Chloé Announces Chemena Kamali as New Creative Director

The French fashion house Chloé has appointed Chemena Kamali as its new creative director, following the departure of Gabriela Hearst, who presented her final collection for the brand on September 28. Kamali, who was born in Germany in 1981 and graduated from Central Saint Martin's in 2007, has a long history with Chloé, having worked under Phoebe Philo and Clare Waight Keller in the past. She also served as the women's ready to wear design director at Saint Laurent since 2016.

Kamali expressed her excitement and gratitude for the new role in a statement: “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 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.”

Kamali will be taking over from Hearst, who joined Chloé in 2021 and made sustainability a priority for the brand, as she had done with her own label. Under Hearst's leadership, Chloé became a certified B Corp, a recognition of its high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Hearst also collaborated with Angelina Jolie, who is launching an atelier service that aims to create sustainable and artisanal fashion.

Kamali's first collection for Chloé will be unveiled in March 2024 for the autumn/winter season.

Photo: David Sims