During Paris Fashion Week in September, at the book launch on Rue Saint Honoré, I met 92-year-old Gaby Aghion, the founder of Chloé. She sat in a wheel chair in the middle of the store, entertaining fans and loyal customers with witty comments and lucid stories. She laughed and asked questions and looked simply radiant. I admit I was a little starstruck. She is a living legend and the creator of a brand that says more about Paris and its women, than the Eiffel tower does. When I introduced myself, she was excited to hear about the story I styled and cast for the 60th anniversary of the house. I had traveled to Paris earlier this year to find fifteen fresh faces who could represent the next generation of Chloe women, and style them in a mash-up of old and new Chloé. I mixed all decades from top to bottom, with just one thing in mind: whether it was the 60s or the 80s or yesterday, every Chloé woman is made of the same DNA and relentlessly exudes the same finesse. She’s sophisticated, chic, a little aloof and always feminine. We spent one long day in the studio and the result of my shoot with photographer Paola Kudacki is finally a fact. (Please hover your mouse over the images for proper clothing and accessories credits.)
Many thanks to Marie Jacoupy at Chloe who believed in our project, even though we only met once, and Geraldine Sommier who let me play in her archive room. A wink at Kate Lanphear for her vote of confidence. A big hug for my long-time friend Paola Kudacki for putting her own spin on the images. Also thanks to the agents at IMG, Marilyn, Major, Viva, Metropolitan and Elite in Paris for their support.
Extra accessories and props provided by Espace Kiliwatch. Behind the scenes photos by Tamara Savidi.
Photography by Paola Kudacki. Styling and casting by Natalie Joos. Hair by Marki Shkreli. Make-up by Christine Corbel. Stylist assistant: Pau Avia.
This is truly inspiring work, Natalie. Everything looks so fresh and modern; the items pulled from archive look as if they’ve come straight from the rack. Beautiful!
Impeccable styling!!
Natalie, I looove your blog and everything you do but where are the ladies of color at? They are lovely but i would hope that the next generation of chloe women includes more diversity of skin tone.
wonderful styling as always! xoxo
You are absolutely right!! I think we got stuck on the French stereotype… Or the agencies didn’t send enough diversity… Either way, the Chloe woman is chic, no matter her color! Thank you for your comment!
love this! Am going ot do a story on it on Curate! Just amazing and what a lucky girl to have been able to experience this and go into their archives!!
Sublime!
absolutely stunning in all respects natalie!!! huge congratulations and thanks so much to all involved for the amazing images.
Congratulations, Natalie! What a fantastic spread. So simple but so beautiful. What a long — but fun — day that must have been! I am sure 92-year-old Gaby Aghion was duly impressed 😉
Do you have any pix of Gaby? I was a customer of Chloe and also a retailer if Chloe. She was formidable. The combo of Lagerfeld and Aghion was amazing
You can find a picture of me and Gaby on my instagram @jxxsy. It’s a few months back so you’ll have to scrolllllllll
That is more than wonderful! Timeless spirit and true beauty! <3