Announced: Chemena Kamali Will Helm Chloé As Its New Creative Director
Almost two weeks after Gabriela Hearst unveiled her last collection for Chloé, the renowned Parisian house has just announced its new creative director, Chemena Kamali. This is a quick appointment, as it normally takes brands a while to name a new creative director successor.
Kamali isn’t new to Chloé. She worked at the brand under Phoebe Philo and Claire Waight Keller. She’s coming to Chloé this time from Saint Laurent, as their former Women’s Ready to Wear Design Director under Anthony Vaccarello.
“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,” says Riccardo Bellini, President & CEO of Chloé in announcement notes. “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.”
In July, Hearst announced she’d be stepping down. Some speculated that she wanted to spend time on her own namesake brand Gabriele Hearst. It’s a time when creative directors have been coming and going. Sarah Burton had her last Paris Fashion Week show last week for Alexander McQueen, and Sabato De Sarno unveiled his first collection for Gucci during Milan Fashion Week in September.
“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. I am extremely honoured 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,” says Kamali in notes.
German born, Kamali got her Masters of Arts in Fashion at Central Saint Martin’s University of the Arts in London, under Professor Louise Wilson, and graduating with distinction. “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,” she continues.
Philippe Fortunato, CEO of Fashion and Accessories division at Richemont sees Kamali’s return as, “an exciting new chapter for the Maison given her passion for the brand’s heritage and her strong connection to Chloé.”
The world will see Kamali’s first collection for the house in 2024. She will present her first pre-fall collection in January and her fall-winter 2024 collection in February.
*The photo of Chemena Kamali is by David Sims.
