>> Earlier this morning, Chloe announced that it will not be renewing its contract with Hannah MacGibbon, and instead, has hired former Pringle of Scotland head, Clare Waight Keller, to take the reins as the creative director effective June 1. Before we bid adieu to MacGibbon, take a look at some of her most notable work during her three years as head designer at Chloe, including those popular canvas wrap sandals from her Spring 2010 collection, in the slideshow.
Another big designer move was announced this morning: Clare Waight Keller is taking the Chloé reigns from Hannah MacGibbon, who is leaving Chloé after 10 years to pursue "new projects," according to WWD. What does this mean for the French luxury house and fans of Chloé's feminine sophistication? You can count on a continued emphasis on knitwear injected with a dose of sexiness. Waight Keller, who like MacGibbon, is British born, just finished a six-year stint as creative director of Pringle of Scotland, where she resurrected the heritage line into something modern and cool and reworked the line's knitwear. Before that, she worked under Tom Ford at Gucci, which means she knows a thing or two about sex appeal. Waight Keller will officially take over June 1, so we can look forward to seeing her first collection for Chloé at Spring 2012 Fashion Week. To get you acquainted with Clare Waight Keller's work, click our slideshow of highlights from her last collection for Pringle of Scotland.
>> While previous reports said that Hannah MacGibbon was due to stay at least another season with Chloe, WWD announced today that Clare Waight Keller, will take the helm as the brand's new creative director effective June 1. Most recently, Waight Keller spent six years as the creative director of Pringle of Scotland, but reportedly left the brand so she can take time out to concentrate on her family. In a statement, MacGibbon, who has been with Chloe for 10 years, lauded Waight Keller for her, "deep experience and innovative approach to knitwear." MacGibbon has not announced specifics on her next venture, but said she will be "pursing new projects."
>> Hannah MacGibbon's fate at Chloe was reportedly lying in the balance this past Paris Fashion Week — as her contract with the house was about to expire — but it seems she's going to stay for now. According to WWD's market sources, MacGibbon's contract was recently extended for another season. Reached for comment on Friday, Chloe CEO Geoffroy de la Bourdonnaye said, “Hannah is still with us, that’s all I can say.” [WWD]
>> Earlier this week came reports that this season — Fall 2011 — may be Hannah MacGibbon's last for Chloe. And although the label denied it, Cathy Horyn writes: "I feel sorry for Hannah MacGibbon of Chloé. No, she did not have a good collection — too much snakeskin, poor styling, no standout accessories. Reports are that her contract has not been renewed. But a year ago, Ms. MacGibbon was a hit maker and women were again craving Chloé. Maybe the firing last summer of her boss, Ralph Toledano, led to changes that affected her. I don’t know. But knowing what she was able to accomplish in the past, with help, it’s hard to hold her solely to blame for what appeared on the Chloé runway." [NY Times]
Full of python prints, retro, '70s looks, and chic colorblocked pieces, the Chloé Fall 2011 collection stayed true to designer Hannah MacGibbon’s signature style. A few standout pieces from the line include a silk python print dress and a colorblock poncho – plus a very daring leather jumpsuit. Check out our video for more from the designer at Paris Fashion Week.
>> As if the fates of enough designers aren't already in question, now Hannah MacGibbon's future at Chloe has come up. Sources knowledgeable about the house told the New York Times's Eric Wilson that MacGibbon's contract is up after this season, and the reaction to today's show could determine whether it is renewed. However, Wilson points out: "It’s unusual for a designer to negotiate a new contract so close to the expiration date of his or her last one, and what’s more, Chloe is said to have already interviewed other designers."
Vogue UK reports, on the contrary: "A spokesperson from the label told us a statement will be released later today to confirm there is no truth in the allegations that MacGibbon's contract is up after this season."
>> It's safe to say that Hannah MacGibbon spearheaded the rebirth of '70s chic, and her Chloe Pre-Fall 2011 collection provided even more to love. Classic clean Annie Hall references — via wide-legged trousers, corduroy suits, and mid-calf skirts — were present, along with nomadic-inspired touches in the way of striped capes, fur coats, and patchwork blanket wraps. And while most of MacGibbon's color palette — true to her style at Chloe — remained neutral, the designer provided just the right amount of color with a bonny canary yellow look.
