Chloé

Chloé was founded in Paris in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, an Egyptian-born entrepreneur who believed women’s clothing should be soft, modern and accessible. Rejecting the rigid couture of the era, she coined the term “luxury prêt-à-porter” and introduced high-quality ready-to-wear collections using fine fabrics and romantic silhouettes. Karl Lagerfeld, appointed in 1966, brought his playful touch, popularising flowing dresses, poet blouses and the bohemian charm that became synonymous with Chloé. The house remains known for its free-spirited aesthetic, producing dresses, blouses, tailoring, knitwear and accessories characterised by soft shapes, delicate embroidery and a palette of neutrals and pastels.

The label works across ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and handbags. Recurring signatures include embroidery. Creative direction is currently led by Chemena Kamali. The house is part of Richemont. Over the decades designers such as Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo added their own interpretations, producing fluid tailoring, feminine ruffles and accessories like the Paddington bag that captured the spirit of the early 2000s. Today Chloé is part of the Richemont group and is led by creative director Chemena Kamali.

Chloé’s philosophy centres on femininity and freedom. From Gaby Aghion’s earliest collections, the house sought to liberate women from the stiffness of couture by offering elegant clothing that felt natural and sensual. Fluid silhouettes, bell-shaped blazers and poet blouses evoke a 1970s ease, and the brand’s signature horses motif and padlock hardware nod to its bohemian heritage and individuality. The wardrobe is intended to be lived in, reflecting a balance of softness and strength that appeals to a diverse, multi-generational audience.

In recent years Chloé has pursued a purpose-driven model under CEO Riccardo Bellini, anchoring its philosophy in environmental and social responsibility. By embracing circularity, developing traceable supply chains and fostering collaborations with artisans worldwide, Chloé aims to inspire conscious consumption while maintaining its romantic aesthetic. The brand views fashion as a vehicle for positive change, aligning beauty with purpose. Contradiction remains central, with opposing ideas held together rather than resolved.