The French house of Chloe is a world famous name, synonymous with both style and ready-to-wear elegance. The company was started in 1952 by Gaby Aghion and Jacques Lenoir, who theorized that that women of the period were ready for a radical transition from the harsh, stiff aesthetic of the 1940s. Aghion and Lenoir proved remarkably prescient as far as their insights into the psychology of the 1950s French woman were concerned. Thanks to savvy marketing and expert craftsmanship, Chloe assumed its rightful place in the pantheon of great French apparel designers. A man named Karl Lagerfeld came on in 1963 as the primary designer of Chloe clothing. Lagerfeld reinvented the label as bohemian and floral and oversaw its rise as in international commercial hit. In 1974, the company came out with an eponymous fragrance which, to this day, sells well both internationally and home in France. In 1985, Chloe was acquired by the Richemont group, a Swiss company focused on retailing luxury goods. Lagerfeld also helped to spur growth by introducing dresses and lace apparel in an unusual neo-classical style. Recently, Chloe's sensibilities have been revitalized thanks to a new generation of creative designers, including Phoebe Philo and Stella McCartney. These designers have overseen the introduction of swimwear, accessories, and romanticized mixed-blend pieces, such as structured camisoles married with flowing blouses, Chloe skirts or pants, and stilettos. Chloe continues to push the envelope in terms of chic, casual ready-to-wear fashion, and the brand has thousands of die-hard adherents the world over. The Chloe Paddington handbag, featuring buckles and a lock and key, has been especially popular. |
