FabSugar

The Look For Less: Chloe Patent Sandals

FabSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 04:00:22 -0700

The patent footwear former Chloe designer Paulo Melim Andersson sent down his Spring runway says a lot about the man - he understands that a shoe can really make an outfit. Besides the irresistible shoe boots, Chloe served up patent sandals with multiple wide straps like the one here. But even on sale, Chloe's footwear takes a big bite out of your paycheck. Luckily, another designer has come out with equally cool but a less pricey option.

To see the look for less, read more

Is this Kors by Michael Kors Wicked Patent Slingback Sandals ($175) not one of the Chloe clan? Kors has come out with his version of Chloe's Spring footwear and he's done a nice job, wouldn't you say? This pair has the glossy patent detail, the wide crossover straps, but not the hefty price tag. I can live with that.

Source

Fashion Metamorphosis: Chloé

FabSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:00:22 -0700

If we're going to talk about fashion metamorphoses, we can't overlook Chloé. That would be like talking about chocolate and not mentioning Godiva. Like many fashion houses, Chloé has changed hands several times, but what makes it stand out is its desirable roster (Karl Lagerfeld in the late '60s, Stella McCartney in late '90s, and Phoebe Philo from 2001-2006). Many fashion insiders, including myself, were shocked by the recent announcement that creative director Paulo Melim Andersson was being replaced by former assistant director to Valentino, Hannah MacGibbon. The reason behind the split is unknown, though some attribute it to a difference of opinion over where the brand should be headed.

To hear more about Chloé's fashion metamorphosis and to see more runway pictures, read more

Naturally, with the change of hands at fashion houses, the designs will vary slightly or drastically. In Chloé's case, I'd say it's been more subtle than drastic. Founder and French designer Gaby Aghion, who invented Ready-to-Wear as a rejection of the stiff formality of the '50s fashion, set the tone with soft, body-conscious clothes. Karl brought in romance with gauzy blouses and long skirts. Stella (left) threw in a streetwise mix of vintage lingerie to the romance, while Phoebe (center) injected sexy daywear and fluid lines. Though short-lived, Paulo (right) took Chloé to a more artsy place. One similarity to note between all Chloé designers is the innovative use of sheerness. We have yet to see what Hannah will do for the brand, but there's a good chance she'll reenact the Phoebe Philo years since she worked closely with the designer, originally as a part of the design team and later as chief designer. I'll take that and I'm sure Chloé-fan Kate Bosworth will agree!

View 5 Photos ›

(L-R: Spring '01; S/03; S/04; Fall '05; S/06)

Source and Source

You've Come a Long Way, Chloé!

FabSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:00:08 -0700

I recently talked to you about the fashion metamorphosis of Chloé, more specifically its changing head designers. Now it's my pleasure to showcase the house's ad campaign transformation from 2003 until now. Over time, Chloé has delivered murky yet polished campaigns, with top models in decidedly serious dispositions.

In Fall of 2003, Angela Lindvall channeled a hot hippie chick. Fall 2004 (left) had Caroline Winberg and Dewi Driegen expressing anger in contrastingly feminine duds.

To hear more about Chloé's ad campaign transformation, and to see photos, read more

A long-haired Anja Rubik and Julia Stegner leaned on one another to bring the Spring 2006 shots to life. In Fall 2006, Carmen Kass and Malgosia Bela hit the desert and made turbans look desirable. For the latest Spring 2008 campaign - which is the least exciting - Ali Stephens posed beachside in Paulo Melim Andersson's colorblock, airy clothes. Which year is your favorite?

View 23 Photos ›

Source and Source