Chemena Kamali, born in Germany, has embarked on an exciting journey as the new Creative Director of Chloé. With a Master of Arts in Fashion from Central Saint Martins in London, under the mentorship of Professor Louise Wilson, Kamali brings a wealth of experience and vision to the iconic brand. Yanki Chu reports ten captivating insights about her
1. Rich experience
Kamali’s career includes pivotal roles as Design Director at Clare Waight Keller and as Designer Director for Women’s Ready-to-Wear at Saint Laurent under Anthony Vaccarello.
2. Early influence
Growing up with a free-spirited hairdresser mother and an architect father, Kamali was immersed in creativity and adventure. Their explorations of the world instilled in her a resilient spirit, shaping her unique design perspective.
3. Appointed by Chloé
Kamali’s journey began as an intern at Chloé, where she collaborated with renowned creative directors like Phoebe Philo and Clare Waight Keller. Her return in October 2023 marks a thrilling new chapter for the Maison, blending its rich heritage with her personal connection to the brand.
4. Aspirations from early age
Inspired by the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, Kamali knew she wanted to be a designer long before high school. Her internship at Chloé set the stage for a fulfilling career, driven by her passion for creating clothes.
5. An obsession with blouse
With a collection boasting over 1,500 blouses accumulated over 25 years, Kamali’s passion for this garment spans from antique Victorian pieces to modern, brandless finds. Her collection has outgrown her space, spilling into her parents’ basement.
6. 1970s influence
Kamali draws heavily from the 1970s, embracing its spirit of revolution and natural beauty. Elements like updated bootcut pants and colors such as blush beige and pine green feature prominently in her collections.
7. Embracing femininity and freedom
Reflecting Chloé’s history, Kamali emphasizes a woman’s perspective in fashion. She believes in authentic female energy and advocates for talent over gender, aiming to create designs that resonate with all women.
8. The balancing act
Kamali shares her struggle to balance work and family life. Whether at the office or home, she often feels guilty about the other, highlighting the challenge of juggling both roles.
9. A collection with personal significance
The recent passing of her father has deeply influenced Kamali’s creative process. She describes her current phase as a “clash of what life throws at you,” which has fueled her ambition for her first collection at Chloé.
10. Power dressing redefined
Kamali’s collections blend classic bohemian aesthetics with a focus on confident femininity. Known for her use of chiffon and lace alongside structured silhouettes, she also emphasizes holistic styling, incorporating accessories and belts to complete her looks.
