Gaby Aghion, the iconic founder of the luxury brand Chloé, passed away at the age of 93 on September 27, causing the fashion industry to mourn the loss of a pioneering figure. Born in Alexandria in 1921, Aghion established her own brand in 1952 and quickly used her connections to gain recognition in the fashion world. In 1956, she organized her first fashion show at Café de Flore, a move that solidified her association with Parisian chic.
Unlike other fashion houses of the time, Aghion veered away from the formal dress codes of the 1950s. She believed that these restrictions were too confining and instead embraced a feminine, romantic, and bohemian style that appealed to young women. Aghion revolutionized the industry by popularizing luxury ready-to-wear, a concept that was completely innovative at the time. This decision contributed to the reputation and success of the Chloé brand, which became one of the leading labels in the post-war period alongside Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, and helped transform women’s fashion of that era.
In 1985, Aghion sold the brand to the Richemont Group, but she remained involved in its development and continued to attend its fashion shows. Even in her later years, she kept a watchful eye on the evolution of the brand. Geoffroy de La Bourdonnaye, the current president of Chloé, revealed that one of Aghion’s final wishes was for the Chloé fashion show for the Spring/Summer 2015 season to continue as planned, which it did on September 28, the day after her passing.
Karl Lagerfeld, the renowned designer who served as the creative director for Chloé from 1963 to 1983, expressed his fondness for Aghion and their collaboration: “We didn’t see each other often anymore, but I always had a lot of affection for her. I remember the 20 years we spent together and her incredible energy. We did some beautiful things that seem very far away now.”
The Minister of Culture, Fleur Pellerin, commended Aghion’s contribution to the fashion world and praised her understanding of modern women’s aspirations. Aghion’s significant role in fashion history was recognized when she was awarded the Legion of Honor in December 2013.
This article provides a glimpse into the life and impact of Gaby Aghion, an influential figure in the fashion world. Her innovative approach and dedication to creating luxury ready-to-wear designs helped shape the industry and cemented the Chloé brand as a prominent name in fashion.
Useful Links:
1. Chloé Fall 2021 Ready-to-Wear Collection
2. Chloé Official Website
