French fashion house Chloé has just announced its new creative director, Chemena Kamali, just days after Gabriela Hearst presented her final collection after three years sitting at the helm of the Parisian luxury label.
The German-born designer, who’s also a Central Saint Martins graduate, began garnering attention following successful spells at some of the industry’s most esteemed and respected labels, which includes Chloé as Kamali happens to be no stranger to the Paris-based brand.
Having made her first few steps in the industry under the auspices of Phoebe Philo during her time as creative director of the Maison between 2001 and 2006, the 41-year-old cut her teeth as Claire Waight Keller’s Design Director at Chloé in 2013 before becoming Saint Laurent’s women’s ready-to-wear Design Director for Anthony Vaccarello in 2016.
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Now back to the place that provided her with her first taste in the fashion industry, Kamali’s recent appointment marks a full-circle moment in her decades-spanning career, which is quite unusual given the ever-evolving nature of the fashion world, where change is often the only constant.
“I am proud to welcome Chemena Kamali to Chloé. Her extraordinary creative talent, extensive experience, and unique connection with the brand’s legacy and values make her a natural choice for the Maison. Chemena’s vision, inspired by her love for the brand, will truly celebrate Chloé’s unique DNA. Chemena is both the Creative Director of Chloé and the embodiment of the Chloé spirit. I am excited to see her vision come to life,” said Riccardo Bellini, President & CEO of Chloé, about Kamali’s recent naming.
“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. 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. I am very grateful to Riccardo Bellini, Philippe Fortunato, and Johann Rupert for this opportunity and their trust,” Kamali added in a press release.
Expected to make her debut at Chloé with a pre-collection presentation in January 2024, followed by a first catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week the following month, Kamali’s homecoming is one many are anxiously awaiting, wondering whether her deep-rooted connection to the brand will help the Maison soar to new heights.
