DORÉ

Chloé is the girl across the room in a kimono at an extravagant gala, worn just so, that catches your eye for all the elegance she poses. When we met for the first time nearly a year ago, her subtle French accent was as charming as the furry purse she carried (a piece from her line, Perrin).

She kind of reminds me of a modern day princess, a closet filled with beautiful vintage pieces from the likes of Lanvin and shoes lined up like tiny soldiers ready to be drafted into service. She’s lovely and has a real knack for incorporating new brands into her wardrobe seamlessly while maintaining an aesthetic that is feminine, fresh, and perfectly put together in the most Parisian nonchalant way.  All that is to say, she is incredibly down to earth, happy to play records and roam about barefoot in her home…

1. Describe your style in three words.
Minimal, romantic, and sometimes a little quirky.

2. What is your favorite item in your wardrobe right now?
My silk vintage Kimono I bought at the Puces flea market a month ago.

3. And the one with the best story?
I’m proud to say I own a very simple black Alaïa dress that I got to choose with the help of Mr Alaïa himself. It was at his beautiful flagship boutique in Paris. I’ll never forget that day.

4. How does living in Paris influence your approach to fashion?
Growing up and still living in Paris has given me a sense of detachment from trends – I know it sounds cliché, but I feel like Paris has granted me the confidence to not really care. It has also obviously taught me sophistication through its art, architecture, literature, and history.

5. You design bags! Have you always had a passion for handbags and design?
To be honest, not really! I was initially interested – and still am – in designing clothing, or furniture… but I’m lucky my family has a beautiful eponymous heritage company that I’m honored to work for today. Designing handbags is a fascinating exercise. Leather is such a noble material… working it is truly an art in itself. I admire our talented craftsmen; they’re the ones that transform my drawings into tangible reality.

6. What is your favorite style of bag?
I’m a shoulder bag girl. Lately I’ve kind of been into that awkward 90s short shoulder strap length. When you hug the bag right under your arm. I believe in its comeback!

7. Where do you source inspiration for your designs?
I look at furniture and interior design most of the time. Especially european designers of the early 20th century. I think handbags and furniture have a lot in common; they can be very artistic but at the end of the day, they have to serve a very specific purpose and can’t disappoint.

8. Do you wear perfume?
Yes! I’ve been wearing Philosykos by Diptyque for about 2 years. It smells of fig leaves and wood. Perfect for the fall :)

9. What are the three items you always pack with you when you travel?
A good book, my headphones and my Pumas, which I’ve been wearing since I was 18. They’re like slippers to me now.

10. Do you have a fashion muse?
Can I say both Caroline Bessette-Kennedy and Rei Kawakubo? I know they’re really different but I aspire to that balance between elegance & sophistication, with a whimsical and humorous touch.

Look 1: Shirt, Coperni Femme; Skirt, Vintage; Shoes, Céline / Look 2: Jacket, Pallas; Shirt, Coperni Femme; Pants, 3.1 Phillip Lim / Look 3: Lanvin pantsuit.

Words: Brie Welch | Photos: Erik Melvin | Interview: Neada Jane