8 Things You Need to Know About Chloe

Chloe is a brand that is so synonymous with femininity and strength, that no matter the designer, it remains a household name. Yet, few are aware of the house’s history, which is rich and filled with stories and personalities unlike any other.

In honor of Chloe’s 60th year anniversary, upcoming exhibit at the Palaias de Tokyo in Paris, and a feature on the brand and it’s creative director Clare Waight Keller in Interview, we decided to compile a list of little known facts about the brand.

1. Gaby Aghion, an emigrant from Egypt, established Chloe in 1952.

2. With the idea that fashion should be accessible, Gaby coined the term pret-a-porter for her ‘off the racks’ looks. Other labels took note and the term  is still popular today.

3. Gaby turned away from Dior’s New Look, to create a new look with ‘ready-to-wear.’

4. In the late ’60′s, Gaby started the tradition of bringing in younger designers, hiring Karl Lagerfeld in 1966 to create a collection. He was with the house 22 years.

5. After Karl, the brand hired one strong women after next, including Martine Sitbon, Stella McCartney, and Phoebe Philo.

6. In June 2011, Chloe hired on Clare Waight Keller as creative director, who previously worked for Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Gucci and most recently, Pringle of Scotland.

7. Chloe’s muses have included Jackie Kennedy, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, and Maria Callas. 

8. Gaby is still alive, pictured above, she is a bit over 90 years old and still manages to look younger than Kaiser Karl…