The quickest shortcut to dressing like modern royalty? A Self-Portrait dress. The London label has quietly cemented itself as a go-to for regal wardrobes, blending couture-level craftsmanship with prices that feel just within reach.
When the Princess of Wales wore the brand's white lace gown to the 2016 premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob, it signalled the arrival of a new royal favourite - one defined by architectural silhouettes and delicate lacework. Since then, Self-Portrait has become Kate’s trusted choice for high-profile appearances, from a pristine bouclé-and-chiffon midi at the Order of the Garter service back in May, to a custom pleated design at Wimbledon’s ladies’ singles final.
Each outing reinforces the label’s status as the unofficial uniform of a 21st-century princess.
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Han Chong’s designs have proved remarkably versatile, moving effortlessly from red-carpet premieres to garden parties and state occasions.
In true “Kate effect” style, her influence now stretches beyond Britain, with Meghan Markle and Princess Madeleine of Sweden also embracing Self-Portrait’s polished aesthetic.
The label’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the modern princess ideal - demure yet dynamic, feminine but sharply tailored, aspirational while still accessible.
Meghan Markle helped propel Self-Portrait’s global profile with her own standout moments in the label.
In 2018, she arrived in Tonga wearing a vivid red embroidered maxi dress from the brand, a look that became one of the most talked-about stops of her royal tour.
Before that, in 2017, she was spotted arriving at Buckingham Palace for Queen Elizabeth II’s annual Christmas luncheon in a Self-Portrait lace-topped dress - a style with a sheer bodice, high neckline and full midi skirt that balanced glamour with polish.
Carole Middleton has also embraced the label, proving its cross-generational appeal, where age does not come into it.
At Royal Ascot 2024, she wore a powder-blue Self-Portrait dress decorated with soft floral motifs, paired with navy pumps and a statement fascinator topped with an oversized flower.
The look managed to feel classic yet fresh - a perfect fit for the formal setting. It was also a reminder that Self-Portrait’s aesthetic works just as well for the mother of a future queen as it does for the younger royals.
Princess Beatrice brought Self-Portrait firmly into the autumn spotlight last week at the UN General Assembly in New York.
She chose a new-season Check Chiffon Midi Dress from the brand’s autumn-winter collection, giving her a look that balanced work-appropriate polish with a subtle nod to heritage prints.
The softly tailored silhouette and muted palette offered a refreshing alternative to the bold, block-colour dresses she’s worn in the past.
The Self-Portrait effect isn’t limited to the British royals. Princess Madeleine of Sweden has also championed the brand, wearing a sleeveless, Corded Lace, Tailored Midi Dress in ivory to the Opening of the Riksdag reception at the Stockholm Concert Hall earlier this month.
The design was strikingly similar to the outfit the Princess of Wales wore to the Order of the Garter, proving just how recognisable and influential the label has become.
With its clean lines and soft lace detailing, Madeleine’s look underscored how Self-Portrait is rewriting the rulebook for royal event dressing across Europe.
