Website: www.chloe.fr

Chloe was started as a ready-to-wear company in 1952, in France, by Jacques Lenoir and Gaby Aghion.

In 1961 Gerard Pipart and Christiane Bailly designed for the house. They were followed by Michele Rosier in 1963, Maxime Cliff, Graziella Fontana, Tan Giudicelli, and Carlos Rodriguez.

From 1965 to 1983, Karl Lagerfeld designed for Chloe and proved very successful, their clothing was sold all over the world. He was assisted for several years by Herve Leger. Initially created with modernity, femininity and wearability in mind, the house established itself as an alternative to haute couture. Lagerfeld was hailed in the 60's for his gypsy/hippie influenced slip dresses and blouses and his "le flou" style.

From 1984 to 1987, Frenchman Guy Paulin was the designer.

From 1987 to 1991, Martine Sitbon took over the designing. She wisely maintained Chloe's softly feminine classic shapes, but not without adding her own originality. Sitbon was a success at Chloe with her tailored suits, flowing ankle length chiffon skirts and pants.

Karl Lagerfeld came back in 1992, staying till 1996. However critics were not impressed with what they viewed as a rehashing of past Chloe successes.

In 1997, Stella McCartney took on the position of Chief Designer at Chloe. She started in a blaze of publicity and her debut show combined here interest in antique touches like vintage lace and glass buttons, along with modern tailoring. The critics reviewed her collection favourably. She gave several successful collections for Chloe.

The Spring/Summer 2000 collection has been another smash hit with rhinestone cutwork around necks and bodices of gowns, in various shapes.

In 2001, Stella McCartney left Chloe to start up her own label, with the backing of the house of Gucci.

Phoebe Philo

Phoebe Philo, shown here on the right, (who was Stella's right-hand girl) took over design for the house of Chloe. She was born in 1973 and educated at London's famed fashion college Central St. Martins. She was a friend of Stella McCartney and joined Chloe in 1997. Click on Philo for more details.

Phoebe presented a really good Spring/Summer 2001 collection, following by Autumn/Winter 2002 collection. She is a 27 year old British girl trained at the Central St. Martins School in London. She seems to have the talent to bring great things to the house of Chloe. You can read about her under "P" in the fashion designers section.

Spring/Summer 2003

Phoebe presented the Chloe Spring/Summer 2003 collection in Paris in October 2002 which was very well received. On the left is an outfit from that collection.

Fall/Winter 2003

Phoebe Philo presented the Chloe Fall collection during Paris Fashion Week in March 2003. The outfit on the right is from that show.

Chloe has now reached the half century mark. To celebrate the 50 year anniversary, they have set up a new London superstore, which symbolizes the airy lightness of a brand that is as girlish as it's name. It is feminine, sexy, young and with a sense of gracefulness. This store will be followed in 2003 by one in Monte Carle and a second Paris boutique as well as stores in Hong Kong, Milan and Tokyo. Ultimately a penetration into China is planned.

Spring/Summer 2004

During Paris Fashion Week in October 2003, Phoebe Philo showed her Chloe collection for next Spring. An outfit from this collection is shown on the left.

Phoebe exercised her knack for sexy designer denim. She worked in dressy Frenchified eyelet and lace that has been a signature of this label since the 60s. She presented Fiorucci-era banana prints for off the should tees and swimsuits. She herself was a great model dressed in Chloe jeans and a gauzy blue top.

Fall/Winter 2004 ready-to-wear

Phoebe Philo presented her Chloe Fall collection in Paris during Fashion Week in March 2004. She showed town and country styling, masculine trousers, camel coats (like that shown on the right), cable knits and fifties style dresses. She always cuts with a careful eye for how the back view will look. Her wide-leg cuffed trousers were flattering, a point she proved by wearing a pair at the end of the show. He showed many of her favourite tops, gathered under the bust camisoles, which lighten up pants or jeans. Philo has a breezy cool grasp of what young women really want to wear.

Spring/Summer 2005

During Paris Fashion Week in October 2004, Phoebe Philo showed her Chloe collection for next Spring. A dress from this collection is shown on the left.

Phoebe has understood exactly what women want to wear in summer. Ultra-light fabrics, volume with pleats, flat layers or ruffles, easy shapes and soft greens and blues. The waves and colours of the sea were in her loose satin dresses, washed silks, tiered skirts and tiny jackets. The show was as fresh and light as a breeze.

Autumn/Winter 2005

Phoebe Philo's Autumn/Winter collection for the house of Chloe was shown during Paris Fashion Week in March 2005. One of her soft creations with beribboned neckline is shown on the right. Chloe always has an easy flow, an effortless blend of prettiness and style. She had to leave her work 3 months ago to have her daughter Maya, and so her design team took the bows, with Phoebe in the front row. The clothes were the usual Chloe best sellers, canvas Victoirian jackets, cool navy and black coats, wide leg pants, soft chiffon dresses

Spring/Summer 2006
Paris Fashion Week

Phoebe Philo presented her Chloe Spring/Summer 2006 collection during Paris Fashion Week in October 2005. A volumetric white lace midi dress with a big frill at the hem, from the collection is shown on the left. It is a very baby doll look.

Returning after a season's maternity leave, Phoebe sent out a collection with crisp new shapes, proportions and vigour. A line dresses and stiffer couture fabrics were used with flares from the shoulder, and swinging skirts with models on great chunky platform shoes. Sixties ruffled skirts (so popular this season) were intricately worked in crunchy embroidery, organza applique and frills. Lots of new accessories like handbags were seen this season.

Phoebe Philo resigns from Chloe, Bernhard Wilhelm appointed

Around Christmas 2005, Phoebe Philo announced her resignation from the house of Chloe, as she wanted to spend more time in London with her family. In her place Bernhard Wilhelm will be womenswear designer for the house of Chloe.. To read more about Bernard Willhelm, click here.

New designer

In early 2007 a new creative director has been appointed at Chloe. He is Paulo Melim Andersson. Born in Sweden in 1973, hehas worked with Junya Watanable, and Martin Margiela, before moving on to Marni in 2000.

Andersson studied at London's Royal College of Art, and also literature at the Sorbonne in France.