Self-Portrait's Han Chong buys Roland Mouret, founder joins new holding company

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Dec 20, 2021

Roland Mouret has been bought out of administration and the label’s new owner is particularly interesting — SP Collection, a newly-formed holding company owned by Self-Portrait founder Han Chong. It’s also interesting that Mouret himself is on board as founder and creative chair of the brand.

Mouret had gone into administration last month, battered by the collapse of the special occasion luxury market in the wake of the pandemic. 

But now the brand will join contemporary occasionwear specialist Self-Portrait in a burgeoning luxury womenswear group.

Self-Portrait, which was founded in 2013, has built a strong business in the premium occasion dresses and separates market and the addition of Roland Mouret adds a higher-end luxury label to its mix.

SP Collection said the aim is to use the new holding company to “discover, nurture, and develop best in class creativity and design. The aim is that by providing the necessary infrastructure and resources, [labels] will have a platform where they can develop and grow”.

Malaysia-born and Central St Martins-trained Han Chong is its CEO and said of the deal: “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.”

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

Mouret added: “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.” 

No purchase price was disclosed and unfortunately, Roland Mouret’s staff and retail operations aren’t part of the deal.