Chloé

One of the leading fashion maisons today, Chloé was founded by Gaby Aghion in 1952, in Paris. Born in Egypt to a French-speaking family, Aghion pushed forward women’s luxury fashion that was less rigid and formal than the haute couture dominating the era. At a time when custom-made couture was accessible only to a select few, she pioneered the idea of luxury ready-to-wear, making high-quality designer fashion.

The brand presented one of its first collections in 1956 at the celebrated Café de Flore in Paris. Karl Lagerfeld joined the house in the 1960s, defining Chloé’s romantic identity through delicate prints, flowing dresses, and feminine silhouettes.

It was the founder of Chloé, Gaby Aghion, who coined the term “prêt-à-porter” (ready-to-wear) to describe the brand’s approach to fashion. Chloé played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the fashion industry by introducing luxurious, ready-to-wear clothing as an alternative to traditional haute couture. This innovative concept made high-quality fashion more accessible to a broader audience, making a significant milestone in the evolution of fashion retail.