Chloé

There was an independent spirit that breezed along the runway at Chloé’s fall/winter 2013 show at Paris’ Jardin des Tuileries, where Clare Waight Keller, the brand’s creative director, proved yet again that her English sensibility is the right fit for the French fashion house she joined just two years ago. The attitude of the collection was at once tough and schoolgirl-flirty, delivering in the form of boyish cuts, romantic pants, utilitarian fabrics and hard-edged accents like chain links and zippers.

The combo of hip-hop beats and sunlight beaming in through the skylights of the tent definitely aided in translating the carefree, feminine vibe of the collection, which will surely make dressing for cold nights a lot more fun.

Check out some highlighted looks from the Chloé fall ’13 collection (and some of the famous faces we found in attendance at the show)!

“Part of what gets me excited about Fashion Week is being around our buying team and taking in their passion and enthusiasm for what’s happening,” said Pete Nordstrom, who we spotted front row before the show started. “It is actually really rewarding, because it reaffirms we have the right people here on the job. At night, it’s fun to hear the buying team talk about what they’ve seen during the day. It always brings out a lot of positive energy and creative ideas.”

When asked what he’s enjoying most about this market trip, Pete shared, “It’s always interesting to get away from our stores and see what’s going on in other places. Whenever we travel, we check out local stores which is helpful. I get to talk to different people in the industry as well as other retailers.”

For Pete, having the right discussions is key. “I make it a point to talk with some of our major vendors about how we can strategically grow together. There are certainly a lot of discussions to be had.”

Vogue’s Virginia Smith, Tonne Goodman (center) and Anna Wintour smile from the front row.

Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, was happy to finally experience some great weather in Paris.

Gene Krell, international fashion director for Vogue, Vogue Hommes and GQ Japan.

Denise Junell, our designer handbags buyer, gave us the scoop on what women will want to be carrying for the coming season. “I thought this collection was really great and fresh. There were two new key bag shapes. I loved the oversized duffel with the wide strap and the convertible bag that walked as a hobo,” says Denise

“Mixed media was huge in the bags as well, and it goes along with that whole utilitarian and multifunctional trend that continues to be in demand with our customers. I think Chloé is going to be a great avenue to get this look for fall.”

–Qianna Smith
Photos by Ford Leland