A part of the Left Bank intellectual crowd who shared her mother’s fondness for fashion, Chloé cofounder Gaby Aghion was inspired to empower independent working women to break from the conservative dress of the 1950s and don more free-spirited, feminine designs that were appropriate for both work and social life.
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Aghion established her fashion house in Paris in 1952 with her business partner Jacques Lenoir to develop her own source of income, separate from her husband’s. She was one of the first designers to embrace the concept of luxury prêt-à-porter as a middle ground between haute couture and off-the-rack for the masses.
In 1964, Aghion hired a fledgling Karl Lagerfeld as a designer. The pair would bring Chloé into the international spotlight with their easy yet glamorous lines that drew such fans as Jacqueline Kennedy. Lagerfeld became the staff creative lead at Chloé in 1974 and stayed with the brand until 1983, during which time he became known for his romantic silk dresses that continued Aghion’s feminine vision and were a favorite of the “rich hippie” set. In 1988, then-unknown designer Martine Sitbon took the helm of Chloé for several years before Lagerfeld returned as creative director from 1992 to 1997, drawing all of the iconic 1990s supermodels to his runway.
After his second departure, Chloé tapped yet another early-career designer to lead the label: a punky 25-year-old Stella McCartney, who earned the position not because of her famous lineage (she’s the daughter of Paul and Linda McCartney), but because of her fashion education at Central Saint Martins and work experience on London’s Savile Row and at Christian Lacroix. Following McCartney’s exit to launch her own line in 2001 — not long after introducing the diffusion label See by Chloé that year — Chloé named Phoebe Philo to the post.
Under Philo’s leadership, Chloé expanded from women’s clothing to an accessories line — including handbags — and debuted the legendary Paddington bag in 2005. The padlocked satchel, notorious for weighing a hefty three pounds while empty, became one of the “It bags” of the decade (the brand’s double-handled Marcie holds its own in that regard); the entire 8,000-bag initial production run sold out via preorders.
Philo left Chloé in 2006; her successors include, among others, Clare Waight Kelle and Natacha Ramsay-Levi, who announced that she would be departing the house in late 2020. Part of Chloé’s decades-long lasting influence — which we’d like to speculate would appease Aghion greatly — is the brand’s dedication as a career-launching platform for newbie designers, particularly women.
Browse an extraordinary inventory of vintage Chloé handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
Chanel Vintage Clip-On Earrings, 1970S
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Chanel gold-tone clip-on earrings centered with rhinestone. Signed. Period: 1970s Condition: Good. Moderate spots throughout metal ........Additional information ...........
Bounkit Jenny vintage brooch
Located in New York, NY
Bounkit Jenny vintage brooch 14K Yellow Gold-Plated & Crystal Includes Designer Box Length: 4.25″ / 10,8 cm Width: 2″ / 5 cm Condition – very good ........Additional information...
Vintage Chanel Geometric Strass Clip-On Earrings, 1970s
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Chanel gold-tone clip-on earrings centered with strass. Signed. Period: 1970s. Condition: Good. Moderate spots throughout metal. ........Additional information ........ ...
Karl Lagerfeld vintage crystal clip-on earrings
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in New York, NY
Karl Lagerfeld vintage crystal clip-on earrings Gold-tone metal & crystal Marks – designer signature Length – 2,5 cm Width – 1,3 cm Condition – good, light scratches throughout...
Vintage clip-on earrings with rhinestones
Located in New York, NY
Vintage clip-on earrings with rhinestones Length – 11 cm Condition – very good ........Additional information ........ - Photo might be slightly different from actual item in ter...
Vintage Chanel Gold Plated Clover Clip-on Earrings, 1970s
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Chanel gold plated clip-on earrings featuring the four leaf clover, one of Gabrielle Chanel’s lucky charms. Signed. Chanel. Period: 1970s Diameter: 3,5cm Condition: very go...
Gold Plate
Chaumet Retro Brooch 18k Gold Diamond Pin Estate Jewelry
By Chaumet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A French chic retro diamond brooch by Chaumet Paris made of 18 karat gold and platinum. During the Retro jewelry era, scrolls became one of the most popular design motifs. In this brooch Chaumet perfected the fluidity of the scroll shape. The designer created a great feeling of dynamic in a static jewelry piece. An abstract shape yellow gold part smoothly rolls into a platinum element set in the center. The latter is embellished with Old European and Old Mine cut diamonds. This high-polished gold brooch by Chaumet Paris has undeniable retro style. However, due to its minimalist contemporary look, this French diamond brooch can be considered a timeless classic. This Retro Chaumet brooch is made of 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, and accented with Old European cut and old mine cut diamonds (K-M color, VS clarity, total weight approximately 4.50 carats). The Retro pin measures 2 ½” x 1 ¼” (6 x 3 cm) and weighs 35.4 grams. The Retro gold brooch is stamped with Chaumet maker's and workshop marks, serial number, French hallmarks for 18 karat gold and platinum. About Chaumet Brand: Being the first jeweler to arrive on now famous Place Vendôme in 1812, Chaumet jewelry has been staying an expression of traditional Parisian style ever since. Chaumet pieces have long been a favorite with the French aristocrats. In 19th century, Joséphine Bonaparte, the Empress of the French and the first wife of Emperor Napoleon, was one of the brand’s famous clients and appreciators. Fast forward two centuries, Chaumet style is based on exploration of all things of nature. The brand itself calls it “naturalist jewelry”. The Maison’s designers use symbolism of plants, opulence of gardens and delicacy of grass to permeate Chaumet jewelry creations with the energy of the wild nature. In the modern world, the most popular Chaumet collections are the Liens, the Bee My Love and the Josephine. About Vintage...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
CHANEL Vintage Gold Tone Jewelled CC Brooch
By Chanel
Located in Nice, FR
CHANEL vintage textured gold tone CC logo brooch embellished with clear crystals. Embossed CHANEL Made in France. Indicative measurements : approx. 3 cm (1.18 inches) x 2.2 cm (0.8...
Gilt Metal
14k Yellow Gold Diamond Brooch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This exquisite 14k Yellow Gold Natural Round Brilliant Diamond Fancy Victorian Era Brooch is a stunning blend of historical charm and timeless elegance. Adorned with approximately 2....
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
An Iconic 1990s Brass and Strass Logo Brooch by Valentino
By Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1990s Valentino logo brooch is a refined and elegant accessory, crafted from brass with a luxurious gold-tone finish. The design features an abstract, oval-shaped form with smoo...
Brass
Chanel Vintage Gold Plated Crystal CC Brooch
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France Gold Plated The brooch is in good condition showing minimal wear Measurement: W1.65”(4.2cm) x H1.18”(3cm) Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATI...
Gold
Chanel Gold Metal Brooch
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel- (Made in France) Gilded metal brooch representing the silhouette of Coco Chanel. Additional information: Dimensions: 6 W x 9 H cm Condition: Very...
Gilt Metal
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.
Makeup and astrology expert Linda Mason dispenses fashion advice for every zodiac sign. Does your wardrobe match your horoscope?
