighted that Roland himself will be a part of this next chapter.” 

"As part of SP Collection, Roland Mouret will benefit from the infrastructure and resources necessary to ensure it can flourish in the coming years."

Han Chong, CEO, SP Collection

The first collection from the brand in its new form is expected to be Resort 2023. The collection will be presented in June 2022 and available for purchase from November 2022.

Mouret said of the move: I have been so impressed by Han’s passion for the Roland Mouret brand and where he feels it can go next. Naturally I am also very happy to be a part of the journey that will allow me to continue celebrating women in all their beautiful guises for years to come.”

Chong has enjoyed global success with self-portrait, which offers a luxury aesthetic and quality at a contemporary price point and is best known for its lace dresses. In 2018 the brand, which is stocked by 350 of the world's leading retailers including Matchesfashion.com, Selfridges and Net-A-Porter, opened stores across Asia (in Hong Kong, Beijing, Bangkok, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen and Taipei) and in London. Mouret has previously had a single store in London's Mayfair, which was closed as part of the administration process.

Born in Penang, Malaysia, Chong moved to London in 2003 to study Womenswear Design at Central St Martins College of Art and Design. He initially began his career in visual arts but established self-portrait in 2013.

He is committed to supporting talent in the fashion industry and in 2018 established a five year scholarship programme with Central Saint Martins, offering financial backing for five students to complete their MA degree as well as offering mentorship on "navigating the realities of operating a fashion business". 

The establishment of SP Collection would appear to signal his intention to create a stable of brands that he grow on a global basis using the platform he has built with self-portrait.

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