Speaking via Zoom from his London apartment, Self-Portrait’s Han Chong said he’d just closed his Mayfair shop for the second time in light of the city’s new lockdown. A few thousand miles away, it’s another story entirely: Chong is in the process of opening not one, but four new stores in China. Asia remains one of his biggest markets, and his customers in China, Japan, Taiwan, and other countries that have eradicated COVID-19 are eager to buy his party dresses and going-out jumpsuits again. They’re items Westerners have little use for these days; with resort 2021, which is available now, Chong had the unique challenge of trying to cater to women on opposite sides of the planet living completely different experiences.
For those with IRL events to attend this holiday season, Chong wanted to create a sense of lightness, figuratively (it’s been a heavy year) and literally. Rose lace dresses came without linings, and sheer mesh tops and minis looked almost weightless. Several featured elastic waistbands or flexible ruching in lieu of the rigid bustiers of seasons past. Most of us have gotten used to comfort by now, and if we’re lucky enough to be celebrating with family and friends next month, we’ll want to be in the moment—not fussing with our clothes.
Customers entering a second lockdown or desperately hoping to avoid that fate may be more interested in Chong’s cozy knits, like a jewel-buttoned cardigan, or “Zoom tops,” like a cotton blouse with a big scalloped collar. Some women shop optimistically no matter the world situation. On his e-commerce site, Chong has been surprised to see orders for “wedding guest dresses” and evening gowns come in from all over the world, regardless of zip codes or case counts.
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