The story of Chloé is not just a history of beautiful clothes — it’s a chronicle of visionary leaders whose creative direction helped define what fashion, modeling culture, and model agency lookbooks would celebrate for decades. From shaping prêt‑à‑porter to inspiring editorial shoots and runway moments, the designers at Chloé have had an undeniable impact on the worlds of modeling and design.

Chloé was founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, a trailblazing Egyptian‑born fashion pioneer who transformed women’s wardrobes with soft fabrics, flowing silhouettes, and effortless elegance — the very essence of ready‑to‑wear. Aghion’s approach helped shift fashion away from rigid couture and toward wearable garments that became favorites among models and fashion editors alike. It was Aghion who later brought on Karl Lagerfeld as creative director in the mid‑1960s, guiding Chloé through nearly two decades of growth and influence.

In 1987, Martine Sitbon stepped in after Lagerfeld, reinforcing Chloé’s image of the confident, feminine woman and casting some of the most iconic models of the era — from Linda Evangelista to Christy Turlington — in unforgettable advertising campaigns. Her work demonstrated the synergy between design and modeling, where striking visuals help elevate both garments and the faces that represent them.

By 1997, Stella McCartney — fresh from the world of tailoring and fashion lineage — became the youngest creative director in the house’s history. She refreshed Chloé with playful British sensibility, connecting with a new generation of models and fashion audiences. Her successor, Phoebe Philo (appointed in 2001), propelled Chloé further into modernity with minimalist yet expressive pieces that resonated deeply with the modeling community and consumers alike. Philo’s tenure saw major commercial success and helped define boho‑chic as a defining early 2000s style.

Natacha Ramsay‑Levi, named creative director in 2017, brought a fresh lens rooted in Parisian sensibility and retro‑inspired modern fashion that continued Chloé’s legacy of wearable art. After her, the brand welcomed Gabriela Hearst in 2020, who infused sustainable principles into Chloé’s design ethos, influencing both the modeling world and broader fashion industry conversations about conscientious style. Most recently, Chemena Kamali was appointed in 2023, returning to the maison with deep roots in its heritage and ready to guide Chloé into its next chapter of design evolution while preserving the timeless spirit that appeals to both models and fashion lovers worldwide.

Throughout its history, Chloé’s creative directors have not only shaped garments but also helped define how fashion is seen — from the staging of runway presentations to editorials and model agency portfolios. Their collective legacy is a testament to the enduring power of visionary leadership in fashion and the pivotal role modeling plays in bringing those visions to life on the world stage.