Cover Han Chong, creative director, Self-Portrait
Han Chong, creative director, Self-Portrait
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These successful designers prove that diverse voices can thrive in fashion
Asia’s Most Influential fashion designers prove that different voices can indeed thrive in the global fashion scene. By infusing Asian ideas, culture and tradition in their designs, they introduce new perspectives, while emphasising the importance of representation and inclusivity in fashion. Robert Wun, the first Hong Kong designer at Haute Couture Week in Paris, redefines style’s boundaries with avant-garde creations; Han Chong of Malaysia makes high-quality fashion accessible through Self-Portrait; and Josie Natori merges Eastern and Western influences, pioneering luxurious lingerie that reflects her Filipino heritage. Together, they elevate Asian talent onto the world stage, paving the way for more creatives from the region to innovate fashion.
Also read: Asia’s Most Stylish social media stars are powerful tastemakers in fashion
Robert Wun, designer, Robert Wun (Hong Kong)
Above Robert Wun, designer, Robert Wun (Photo: Rosie Harriet Ellis)
Robert Wun, designer, Robert Wun (Photo: Rosie Harriet Ellis)
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In 2023, Robert Wun made his debut at Haute Couture Week in Paris, making him the first designer from Hong Kong to present a collection at the prestigious event. Known for his avant-garde designs inspired by nature and cinema, the Hong Kong-born, London-based fashion designer has dressed superstars such as Beyoncé, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga and Adele, as well as created pieces for The Royal Ballet and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.
In September 2024, Wun held a homecoming show at the Hong Kong Palace Museum to celebrate his label’s 10th anniversary. “The collection is inspired by Hong Kong—a place where I was born and raised. A mood board was pinned up with my memories, [photos of] my family and grandmother, along with [photos of] musical and cinematic icons, which influence me deeply to this day. [The collection] dissects what made me who I am today,” said Wun. Adding stardust to the show, celebrities such as Fan Bingbing, Josie Ho and Kelly Chen attended the event while supermodel Qi Qi walked Wun’s runway.
Read Robert Wun’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Han Chong, creative director, Self-Portrait (Malaysia)
Above Han Chong, creative director, Self-Portrait
Han Chong, creative director, Self-Portrait
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Founded by Malaysian-born fashion designer Han Chong, Self-Portrait has skyrocketed to success thanks to its vision of making high-quality designs accessible to more women. And while the London-based brand has made a foothold in the United Kingdom, with shops in Chelsea and Mayfair, the creative designer does not forget his Asian roots, establishing locations in China and Thailand and launching collections in Malaysia. “As an Asian person living in a Western world, I’m always happy to be able to share my culture and what it was like for me growing up,” he said to Tatler.
In 2024, Self-Portrait welcomed Jisoo of Kpop girl group Blackpink as its newest ambassador. “It is a true privilege to see Jisoo at work first hand. Shooting in a recording studio meant she was in her element… full of joy, humorous and making sure we all had a great time together. It was an incredible experience!” said the founder of creating Self-Portrait’s campaign with the global music superstar. Through holding company SP Collection, Han also acquired London luxury brand Roland Mouret in 2021.
Read Han Chong’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Josie Natori, founder and CEO, The Natori Company (Philippines)
Above Josie Natori, founder and CEO, The Natori Company (Photo: Asian Cultural Council)
Josie Natori, founder and CEO, The Natori Company (Photo: Asian Cultural Council)
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After leaving a successful career in finance (she was the first female vice president of Merrill Lynch), Josie Natori established Natori, the upscale purveyor of lingerie, nightwear, loungewear and ready-to-wear apparel, most of which are manufactured in the Philippines. Forty-seven years on, Natori has become a lifestyle brand that includes a host of products including fine jewellery, swimwear and home accessories. In recent years, the New York-based brand has also strengthened its online portal, Natori.com, to complement its distribution in boutiques and speciality stores in over 15 countries around the world.
Natori expands her influence as the chairperson of the Asian Cultural Council (ACC), the non-profit established by John D Rockefeller to support artists, scholars and arts professionals. Of her appointment in 2023, Natori said, “I love my work, but success in fashion is not enough. I want to give something back, to make a difference in people’s lives.” In May 2024, the ACC hosted a benefit gala in New York City, where a live auction that included a Takashi Murakami painting raised funds for artists in Asia and the US.
Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia’s Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.
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