“There’s nothing uptight, nothing too structured,” Clare Waight Keller said of her debut collection for Chloé, a girly-tomboy mix of sheer chiffon skirts, extra-wide belts pulled low on the hips, and little shorts made for moving. Looking to the way real women dress, Clare sought inspiration from both girls on the street and the Internet, music festival-goers, and icons like Anjelica Houston. The former Pringle of Scotland Creative Director also told us the move from London to Paris was a huge transition – and the way the girls put themselves together is no exception.
They are now carrying really tiny bags, not very large totes. As I’ve been saying, it’s all about the little bags right now! But these bags are all about varying proportions and these clutches needed a sense of utilitarianism (a skinny crossbody strap would have been disastrous for this collection). Putting an ultra-thick strap on them was a surprising moved that actually worked. Not only did it complement the belts, it set the tone for the entire Spring line. It’s all about the attitude of carrying a bag like this. In high-grade skins, neutral weaves, and a few bright colors, the mannish strap brought the sense of luxury down to earth. The message from the Chloé girl is clear: I may be carrying a dainty bag, but there is nothing dainty about my style.
Photo Credit: Vogue
I am so glad Chloe is back on track again! I was such a Chloe girl when STella and later Phoebe was there.