It was by surrounding themselves with talented stylists that Chloé's designers first stepped into the world of luxury ready-to-wear. Graziella Fontana, Michèle Rosier, Carlos Rodriguez and Karl Lagerfeld all contributed to the brand, helping to make Chloé a fashion reference.

Workroom table with silk and leather swatches, scissors and a tape measure in natural light

In 1974, Chloé was preparing the launch of its first perfume while already travelling the world, a favourite among fashionistas everywhere. Then the house passed through the hands of major talents — Martine Sitbon until 1992, Karl Lagerfeld again until 1997, and then the woman who would refresh the brand once more, bringing pep, femininity and renewal: Stella McCartney, who was only 25 at the time!

The Paris entrance to the Chloé house, gold lettering on pale stone
Pale stone, supple leather: the Chloé address in Paris

In 2001, Phoebe Philo, a former assistant to McCartney, brilliantly took the reins of the house, bringing her own imprint, her vision of femininity and her talent to a brand now enriched by the dedication and passion of the designers she worked alongside. After her, other names took over, up to Chemena Kamali today — and it's fair to say that movement and lace are back at the centre of the game. A quick note on transparency: we haven't tried these pieces in store; this is based on the runway shows and specialist press.

A woman in a Chloé look, a fluid lace dress and draped coat
Lace, drape and movement: the Chloé silhouette worn
The Chloé Paddington bag carried on the arm, gold padlock clearly visible
The Paddington and its padlock: still cult
The Chloé Kerala bag worn crossbody in a Paris park
The Kerala, softer, slips onto the shoulder effortlessly

At its roots, wearable luxury was built in small strokes: at Chloé, the house loves bags that get noticed without shouting, leathers that live and age, and that little signature you'd recognise anywhere.

Detail of the gold padlock and Chloé plaque on a Paddington bag
Padlock, thick leather, finishing: the detail that makes the bag
The Chloé Bay bag in coloured leather, zip pockets and a small padlock
The Bay, a rounded take on the Paddington, in bold leather
Hands slipping a purse and water bottle into a soft leather bag in a bright shop

The brand's great classic, the chic vintage bag signed with a big metal padlock — Chloé's special find that marked a whole generation. Today, the house continues to explore soft leathers, generous shapes and straps you can genuinely wear on the shoulder, even with a winter coat — which is no mean feat.

The difference, silhouette-wise? The drape of the leather. A bag that holds its shape without feeling stiff, one that ages into a beautiful patina over the years, completely changes the look of an outfit. And it's exactly the kind of piece you keep for ten years!

Trying it in store is still the best test before you commit: take your time, wear it empty first, then with your usual essentials, and see how it sits on your shoulder.

The See by Chloé line, now discontinued, used to offer its winter collection: a jersey mini short with wool tights, a wool coat with three-quarter sleeves and a blouse under a cardigan — sensible styling, the Chloé way!

Are dungarees making a comeback? If Chloé is anything to go by, yes! Wide-leg dungarees, a top and a bolero: a playful outfit with a nostalgic feel.

A deconstructed bustier dress, wool tights and a trompe-l'œil top: magic and a mix of genres.

Teen spirit with a bright blouse trimmed with English embroidery and wide-leg jeans, plus trainers — comfort above all!

The Bay bag with multiple zip pockets; bold leather, the famous padlock and a practical shape — it's the rounded take on the Paddington.

Tweed is undoubtedly part of winter fashion: a tweed dress with a round collar and balloon sleeves, paired with the brand's signature wool tights and vertiginous platforms, just to break away from the little-girl image. On materials, always favour naturals that stand the test of time — wool, cotton, silk — and check the label when the synthetic content creeps too high.

In 1952, Gaby Aghion founded Chloé; Jacques Lenoir joined her shortly after. The idea was to offer French women a different kind of fashion, a compromise between haute couture and ready-to-wear: luxury clothes that were fashionable but also wearable, with a woman's name as their hallmark. Chloé's designs were original and unmistakably modern, so the brand met the success it was destined for straight away. Today, well known for its highly fashion-forward bags and fresh, girly ready-to-wear collections, Chloé has come a long way, guided by many great names in fashion. Treat yourself to one — then keep the rest understated. A well-cut basic, one standout piece, and your whole look shifts up a gear! It's often enough to transform an everyday outfit. And you: which Chloé piece are you still eyeing up?

Woman in a structured tweed dress and wide-leg jeans with a soft leather bag, walking in Paris

Budget

Expect to pay around £130–£300 for a small soft-leather bag from the house, and more like £800–£2,000 for iconic it-bags or larger leather goods, depending on size, finish and leather. In ready-to-wear, a See by Chloé piece often sat between £130 and £350 while the line was still sold; the line has since been discontinued, so it now mostly appears on the pre-loved market, while the main collection sits higher. Prices vary with material, season and stockist: full-grain or vegetable-tanned leather costs more than a patent finish, and end-of-line styles can sometimes be found at a better price. Worth seeing in store, online at the official site or pre-loved for pieces that are already cult — leather develops a patina, and a beautiful second-hand bag remains a good find.

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