Chloé's Tropicus Swan Minaudière Revives Lagerfeld's Surrealist Legacy Under Chemena Kamali
Chemena Kamali is redefining Chloé's identity by embracing its historically open-ended ethos, moving beyond the brand's bohemian 1970s associations. The Tropicus minaudière, a hand-painted leather clutch shaped like a swan, exemplifies this direction, referencing Karl Lagerfeld's couture craftsmanship and Surrealist whimsy from his tenure. Lagerfeld's collections famously featured beaded shower heads and tool-inspired jewelry, alongside wildlife prints that later appeared in designs by Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo. Chloé was founded by Gaby Aghion, who selected the name purely for its aesthetic appeal, allowing continuous reinvention. Kamali's approach prioritizes frivolity, as Lagerfeld once emphasized, while forging a new path for the house. The accessory is currently available for purchase.
Key facts
- Chemena Kamali is the creative director revitalizing Chloé
- The Tropicus minaudière is a hand-painted leather swan clutch
- Karl Lagerfeld served as creative director at Chloé in the 1970s
- Lagerfeld incorporated Surrealist elements like beaded shower heads in dresses
- Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo also used wildlife prints in their Chloé designs
- Gaby Aghion founded Chloé, choosing the name for its visual appeal
- Lagerfeld stated that frivolity is important in fashion
- The Tropicus minaudière is available for purchase
Entities
Artists
- Chemena Kamali
- Karl Lagerfeld
- Stella McCartney
- Phoebe Philo
- Gaby Aghion
Institutions
- Chloé