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.

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. 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. Sustainability has become integral to the brand’s identity; it was the first major luxury label to achieve B Corporation certification in 2021 and continues to develop lower‑impact materials, artisanal techniques such as hand‑crochet and partnerships that support social initiatives.

With a product line that includes ready‑to‑wear, handbags, footwear and jewellery, Chloé upholds its founder’s vision of effortless, feminine dressing while adapting to contemporary values and lifestyles.

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. Chloé’s designs aim to empower women through versatility, encouraging them to mix romantic dresses with tailored pieces and knits that move easily from day to evening. 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. The company’s raison d’être goes beyond clothing; it is committed to championing women’s progress and community engagement. Initiatives include establishing a social profit and loss account, creating an impact fund supporting girls’ education and forming an advisory board to guide its sustainable development.

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.