Adesuwa Aighewi, Model, is wearing denim from the Lee Body Optix x Self-Portrait collection. Her own blazer and necklace. Flats by Self-PortraitPhotography by Max Farago, Styling by Agata Belcen
Self-Portrait’s New Denim Collection Photographed on Nine Influential Women
The label’s new collaboration with Lee Body Optix, captured in Paris
Lead ImageAdesuwa Aighewi, Model, is wearing denim from the Lee Body Optix x Self-Portrait collection. Her own blazer and necklace. Flats by Self-PortraitPhotography by Max Farago, Styling by Agata Belcen
A slew of high-profile customers ensured the early success of Han Chong’s label Self-Portrait – on release, his signature ‘Azaelea’ dress sold out in minutes – but a well-attuned instinct for women’s changing desires has ensured the brand’s longevity. Known for his decidedly feminine dresses, often featuring ruffles and embellishment, Chong’s Autumn/Winer 2019 collection saw a new, streamlined direction. AnOther’s Alexander Fury deemed the look evocative of ‘hard chic’, part of a growing mood in New York – “It was there, sharply in focus, at the Self-Portrait show,” he wrote, “Han Chong streamlined his silhouettes, showing slick black and white, stripes of crystal and lurex as embellishment, and a fair amount of leather (albeit with a lace trim).”
This month also sees Chong approach an all new medium: denim. Collaborating with Lee Jeans – and Lee Body Optix, which uses innovative technology to allow for the perfect fit – the designer has created a series of pieces that encompass the practicality of denim and the easy glamour of Self-Portrait. Here, photographed in Paris, the collection, Lee Body Optix x Self-Portrait, is worn by a series of influential and identifiable women, who also share their advice on how to make it.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
My advice to any girl or boy starting out – an older model told me this at the very beginning – is it’s not about you, it’s about the clothes and making sales, so whatever insecurity you have, it’s not about you. Remember that, and that way you don’t get nervous when everyone’s staring at you.
What would you tell your younger self?
Life is lit, but you knew that already.
When you are wearing Self-Portrait, how do you feel?
Empowered with powerful women ahead and behind me. What’s there to fear?
Aimee Song, Author and Influencer, is wearing denim from the Lee Body Optix x Self-Portrait collection. Her own jewelleryPhotography by Max Farago, Styling by Agata Belcen
Aimee Song, Author and Influencer
What is the best part about what you do?
The best part about my job is that I get to connect with people. I started a blog because it was a creative outlet but from a blogger I’ve evolved into a so-called ‘influencer’ via Instagram because I loved connecting with such a huge audience. The idea of connecting with people keeps me excited to jump on different media and social channels. Another perk is definitely travelling and seeing the world. Growing up, I dreamt of travelling to different places outside of LA and now I get to do that for a living. Seeing the world, helps me learn so many aspects of life. I feel like I’ve learnt more through my travels than in school or any other place.
What’s your advice for someone starting out?
Try anything to get a job. Doesn’t matter if it’s an unpaid internship at a fashion magazine or PR company, or shadowing a stylist, you have to try somewhere and you never know, one thing leads to another. So get off the couch, stop thinking about your dream job and just go after it.
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
Start therapy! I just started doing therapy last year and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. I’ve learned so much about myself, how to deal with others, and I’ve become a better person. I’m much more of a pleasant person to be around too and my relationships with my loved ones are even stronger.
How does Self-Portrait make you feel?
I could be having a bad day and I’ll put on a Self-Portrait dress, and I feel so good already. I love that Han designs for so many different types of women. We’re all so multifaceted so we need clothes that can do that for us as well. Although he became so known for his beautiful dresses, he is able to design easy to wear knitwear and now denim.
Irena Guarenas is wearing denim from the Lee Body Optix x Self-Portrait collection. Her own T-shirt, earrings, socks and shoesPhotography by Max Farago, Styling by Agata Belcen
Irene Guarenas, Model
What’s the best part of being a model?
I like the lack of routine related to it.
What advice would you give someone starting out?
It depends on how it starts for everyone. I think patience is a good quality to have when beginning, no matter what circumstances.
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
To be more serious at school.
If you weren’t a model, what would you be?
I’d like to be an anthropologist – what would I be, that’s another story!
Agathe Mougin, DJ, is wearing denim from the Lee Body Optix x Self-Portrait collection. Her own hoodie, earrings and socksPhotography by Max Farago, Styling by Agata Belcen
Agathe Mougin, DJ
Why did you choose to become a DJ?
I always went to clubs, I love the atmosphere and I love to dance. A lot of my friends are really talented DJs, travelling the world to play techno. Then one day my friend Wladimir Schall who I was DJing with came to me and told me: “that brand wants us to DJ for them” and I was like “ok”. It wasn’t something planned.
What advice would you give someone who wants to do what you do?
Don’t forget to make people dance.
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
You won’t know until you try!
Najia Saad, Photographer and Casting Director is wearing denim from the Lee Body Optix x Self-Portrait collection. Her own T-shirt and necklacePhotography by Max Farago, Styling by Agata Belcen
Najia Saad, Photographer and Casting Director
What do you most enjoy about your job?
The social aspect I would say is the most enjoyable: scouting, casting, et cetera. I am constantly meeting people of all ages and backgrounds from all over the world and listening to their stories. It is really nice and super interesting.
What advice would you give someone who wants to do what you do?
Be strong, kind and humble always. The industry is small, a good attitude and work ethic will take you far. Also don’t be afraid to ask questions – it is better to check rather than assume and make mistakes.
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
Keep working hard and expanding your mind. It will pay off one day – I actually still tell myself this. Read lots also!
If you weren’t a photographer and casting director, what would you be?
I would want to work in casting for film I think. I really like storytelling and characters being brought to life. I imagine it to be really fascinating and I’m sure quite different from casting in fashion.
What do you think Self-Portrait stands for?
To me it seems to be the modern working woman who can be feminine and powerful at the same time. I also like that Self-Portrait doesn’t break the bank with its pricing. So many designer brands I find these days are unaffordable for the everyday woman who wants to treat herself every now and then.
Stella Greenspan, Stylist, is wearing denim from the Lee Body Optix x Self-Portrait collection. Her own T-shirt, socks and kitten heelsPhotography by Max Farago, Styling by Agata Belcen
Stella Greenspan, Stylist
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
Relax! And I still have to tell myself that...
Hair: Matt Mulhall at Streeters. Make-up: Anthony Preel at Artlist Paris. Models: Adesuwa Aighewi at Elite Models Paris, He Cong at IMG Models Paris, Irene Guarenas at Girl, Ana Kraš, Agathe Mougin, Teddy Quinlivan at Premium Models Paris, Najia Saad at Anti-Agency, and Aimee Song. Casting: Noah Shelley at Streeters. Photographic assistants: Corentin Thevenet and Kader Bennacer. Styling assistants: Rudi Edwards and Joseph Ecorchard. Hair assistant: Emily Chaplin. Make-up assistant: Louisa Trapier. Production: Shape Production. Special thanks to Patricio Lima Quintana and Anina Troesch.