PARIS — The essence of the Chloé brand under the creative direction of Chemena Kamali is epitomized by one staple piece: the blouse. Featuring fluid, ruffled lines and a naturally elegant feel, this piece remarkably encapsulates her vision in the latest collection presented at Paris Fashion Week.
The Chloé woman, under Kamali’s conception, gracefully traverses through eras as she references historical elements without becoming entrapped by them. This timeless approach drew in notable attendees such as Jerry Hall and Georgia May Jagger, who symbolize the timeless allure synonymous with the Chloé identity.
Throughout its history, Chloé has stood as a beacon for women, both in its leadership roles and the values projected in its designs. While several other important women’s fashion houses are steered by male designers, Chloé notably upholds its tradition of foregrounding female voices in fashion design. Chemena Kamali, a visionary from Germany now presenting her third collection, continues to hone her artistic output within this esteemed legacy.
In this season’s lineup, blouses were more than a highlight; they formed the collection’s crux. Crafted from luxurious ivory and peach silks, some featured extravagant sleeves and robust cuffs, imbuing them with jacket-like gravitas. Wide-legged trousers, worn low and accented with glossy gold logo belts, brought a recognizable bohemian nonchalance. Meanwhile, bias-cut slip dresses in gentle pastel hues walked the line between romance and allure. Sophisticated fur-trimmed quilted outerwear and Victorian-era inspired jackets, draped over revealing Henley knits, added a gritty, urban layer. The accessories—oversized handbags adorned with charms and substantial logo belts—provided a lavish counterpoint to the ethereal ensembles.
Kamali explained her creative journey, observing that progression is as vital as paying tribute to the past: “It is about continuing to explore, to redefine and to evolve the Chloé woman’s state of mind.”
The ambiance of the show combined simplicity with grandeur, with subdued lighting casting a gentle brightness over a softly colored green carpet—all elements drawing attention to the essence of the garments.
Critics may argue the collection flirted with opulence, but Kamali embraces the Chloé woman as inherently intricate. “She embodies complexity and is not defined by a single identity,” Kamali asserted. “She is multifaceted, emotionally charged, and rich with nuance.”
Kamali persists in her quest to propel Chloé ahead, while remaining true to its foundational ethos. “Chloé embodies a unique balance of soft strength, blending natural femininity, sensuality, and lightness with independence and freedom,” she remarked. “For me, the Chloé woman feels real, and that honesty and connection resonate deeply.”
Perhaps it all starts with a blouse—but for Kamali, it’s equally about the woman who dons it.
