Runway Report: Chloe Fall 2015

The balance between tightly tailored masculine separates and billowy boho pieces is what made the Chloé collection for next fall so enrapturing. Designer Clare Waight Keller added a sculptural, more masculine spin to the usual flirty flounce of the Chloé girl, creating a juxtaposition that was unquestionably cool.

The first look shown – a structured maxicoat with metal buttons over cuffed trousers and a feminine blouse – defined the new Chloé aesthetic and set the tone for the collection, which continued in this vein of boy-meets-girl. There were “wide lapels and military details balancing the efflortless flou of lace-trimmed silk,” and “tiered column gowns in floating silk crepe cinched with cotton cord.” Also on offer, as described again by Chloé, were graphic moments via “a dense patchwork of fine wool knitwear and winter garden florals blooming across silk velvet and intricate jacquards.”

The overall effect of Keller’s luxe layering – especially the scooped waistcoats (or vests) on top of flowing chiffon dresses – was unstudied bohemia, a vibe that always resonates well with a French audience, and always inspires desire from the female consumer.

Also inspiring desire were the seventies sounds of Fleetwood Mac which provided the soundtrack to the show and reinforced the collection’s hippie-chic nonchalance.