Today, October 9, Chloé announced the appointment of Chemena Kamali as its new creative director.
Kamali is a German-born designer who coincidentally began her career at Chloé in 2003, working under Phoebe Philo. She later rejoined the house as design director to Clare Waight Keller in 2013, leaving for Saint Laurent in 2016, where she served as the women’s ready-to-wear design director.
Kamali’s appointment marks a return to Chloé for the designer, and her deep understanding of the brand’s DNA is sure to serve her well in her new role. Chloé is known for its feminine and effortless style, with a focus on natural fabrics and flattering silhouettes.
The new creative director is well-known for her commitment to sustainability, which makes her a perfect addition to lead the Chloé label.
“My heart has always been Chloé’s. It has been since I stepped through its doors more than 20 years ago. Returning feels natural and very personal,” Kamali shared in a statement.
“I am extremely honored to be taking on this role and to be building on the vision that Gaby Aghion and Karl Lagerfeld defined early in the Maison’s history. I hope to capture the emotional connection and spirit of Chloé for today.”
The former design director of Saint Laurent has a proven track record of creating clothes that are both trend-forward and wearable, and we are all eagerly anticipating her designs that are sure to resonate with Chloé’s loyal customer base.
Kamali’s appointment as the new creative director of Chloé follows Gabriela Hearst’s departure earlier this year.
Here are a few things to expect from Kamali’s tenure as creative director at Chloé:
- A focus on effortless femininity: Chloé is known for its feminine and effortless style, and Kamali is sure to continue this tradition. Expect to see plenty of flowing dresses, draped tops, and tailored pants in her collections.
- A commitment to sustainability: Kamali is passionate about sustainability, and she is sure to incorporate sustainable materials and practices into her work at Chloé. Expect to see more organic cotton, recycled materials, and eco-friendly production methods in her collections.
- A modern take on Chloé’s classics: Kamali is a modern designer, and she is sure to bring a fresh perspective to Chloé’s classic pieces. Expect to see new interpretations of Chloé’s signature silhouettes and details in her collections.
Why did Gabriela Hearst leave Chloé?
Gabriela Hearst announced her departure from Chloé in June 2023, after three years at the helm. The reasons for her departure were not publicly stated, but it is speculated that she may have left to pursue other opportunities. Hearst is a successful designer in her own right, and we anticipate the sustainability champion may want to focus on her own brand and other creative opportunities.
Why was Chemena Kamali chosen to replace Gabriela Hearst?
Chemena Kamali was chosen to replace Gabriela Hearst as creative director of Chloé due to her deep understanding of the brand and her proven track record as a designer. She has worked at Chloé twice in her career, and she has a clear understanding of the brand’s DNA and its target customer. Kamali is also known for her commitment to sustainability, which is a value that Chloé shares.
Overall, Kamali is a strong choice to replace Hearst as creative director of Chloé — just take a look at her previous positions held (major bragging rights!) She is an extremely talented designer with a deep understanding of both the brand and its values.
We can’t wait to see what Chemena Kamali has in store for Chloé in the years to come!
This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.