THE CHANGING FACE OF CHLOÉ CATWALKS

The latest from Thames & Hudson’s hugely successful runway book series, Chloé Catwalk delves into the rich archives of the French fashion house, offering a rare glimpse into its illustrious seven-decade history. Founded by the Egyptian-born, Parisian designer Gaby Aghion in 1952, Chloé conjured clothes that women could both live and work in, helping to pioneer the revolutionary concept of prêt-à-porter, or ready to wear. Its influence has loomed large ever since: Karl Lagerfeld succeeded Aghion as creative director, remaining on and off from 1964 to 1997; then Stella McCartney took the helm producing collections emblematic of the new millennium. Spotlighting the work of Martine Sitbon, Phoebe Philo and Clare Waight Keller, it also looks at current incumbent, Gabriela Hearst, who joined in December 2020. However directional the vision these designers bring to Chloé, this book is a testament to Aghion’s mission: ‘All I ever wanted was for Chloé to have a happy spirit and to make people happy,’ she once said. Featuring 1,100 looks that mirror that sentiment, Chloé Catwalk is a suitably celebratory tribute to its founder — and future. ‘Chloé Catwalk’, £60 (Thames & Hudson)