Chloé

Summary

As one of the leading luxury fashion houses based in Paris, Chloé embodies a forward yet timeless style while shifting to a purpose-driven model that advances social and environmental sustainability. As the world was different in 1952 when Gaby Aghion founded Chloé, the Egyptian-born Parisienne understood that fashion was as much about a contemporary attitude as a ready-to-wear wardrobe. She rejected stiff formal styles, proposing a more natural femininity and encouraging women to dare. For more than a half-century, each iconic fashion designer – be it Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Hannah MacGibbon, Phoebe Philo, Clare Waight Keller or Natacha Ramsay-Levi – has given shape to this Chloé identity.

History

Maison Chloé was founded in Paris in the year 1952 by Egyptian fashion designer Gaby Aghion — with the vision of offering luxury ready to wear which was feminine and modern.. free-spirited and graceful. The following year Aghion joined forces with Jacques Lenoir who managed the business aspect of the fashion brand. In 1956 the first collection was introduced at Le Café de Flore.. a hot spot for artists in Paris. Following its success.. Gaby and Jacques began hiring young talented fashion  designers, who would go on to make a name: the roster included Christiana Bailly- Michèle Rosier- Graziella Fontana- Tan Giudicelli- Guy Paulin and Carlos Rodriguez.

1966 was the turning point as Karl Lagerfeld came on board as the main fashion designer and Chloé became the go-to fashion destination for luminaries like Jackie Kennedy and Brigitte Bardot.. Maria Callas and Grace Kelly. There was no looking back. The first Chloé boutique opened in Paris in 1971 followed by boutiques in Las Vegas- New York- Beijing- Sydney- Shanghai- Hong Kong- Singapore- Taipei- Bangkok- Munich- Moscow- Istanbul- London- Tokyo- Beirut- Doha- Seoul- Zurich- Dubai and Kuwait. And regional offices in New York- Tokyo- Shanghai- Hong Kong and Dubai. Gaby Aghion continued to run the company until 1985 when Chloé was acquired by Alfred Dunhill Ltd.- now part of holding company Richemont Group.

Over a half-century Chloé continued working with promising artistic directors and each one of them- be it Karl Lagerfeld- Martine Sitbon- Stella McCartney- Hannah MacGibbon- Phoebe Philo or Clare Waight Keller- shaped the Chloé Girl. Yet the foundation has never been compromised. “Chloé is a house that has seventy years of history and every designer has written a chapter of its story without ever betraying the DNA. You can create these different visions as long as you respect that it is a very feminine house. Chloé is a spirit not a fashion brand…rather one that can enhance the beauty of a woman who wears it.” Creative Director Natacha Ramsay-Levi told Vogue.

In 2005 Chloe gave the world the much loved padlocked Paddington bag. It was one of the first ever “It” bags and a reported 8,000 of them were sold even before they arrived in stores!!

Today Uruguay-born New York–based designer Gabriela Hearst is the creative director of Chloé. Hearst is the first non-European to hold this position in the luxury firm and her craft-forward design aesthetic and sustainability mindset is in sync with Chloé’s vision. Upon her joining Chloe… a sustainability plan outlining objectives for 2025 has been accelerated and eco-friendly suppliers are on call right from production to packaging with 20 per cent of the ready-to-wear collection manufactured by World Fair Trade Organization members. The luxury fashion brand is also discarding the use of synthetic fibers like polyester in favour of organic silk and recycled cashmere.

Gaby Aghion had founded Chloé to give women the freedom to dare to be themselves and today the culture at Chloé continues to reflect that spirit. Chloé- under the creative baton of Gabriela Hearst– focused on sustainability among other things and Vogue praised Hearst’s vision and creation of Chloe Fall RTW 2023: “She wanted to make her point on women’s empowerment as a force for good: in this case for standing against war—a narrative side reference to the Old Testament story of Esther which Gentileschi famously painted…  She translated the story into vivid patchwork embroidery… In general though Hearst’s collection made a point which came down on the side of this season’s argument for clothes over costume.”

Today Gabriella Hearst is leaving Chloe though there is no known succession plan in place. Per Vogue: The Uruguayan designer presented her first collection for Richemont-owned Chloé in March 2021 carrying over her sustainability ethos from her namesake brand. At Chloé her focus on sustainability — supported by president and CEO Riccardo Bellini — has borne fruit. The company achieved B Corp status in October 2021- introduced a social impact measurement tool in 2022- and launched a resale programme using digital IDs for improved transparency in 2023.

As it continues to be considered one of the cult fashion brands worldwide… few know that Chloe has given the world some iconic pieces including the banana top designed by Philo to the padlock-adorned waitlist–generating Paddington bag- the Suzannah boots- the pixie-style flat shoes and more.

Vision

Luxury fashion brand Chloé’s vision is deeply rooted in the legacy of its founder, Gaby Aghion, whose forward-thinking approach to femininity continues to shape its identity. Aghion believed in creating fashion that celebrated the modern woman—strong, independent, and effortlessly elegant. Her revolutionary vision laid the foundation for Chloé’s commitment to uplifting women, which has become a central part of the luxury brand’s mission. Today, Chloé’s designs remain a tribute to this ethos, blending beauty with purpose and reflecting the empowerment of women around the world.

In keeping with Gaby Aghion’s legacy, Chloé is dedicated to addressing and rebalancing gender-based inequalities. Through its designs and initiatives, the fashion brand actively works to create a more inclusive and equitable fashion industry. This mission is not limited to aesthetics; Chloé aims to support women by fostering leadership, creativity, and opportunity in a sector that has historically marginalized female voices. By promoting inclusivity and gender equity, Chloé sets itself apart as a luxury brand with a deeper social purpose.

Chloé also remains steadfast in its commitment to creating products with meaningful impact—not just for people, but for the planet as well. Staying true to Aghion’s forward vision, the brand emphasizes sustainability alongside its dedication to beauty and craftsmanship. Chloé prioritizes eco-conscious practices and ethical production, ensuring that its fashion not only looks beautiful but also contributes positively to the world. This holistic approach to design reflects the brand’s belief that luxury fashion can, and should, be a force for good, promoting both style and sustainability.

Mission Statement

Chloé’s mission is centered on empowering women with the freedom to embrace their authentic selves. Founded on the visionary ideals of Gaby Aghion, the brand has always championed the idea of individuality, encouraging women to dare to be bold, confident, and unapologetically themselves. Through its designs, Chloé offers more than just fashion—it provides a platform for self-expression, allowing women to explore and showcase their unique identities with grace and elegance. This commitment to freedom and self-discovery is woven into the very fabric of the brand.

At the heart of Chloé’s mission is the belief that true beauty comes from confidence and self-assurance. By offering a wide range of versatile and thoughtfully crafted pieces, the brand seeks to empower women to feel comfortable in their own skin and confident in their choices. Through fluid, feminine silhouettes or innovative yet timeless designs, Chloé’s collections inspire women to express themselves authentically and fearlessly, while staying true to their personal style.

This focus on individuality resonates with women who view fashion as a tool for empowerment, not conformity.
Moreover, Chloé’s mission extends beyond aesthetics, striving to create a deeper, more meaningful impact. The brand is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and uplifting women in all aspects of their lives, both through its fashion and its broader initiatives. By fostering creativity, encouraging self-expression, and advocating for social equality, Chloé enables women to break free from societal limitations and embrace their full potential. In doing so, Chloé not only sets the standard for luxury fashion but also reaffirms its dedication to giving women the freedom to be themselves—boldly and beautifully.

Key Team

CEO: Riccardo Bellini
Creative Director: Gabriela Hearst

Products and Services

Chloe offers a diverse range of products designed to meet the unique needs of women who want a luxurious, stylish, and functional wardrobe. From handbags, shoes, and apparel to carefully curated accessories such as sunglasses and jewellery, Chloe blends timeless elegance with modern trends. Each product is crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, ensuring a perfect balance between sophistication and wearability. The luxury brand’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in their use of eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices, making Chloe not only a symbol of style but also of conscious consumption.

In addition to its product lines, Chloe provides exceptional services aimed at enhancing the customer experience. Personalized styling consultations, exclusive shopping events, and tailored recommendations ensure that each client finds exactly what they need to complement their individual style. Chloe’s online platform offers a seamless shopping experience, with easy navigation, detailed product descriptions, and responsive customer support. Whether shopping in-store or online, customers can expect a premium service that mirrors the quality and elegance of Chloe’s products, making every interaction with the brand a luxurious and satisfying experience.

Awards and recognition

Chloé is recognized for its feminine, romantic aesthetic and effortlessly chic designs, often featuring flowing silhouettes and delicate fabrics. As a pioneer of luxury ready-to-wear fashion, the brand made high-end style more accessible while maintaining its exclusivity. Chloé is also renowned for its iconic handbags, such as the “Paddington” and “Faye,” known for their craftsmanship and timeless appeal. Bohemian influences, attention to detail, and a legacy of creative directors like Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney have further solidified its reputation. Celebrities and fashion icons frequently wear Chloé, making it a prominent name in luxury fashion.

References

• Official website Chloe
• Chloe Fall Winter RTW 2023 Vogue
• Gabriela Hearst Named Creative Director of Chloé Vogue
• At Chloe, A Modern 70’s French Girl Vibe Was Strong Forbes
• Facebook account of Chloe Facebook
• Gabriela Hearst’s Debut Collection for Chloé Spotlights Sustainability Elle
• Twitter account of Chloe Twitter
• What Gabriela Hearst’s first show says about Chloé’s strategy Vogue Business
• Instagram account of Chloe Instagram
• Here are 7 interesting things to know about Chloé Luxury Launches
• 7 Things to Know About Chloé Designer Gabriela Hearst WWD
• LinkedIn account of Chloe LinkedIn
• Can high-end fashion and sustainability co-exist? Forbes
• Youtube account of Chloe Youtube
• Meet Chloe’s new Creative Director Vogue
• Gabriela Hearst Is Launching A Deadstock Capsule Collection Vogue
• Gabriela Hearst Is Leaving Chloé After Three Years at the Brand Harpers Bazaar
• Pintrest account of Chloe Pintrest
• Wiki page of Chloe Wikipedia