Chloé names Chemena Kamali new creative director

Chloé has named Chemena Kamali to be its new creative director, succeeding Gabriela Hearst who staged her last show for the house 10 days ago.

Born in Germany in 1981, Kamali is a largely unknown figure in fashion, unlike Hearst who had created her own successful indie brand in New York.
 
That said, she has an excellent CV, which includes a previous stint at the house of Chloé, when she began her career as part of Phoebe Philo’s team and later rejoined as design director to Clare Waight Keller in 2013. 

Most recently, from 2016, she was women’s ready to wear design director for Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent. 

 
“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,” Kamali said in an official press release.
 
Kamali will present her first pre-collection for Chloé in Paris in January 2024, followed by her Fall/Winter 2024 collection during Paris Fashion Week in February 2024. 
 
Founded in 1952 by Egyptian-born Gaby Aghion, Chloé has long occupied an important place in Paris fashion, in part due to the storied designers who have been its creative director, including Karl Lagerfeld, Martine Sitbon and Stella McCartney.
 
“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,” added Kamali.
 
Kamali first entered fashion when she studied for a master of arts in fashion at Central Saint Martin’s University of the Arts in London under famed Professor Louise Wilson. Kamali graduated with distinction in 2007. 
 
“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. 
 
The appointment of Chemena Kamali as Chloé’s new creative director marks a meaningful return for her and the Maison, the house underlined.
 
Since 1985, Chloé has been part of Richemont, which is controlled by the Rupert family. Richemont is the world’s third largest luxury conglomerate, whose other fashion brands include Alaia, AZ Factory and Dunhill. Though Richemont is far more famous for its watch and jewelry marques that include Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, Baume and Mercier, IWC, Panerai and Jaeger-LeCoultre among others.  
 
“Chloé is an important and much-loved part of Richemont. Chemena Kamali’s return is an exciting new chapter for the Maison given her passion for the brand’s heritage and her strong connection to Chloé,” said Fortunato, CEO of Fashion and Accessories division at Richemont.