Chloé A/W 2017
Clare Waight Keller takes her final turn as the house’s creative director – and doesn’t disappoint
Moodboard: It was an emotional morning for Chloé fans as they made their way into the Salon d'honneur in the Grand Palais. After all, this was Clare Waight Keller’s last collection for the brand, which made us wonder whether the British designer would go all out and feel freer than ever in her work. She didn't disappoint: the show was a rehash of her best pieces, more 1990s slouchy jumpsuit than 70s Glamazon, more minidress than boho numbers. The hippie aura was still there though, through an oversized tan shearling coat, a couple of long lace dresses and the models' hair, as usual flowing free; but it was more Carnaby Street than Venice Beach. Which really suited the Chloé girl. Who would have thunk it?
Best in show: It was all about the minidress. Most of the time paired with little Mary Janes and the bags that have become a best-seller for the maison, worn with a nonchalance. They came in red velvet (with a heart cutout in the front, obvious 'it girl' material); in peacock green and purple chiffon with cutouts and lace details; in black crepe with puffed white sleeves and claudine necklines; in printed black gabardine. At times it was almost reminiscent of Hedi Slimane’s Saint Laurent – but then, the two designers always had their love of music in common.
Team work: As usual, Waight Keller worked with sound designer Michel Gaubert, who handpicked a selection of 80s British tunes, all synthesizers and New Romantic undertones. It was a fitting counterpoint to the 60s-inspired collection. The soundtrack got particularly on-point towards the end of the show, when models strutted to the Human League's 'Don't You Want Me' for the finale, before Waight Keller made her appearance on the catwalk, waving to the words 'But now I think it's time I live my life on my own, I guess that's just what I must do'. It was Gaubert's homage to the designer, who was greeted one last time with a standing ovation – and even some tear-filled eyes.
Chloé A/W 2017.
Chloé A/W 2017.
Chloé A/W 2017.
Chloé A/W 2017.
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Each mundane object tells a story at Pace’s tribute to the everydayIn a group exhibition, ‘Monument to the Unimportant’, artists give the seemingly insignificant – from discarded clothes to weeds in cracks – a longer look
-
Discover The Legacy, Hong Kong’s eye-catching new condoThe Legacy, by ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, is a striking new condo tower that aims to ‘create a sense of community and solidarity among people’
-
In BDSM biker romance ‘Pillion’, clothes become a medium for ‘fantasy and fetishism’Costume designer Grace Snell breaks down the leather-heavy wardrobe for the Alexander Skarsgård-starring Pillion, which traces a dom/sub relationship between a shy parking attendant and a biker
-
Haute Couture Week A/W 2025: what to expectFive moments to look out for at Haute Couture Week A/W 2025 in Paris (starting Monday 7 July), from Glenn Martens’ debut for Maison Margiela to Demna’s Balenciaga swansong. Plus, ‘new beginnings’ from JW Anderson
-
Donna Trope celebrates the power of the Polaroid in Paris‘Polaroids used to be my rejects, and now they are my holy grail,’ says the beauty photographer, as she shows rarely seen images in a Paris exhibition
-
Palace unites with Rapha to celebrate inaugural Tour de France FemmesMarking the first time women will compete in the historic cycling race since the late 1980s, this new collaboration sees Palace Skateboards and Rapha create uniforms for both on and off the bike – including an ‘outlandish’ pair of Crocs
-
Chloé seamlessly weaves together style and sustainabilityIn celebration of Chloé's A/W 2022 show today at Paris Fashion Week, we look to our interview with is pioneering creative director Gabriela Hearst, featured in our March 2022 issue
-
Paris Fashion Week A/W 2022: Chanel to Miu MiuIn this extended report, Wallpaper* updates you live from Paris Fashion Week A/W 2022 shows, with rolling coverage as runway events unfold
-
Scene-stealing runway sets from S/S 2022 womenswear showsFrom giant roulette wheels to Olympic diving boards and multi-city synchronized extravaganzas – our pick of the best fashion show sets from S/S 2022 womenswear
-
Louis Vuitton A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's -
Chanel A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women’s