At a moment when the main discourse taking place in the fashion industry is on the lack of women at the head of houses, Chloé has announced Chemena Kamali as its new creative director. The German-born designer will present her first pre-collection in January 2024, before following up with her autumn/winter 2024 collection during Paris Fashion Week the following month.

Since 2016, Kamali has been Saint Laurent's womenswear ready-to-wear design director working under Anthony Vaccarello, yet this is far from her first time working at Chloé. In welcome news for fashion fans, Kamali cut her teeth working at the French house on Phoebe Philo’s era-defining team and later rejoined as design director to Clare Waight Keller in 2013.

'My heart has always been Chloé’s,' Kamali said in a statement released by the house. 'It has been since I stepped through its doors more than 20 years ago. Returning feels natural and very personal. I am extremely honoured to be taking on this role and to be building on the vision that Gaby Aghion and Karl Lagerfeld defined early in the maison’s history. I hope to capture the emotional connection and spirit of Chloé for today. I am very grateful to Riccardo Bellini, Philippe Fortunato and Johann Rupert for this opportunity and their trust.'

Kamali's fashion journey began studying under Professor Louise Wilson on the Fashion MA at Central Saint Martins, graduating with distinction in 2007. Now, her appointment places Kamali amongst a line-up of celebrated female designers who have headed up Chloé in recent decades, including Philo, Waight Keller, Stella McCartney, Hannah MacGibbon, Natacha Ramsay-Levi and, most recently, Gabriela Hearst who presented her final collection on the 29th September at Paris Fashion Week. The house of Chloé was founded in 1952, with Karl Lagerfeld joining the team in 1966 becoming creative director in 1974.

​'I am proud to welcome Chemena Kamali to Chloé. Her extraordinary creative talent, extensive experience and unique connection with the brand’s legacy and values make her a natural choice for the maison,' said Riccardo Bellini, president & CEO of Chloé. 'Chemena’s vision, inspired by her love for the brand, will truly celebrate Chloé’s unique DNA. Chemena is both the creative director of Chloé and the embodiment of the Chloé spirit. I am excited to see her vision come to life.' Us too.