Review of Self-Portrait ‘The Bow is Mine’ Handbag Summer 2022 Ad Campaign by Creative Director Han Chong with Photographer & Director Renell Medrano with models Naomi Campbell
by Aidel Townsley
Self-Portrait’s creative director Han Chong works with fashion editor Haley Wollens and photographer Renell Medrano to bring their Bow Bag campaign to vibrancy with the iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell. This homage to the 90’s, an era which inspires Self-Portrait as a brand, features a pun of the 1998 song The Boy is Mine by Brandy & Monica, “the bow is mine.”
Naomi is seen in a grainy cool-toned remake of a classic music video, appropriate for MTV. Ready to go out in a two piece sparkling dress and looking unbothered, she informs someone on her flip phone that “the bow is mine.” A shot of the Bow Micro perched upon a wall mounted landline, against pale pink wallpaper, show’s its dainty and feminine quality.
Inspired by François Kramer’s diamond “Bow Brooch” created for Empress Eugenie of France, the bow itself speaks to the timeless and trendy. The brand is simultaneously finding humor and poise in the dazzling and decadent.
There is only one person I knew who would be able to fill the role of our lead for this video…Naomi defines not only the era we are paying tribute to through this project, but she represents everything the self-portrait woman stands for – she’s strong, independent, provocative, and always authentically herself”
– Han Chong, self-portrait Founder and Creative Director
Being British it’s always important to me to support talented creatives from my own country especially those that celebrate women in the way self- portrait does. Collaborating with Han, Renell and Haley on my first campaign for the house was a great experience both culturally and creatively which made the experience feel nostalgic of an era when it was all about storytelling through the image.”
– Naomi Campbell
Self-Portrait Creative Director | Han Chong, and Frosty
Photographer and Director | Renell Medrano
Models | Naomi Campbell
Stylist | Haley Wollens
Hair | Rio Sreedharan
Makeup | Angloma
Sound | “The Boy Is Mine” by Brandy & Monica