Gaby Aghion founded Chloe the French fashion house in 1952. It was the first house of luxury ready-to-wear garments. The other fashion houses were producing Haute Couture, clothing that was made to measure. The undeniable beauty of Haute Couture embodies the idea of ‘you get what you pay for'. The expensive fabrics and the extreme attention to detail means it is out of most peoples price range. Chloe recognised this gap in the market and created ensembles that mixed the restrictions of Haute Couture and ready-to-wear creations. She deserted the stiff formality of the 1950s fasions and created a line that favoured the body conscious customers the market wasn't catering for; it was made out of fine and soft fabrics that were not restricting and freer flowing. She called it ‘luxury prêt-à-porter' this fashion breakthrough created the ‘Ready-to-wear' ranges that are around today.
In the 70s Chloe became one of the most iconic brands of that time with its customers including Jackie Kennedy, Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly. This was all thanks to the talented eye of Lagerfeld, Chloe's main designer at the time. The artistic designer carried on working for the label, and then with need for a slightly new direction Stella McCartney came in to play along with Phoebe Philo whose clothing line introduced a feminine, romantic and sensual touch to the brand. This turned the heads of A-Listers such as Natalie Portman and Kristen Dunst pushing Chloe on to the Red Carpet and attracted the high media attention.
From 1998 onwards Chloe launched a new range of leather goods, bags, sunglasses and corrective eyewear. The timeless accessories were a huge hit in the fashion world launching the Chloe brand in to the forefront of the industry. The Paddington was the first ‘it' bag the intricate details of the padlock and key and the structural shape made the bag a perfect unique tote. The sunglasses stay with the true core of the brand keeping the sophistication of the 70s with the Grace Kelly inspiration and also having a hint of romanticism and reams of femininity.
The 70s era was undoubtedly the main inspiration for the Chloe sunglasses range with the oversized frames and odd splash of colour on selected designs. However they still manage to keep a contemporary edge making sure they stay on trend. The classical elegance of the shapes and colours make them fit any outfit and any face shape. Chloe sunglasses are the perfect addition to a summer wardrobe. They supply in very small numbers making sure the individuality of the product is maintained.
A collaboration later on with Hannah MacGibbon introduced the launch of the first fragrance and she was named the artistic director. MacGibbon then showcased her first collection for Spring/Summer down the runway in March. She has recently left the company and has been replaced by the former ‘Pringle of Scotland' designer, Clare Waight Keller.
About the AuthorStefan Lindberg
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