Chloé Review: An Honest Take On The Iconic French Fashion House

Hey there, fashion lover! If you‘re obsessed with all things French-girl chic like I am, you‘ve probably swooned over a Chloé bag or two in your days. As a self-proclaimed Chloé superfan, I‘m here to dish on everything you need to know about this iconic luxury brand. From their drool-worthy handbags to their effortlessly cool shoes and ready-to-wear, we‘ll dive deep into what makes Chloé so covetable. I‘ll also share my honest thoughts on whether Chloé is truly worth the splurge (spoiler alert: it totally is!). So grab a café au lait and let‘s get into it!

What Is Chloé? Inside The Dreamy World Of The French Fashion House

First things first, let‘s talk about Chloé‘s backstory. Founded in 1952 by the ever-chic Gaby Aghion, Chloé has been serving up that je ne sais quoi for over 70 years. Aghion set out to offer an alternative to the stiff, formal fashion of the time with her vision of luxury ready-to-wear. And boy, did it catch on! Chloé quickly became the go-to for stylish Parisians and soon, the world.

Over the years, Chloé has continued to define effortless femininity. The brand‘s signature aesthetic blends soft romanticism with a cool-girl edge. Think: flowy silk dresses, cozy knits, laser-cut leather, and ‘70s-inspired details. It‘s no wonder Chloé has become a red carpet regular, with style icons like Sienna Miller, Kate Bosworth, and Olivia Palermo frequently rocking the brand.

Chloé By The Numbers:

• 1.2 billion euros in global sales (2021)
• 11.6M Instagram followers
• 200+ stores and retailers worldwide
• 1,500 employees

But Chloé is about so much more than just dreamy designs. The brand has long championed the free-spirited femininity of the Chloé girl, celebrating women in all their multifaceted glory. In recent years, Chloé has doubled down on its values, earning B Corp certification in 2021 for its positive social and environmental impact. More on Chloé‘s inspiring initiatives in a bit!

Decoding Chloé‘s Secret Sauce: Quality, Craftmanship, Oh-So-French Allure

So what is it about Chloé that inspires such devotion among fashion insiders and civilians alike? Having personally worn Chloé pieces for over a decade, I‘ve found it comes down to a few key factors: impeccable quality, stunning craftsmanship, and that inimitable French allure.

Let‘s start with quality. Chloé uses only the finest materials, from buttery-soft lambskin to rich suede to sustainable recycled cashmere. The brand has longstanding relationships with the best tanneries and mills to source premium fabrics and leathers. Every piece is carefully considered and constructed to last – trust me, my Chloé bags from the early 2000s still look pristine!

That brings me to the craftsmanship. Chloé‘s artisans are true experts, with many bags still being made in Italy and France. The attention to detail is unparalleled, from the precise stitching to the gleaming hardware. Chloé‘s iconic Paddington bag, for example, features a signature padlock that‘s plated in real gold. Now that‘s what I call luxury.

Of course, we can‘t talk about Chloé without mentioning the French factor. There‘s just something about Chloé‘s aesthetic that feels so distinctly Parisian. It‘s equal parts insouciant and glamorous, like a fabulous French woman who‘s running out the door to meet friends for a glass of Bordeaux. When I wear Chloé, I instantly channel that confidence and joie de vivre.

Stats on Chloé‘s quality and craftsmanship:

• 60-80 different suppliers provide materials
• Italian facility assembles over 65% of bags
• Average bag goes through 120+ steps in production
• Quality checks at 5 points during process to ensure perfection

Inside My Chloé Collection: 3 Bags I Can‘t Live Without

As a fashion editor and stylist, I‘ve tried my fair share of designer bags. But Chloé always seems to make it into my regular rotation. There‘s just something so effortless and versatile about the brand‘s designs. Here are the three Chloé bags I reach for again and again:

The Chloé Marcie Satchel

The Marcie is an undisputed icon, and it‘s not hard to see why. That elegant horseshoe shape! The rich leather! The chunky gold hardware! I have it in the medium size in tan, and it‘s the perfect everyday bag. It fits all my essentials (wallet, phone, keys, lip balm) with room to spare, and the crossbody strap keeps me hands-free while running around the city. Dress it down with jeans and a tee or pair it with a flowy dress for a date – the Marcie is endlessly versatile.

One of my favorite things about the Marcie is how it softens and molds to your body over time. The full-grain leather just gets better with age. I‘ve had mine for six years and it‘s still in fantastic shape – no corner wear, no scratches. It was worth every penny of the $2,000 price tag.

The Chloé Faye Backpack

When the Faye bag first launched in 2015, I knew I had to have it. That circular metal clasp! The juxtaposition of sleek leather and soft suede! It was the epitome of edgy-meets-refined. But when Chloé released the backpack version a couple years later? Game changer.

I scooped up the Faye backpack in a beautiful motty gray (a gray-taupe shade with lavender undertones) and it instantly elevated my everyday looks. The rectangular shape is so modern and cool, with the Faye‘s signature hoop clasp lending a polished touch.

Looks-wise, this bag is a 10/10. But how does it stack up in terms of function? As someone who doesn‘t travel light, I give the Faye backpack top marks for practicality too. It easily fits a small laptop, notebook, oversized sunnies, and all your other essentials. I love that it has a top handle too, so you can carry it multiple ways.

At $1,850, the Faye backpack is definitely an investment. But cost per wear? It‘s paid for itself 10 times over. Two years of near-daily use later, this baby still looks brand new.

The Chloé Drew Bijou Shoulder Bag

If the Marcie is my everyday go-to and the Faye is my cool-girl staple, the Drew Bijou is my fancy going out bag. This little stunner packs a lot of punch – it‘s the perfect balance of sweet and edgy thanks to the dainty chain strap and bold, jewel-like closure.

I have the mini Drew Bijou in a deep forest green and I‘m obsessed with the rich jewel tone. It‘s such a nice alternative to black for evenings out. The compact size is ideal for date nights or drinks with the girls when all you need is a cardholder, keys, and your favorite lippie.

Quality-wise, the Drew Bijou is impeccable. The leather is thick and luxurious, and the gold-tone metal has a nice weight to it. I love the embossed Chloé logo on the side too – understated yet instantly recognizable.

At $1,690, the Drew Bijou certainly isn‘t cheap. But the cost per compliment? Priceless. I can‘t tell you how many times I‘ve been stopped on the street by fashion-loving strangers gushing over this little gem!

Chloé‘s Responsible Luxury: How The Brand Is Giving Back

Now more than ever, consumers are looking to invest in fashion brands that share their values. We want to look good, yes, but we also want to feel good about where we‘re putting our hard-earned cash. That‘s where Chloé really shines.

In 2021, Chloé made history as the first luxury fashion house to earn B Corp certification. What does that mean exactly? Essentially, it‘s like the gold standard for companies balancing profit with purpose. Chloé underwent a rigorous evaluation to prove its social and environmental performance across the board, from worker well-being to sustainable sourcing.

Chloé‘s responsible luxury mission touches every part of the business. Let‘s break it down:

• People-First Production: Chloé partners with social enterprises and artisan cooperatives that empower workers, especially women. For example, the Chloé x Mifuko capsule collection was made in collaboration with 700 female artisans in Kenya.

• Sustainable Materials: Chloé is shifting to lower impact fabrics like recycled polyester and organic cotton. By 2025, the brand aims to use 50% sustainable materials across all collections.

• Circular Fashion: Chloé is exploring ways to keep clothes in use longer through repair services, resale initiatives, and rental programs. The Chloé Restore program offers complimentary repair for two years after purchase.

• Carbon Reduction: Chloé has set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030. Tactics include shifting to renewable energy, streamlining shipping, and using recycled packaging.

These meaningful commitments are a big part of why I feel so confident investing in Chloé pieces. Yes, the designs are dreamy and the quality is impeccable. But knowing my purchase is supporting a brand that uplifts women and cares for the planet? That‘s the cherry on top.

My Honest Thoughts: Is Chloé Worth The Splurge?

By now, you can probably guess my take. But let me put it plainly: YES, Chloé is absolutely, unequivocally worth the investment. I‘ve been wearing Chloé for over a decade and I can say with certainty that these pieces are forever staples.

Here‘s why I believe every fashion lover should have at least one Chloé bag in their collection:

1. Unbeatable quality: Chloé uses the finest materials and construction methods to create bags that truly go the distance. These are pieces you‘ll reach for season after season, year after year.

2. Versatile, timeless designs: Chloé‘s aesthetic is the perfect blend of classic and contemporary. Bags like the Marcie and Faye have been around for years, yet still feel so fresh and modern. You won‘t have to baby these bags – they‘re made to be worn and enjoyed!

3. That French girl je ne sais quoi: Chloé embodies effortless Parisian chic like no other brand. Wearing Chloé is an instant confidence boost – it‘s like slipping on a little piece of that covetable French style.

4. Responsible luxury: With Chloé‘s genuine commitment to people and the planet, you can feel good about your purchase. These bags are an investment not just in your wardrobe, but in a better fashion future.

5. Excellent resale value: Should you ever decide to part with your Chloé bag (but why would you?!), you can recoup a good chunk of your investment. Chloé bags are always in demand on the luxury resale market.

Of course, designer bags are a highly personal choice. It‘s all about what speaks to your unique style and fits your lifestyle needs. But if you‘re looking for a beautifully crafted, effortlessly chic bag to love for years to come? Chloé is the way to go.

Trust me on this one – your wardrobe (and inner French girl) will thank you. Bisous!