Chloé Review: Iconic Parisian Style with a Feminine Flair

Introduction to Chloé

Chloé is a French luxury fashion house known for its soft, feminine aesthetic and signature breezy styles. Founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, Chloé has grown into an iconic Parisian maison de couture, while still retaining the free-spirited vision of its founder.

The house is particularly recognized for its leather goods and accessories, especially the popular Marcie handbag style first introduced in 2009. Beyond handbags, Chloé offers a full range of products across ready-to-wear, shoes, small leather goods, eyewear, and fragrances. Everything is impeccably crafted from the finest materials like supple calfskin, luxe textiles, and custom hardware.

While styles remain faithful to the brand‘s romantic DNA, Chloé has also focused more intently on sustainability in recent years. They utilize recycled and upcycled materials, ethical production methods, and innovative greens practices to reduce environmental impact.

Overall, Chloé manages to blend timeless Parisian elegance with a contemporary vision that feels unapologetically feminine, gentle, and free.

Brief History of the Brand

Chloé was established in 1952 when Egyptian-born Gaby Aghion opened her first boutique on Paris’ rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Aghion had a very modern perspective on luxury fashion, pioneering the concept of luxury prêt-à-porter when haute couture was the norm. Her designs combined Parisian style with an ease and lightness that allowed greater freedom of movement for women.

Throughout the 50s and 60s, the house introduced groundbreaking lines each season, shifting away from the stiff formality of haute couture. Creative directors like Michèle Rosier, the first woman to lead a Parisian fashion house, continued Chloé’s tradition of femininity and charm. Iconic campaigns featured fresh-faced models like Jane Birkin roaming Parisian streets or lounging in their effortlessly chic styles.

In the 90s and early 2000s, Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney both had stints as creative directors before Paulo Melim Andersson took over in 2006. This brought an injection of femininity and lightness back to the brand after McCartney‘s more rock-chic era.

Since 2017, Gabriela Hearst has led creative direction at Chloé with her gentle vision of luxury tied to reducing environmental impact. She retains the dream-like quality Chloé is known for, while also demonstrating that sustainability can be beautiful, emotional and joyful.

Overview of Signature Products & Styles

Bags

Chloé bags demonstrate fine Italian craftsmanship blended with Parisian spiritedness. Signature styles like the Faye, Drew, and Marcie reflect an architecture that feels at once vintage and modern. These bags feature details like braided handles, custom metalwork, and multi-functional straps that allow you to wear them in different ways.

Best-sellers tend to be crossbody styles like the mini Marcie satchel or small Faye shoulder bag. However, there are also options like the roomy Woody tote bag that has a more relaxed sensibility for weekends or travel. Prices range from around $1,500 up to $3,000+ for exotic leather handbags.

Shoes

Footwear perfectly encapsulates the Chloé attitude with styles that walk the line between rebel and romantic. Sandals, boots, and heels strike a balance between strength and softness with utilitarian details like buckles and straps, sultry peep toes, and feminist slogans etched onto soles.

Popular options include flats like the scalloped Lauren ballerina, 70’s inspired Woody crisscross sandals, and the Jamie pull-on Chelsea boot. Most shoes range from around $500 up to $1,200.

Ready-to-Wear

ChloéReady-to-wear carries the relaxed femininity of the brand through billowy dresses, prairie-style blouses, and ‘70s inspired suiting. Flowy fabrics, smocking, ruffles, and pintucks add whimsical touches. Meanwhile, polished outerwear and sleek jumpsuits provide contrast with their refined tailoring.

The line features mini dresses perfect for weekends away, midi skirts ideal to transition from season to season, and louche pajama suits that embody that just-got-out-of-bed insouciance. Items range from around $800 up to $5,000 for more embellished statement pieces.

Eyewear

Sunglasses continue the retro-infused mood with cat-eye acetate frames, geometric shapes, and sleek metal profiles. Signature details like chainlink pins, Chloé engraved metal arrow accents, and color tints like “taupe shadow” or “ecru” make them instantly recognizable.

Best-selling optical frames also feature feline shapes and graceful curves along with bespoke details. Overall, eyewear prices range from around $260 up to $525 for more intricate designs.

Sourcing, Manufacturing & Sustainability

Chloé prides itself on responsible business practices when it comes to environmental impact and ethical production. The brand takes care to source only the finest responsibly-sourced materials from reputable suppliers. These are then brought to life through skilled Italian artisanship and craftsmanship.

The majority of production takes place across Italy, France, and Spain. Chloé works with small, family-owned factories and ateliers to produce bags, shoes, clothing, and accessories. Focusing on these smaller specialty workshops ensures quality while also sustaining centuries-old craftsmanship.

In 2020, Chloé also gained B-Corp certification in recognition of its high sustainability standards across materials, manufacturing processes, and operations. As the first luxury fashion house to achieve this, it demonstrates the brand‘s commitment to improved environmental practices.

Some specific initiatives include:

Using eco-friendly materials like recycled cashmere, regenerated leather, and upcycled vintage fabrics
Employing new tanning methods to reduce heavy metal content in leathers
Launching bags made from plant-based materials under the “Chloé Cleo” line
Offsetting 100% of carbon emissions starting in 2022 along with retroactively covering all emissions since 2018

By taking accountability for its footprint and making meaningful improvements, Chloé proves luxury fashion can still dream big while respecting our planet.

Target Chloé Customer & Brand Image

The Chloé woman has an effortless tomboy-chic edge blended with Parisian polish and tenderness. She embodies the cool allure of Jane Birkin flitting around the French capital on her Vespa. Or picture Lou Doillon strolling the artistic streets of Montmartre in fluttery dresses and curated vintage finds.

In essence, the brand targets smart, creative, self-determined women with eclectic tastes and gently rebellious spirits. Those who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship yet dislike overt flashiness or status symbols.

Instead, Chloé customers opt for a cultured, romantic vibe that whispers rather than shouts. They love how a Chloé bag stands out through impeccable leathers, custom hardware, and thoughtful design details rather than logos.

Overall, the brand speaks to women who inhabit their femininity along with their intelligence and breadth of interests. Chloé designs accompany multifaceted women whether they’re headed to the farmer’s market or the museum on a given Saturday.

Popular Bag & Accessory Reviews

Marcie Bag

The Marcie bag ranks among Chloé’s most iconic designs first introduced in 2009. Its softly rounded shape takes inspiration from the curves of a woman’s body. The style features an equestrian-inspired strap, handles that easily slip over your arm, and a neat exterior pocket.

Reviewers praise the bag’s understated femininity and luxe Italian leather that wears beautifully over time. Its supple structure means you can often fit more than it looks like it will hold. Some dislike that it lacks interior organizational pockets. However, the capacious open compartment does allow you to toss everything inside without fuss.

Woody Mule Sandals

These slip-on sandals blend soft suede and distressed leather for an effortlessly cool look. Crisscrossed straps wrap across the front of the foot with metallic rivets adding edge. The molded footbed provides cushion, making them comfortable enough to wear all day for city strolling or vacation wear.

Fans love the style‘s versatility working equally well with dresses or denim shorts. Some mention the heel backing feels a bit stiff at first but softens over time. Overall, a luxe flip flop ideal for casual weekends or beach getaways.

Ava Mini Bucket Bag

This petite bucket bag wins hearts with its sweet size and details like the braided shoulder strap and dainty luggage tag charm. The engraved logo plaque and brushed gold hardware add polish without going overboard on branding.

Reviewers confirm it fits all the basics while retaining that slouchy, carried-by-the-crook-of-your arm vibe synonymous with French girl chic. Some mention wishing the magnetic snap offered a bit more security, but the trade-off is quick, easy access into the bag.

Where To Buy Chloé

Chloé operates over 200 boutiques globally from fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, London and New York to overseas outposts in Seoul, Dubai, Singapore and more. Visit the store locator to find your nearest location.

The brand also sells through premium department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and specialty boutiques globally. For additional convenience, a full range of bags, shoes, clothing and accessories are available 24/7 at the Chloé website.

Chloé Shipping & Returns

Shipping

Chloé offers a few shipping options when ordering online:

Standard Shipping: Free, 5-8 business day delivery
Express Shipping: $20, delivers within 2-4 business days
Next Day Delivery: $26, order arrives next business day
Saturday Delivery: $26, for Friday to Saturday delivery

All purchases over $500 come with complimentary standard shipping. Orders generally ship out within 1 business day and you‘ll receive tracking information along with estimated delivery date once it dispatches.

Returns

Chloé accepts returns and exchanges on all online orders within 20 days of receiving your shipment. To start the process:

Initiate the return via email or through your account dashboard
Repack items with original tags/accessories back into the shipping box
Affix provided return label and drop off at any UPS location

Refunds are issued once returns are received and inspected at Chloé‘s warehouse, typically within 10 business days. All items must be in original new condition with tags still attached to accept the return request.

How To Contact Chloé Customer Service

For additional questions, concerns or help with orders, you can contact Chloé customer service via:

Phone: +1 (855) 203-0940

Email: [email protected]

Chat: Available online during business hours

Customer service hours are Monday to Friday: 9AM – 7PM EST and Saturday: 10AM – 5PM EST. Representatices are standing by to help with styling recommendations, inventory checks, order issues and more!

Is Chloé Worth The Investment?

In a world where fast fashion brands pump out passable leather goods for under $100, luxury prices require scrutiny. So what makes Chloé worth the steeper investment compared tomall brands?

There are a few key points:

Materials – Supremely high-grade calfskin, lambskin, and exotics like lizard and snakeskin drive cost but also directly impact durability. These leathers develop a beautiful patina, holding up better over years of regular wear.
Construction – Meticulous craftsmanship from generations-old Italian ateliers results in strong stitching, reinforced linings, sturdy hardware. Every element comes together harmoniously.
Design – Understated styles stay relevant season over season rather than trending out quickly. Custom metalwork and bespoke details make each piece special.
Brand Ethos – In addition to unmatched quality, you invest in an environmentally-conscious company with ethical factories and progressive business standards.

While the initial spend feels steep in the moment, cost per wear becomes very low for a bag you‘ll potentially use daily over the next decade. Ultimately the hope is your Chloé bag will stand the test of time and become beloved through adventures, travels and memories made carrying it by your side.

Final Verdict: Dreamy Pastoral Style Done the French Way

In many ways, Chloé today remains true to Gaby Aghion’s original vision back in the 1950s. Her focus on freedom, femininity, and high-quality easy-to-wear style continues to permeate the brand’s elegant DNA.

While paying homage to Parisian spirit and savoir-faire, Chloé also demonstrates how a heritage house can shift towards more mindful operations that benefit both people and the planet. By gaining B-Corp certification and doubling down on eco-conscious practices, they break new ground in the luxury space.

Ultimately whether you invest in a handbag, flowing midi dress or strappy leather sandals, that carefree Chloé essence will infuse a bit of Parisian reverie into your everyday. Each purchase supports the continuation of responsible, joyful, gently rebellious luxury fashion for decades to come.