Chloé Creative Director Departs

Natacha Ramsay-Levi cited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a desire to align her creative, intellectual, and emotional values with the changes she wants to see in the industry as the reason for her departure. Before her tenure at Chloé, which began in April 2017, she was a key design deputy to Nicolas Ghesquière, working with him at Balenciaga and later as the creative director of women's ready-to-wear at Louis Vuitton. Ramsay-Levi’s Chloé was characterized by a blend of the brand's signature bohemian femininity with a more tailored, modern edge and intricate, thoughtful details. She often collaborated with contemporary female artists for her collections, aiming to create fashion that enhanced the wearer's personality without imposing a specific "look." Her designs, however, were considered by some to be less commercially driven, and she did not produce a major "It" handbag for the brand. The role of creative director at Chloé has historically been a springboard for major design talent. The house, founded by Gaby Aghion in 1952, has been helmed by industry heavyweights like Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, and Phoebe Philo. Ramsay-Levi's predecessor, Clare Waight Keller, held the position for six years before moving to Givenchy. Following Ramsay-Levi's departure, Chloé appointed Uruguayan designer Gabriela Hearst as its new creative director. Hearst is known for her focus on sustainability, craftsmanship, and creating long-lasting, timeless pieces, a philosophy she terms "honest luxury." Her own eponymous brand, launched in 2015, quickly gained recognition for its commitment to ethical production and high-quality, sustainable materials. Under her leadership, Chloé became the first luxury fashion house to achieve B Corp certification. The frequent rotation of creative directors is a widespread trend in the luxury fashion industry, driven by the accelerated pace of fashion cycles and immense commercial pressures. Tenures that once lasted for decades, like Karl Lagerfeld's 36 years at Chanel, are now often as short as three to five years as brands seek constant newness to drive sales and media attention. In response to this volatility, many luxury houses are increasingly emphasizing narratives of craftsmanship and heritage to communicate value beyond fleeting trends. Brands like Hermès and Brunello Cucinelli have built their identities around artisanal quality and timeless design, a strategy that resonates with consumers seeking longevity and authenticity in their purchases. Since leaving Chloé, Natacha Ramsay-Levi has engaged in several projects, including a collaboration with A.P.C. and becoming a creative partner for the Danish leather brand Ecco. These smaller-scale projects reflect her desire for a new way of working, focusing on a more intimate and spontaneous design process.