Kamali has amassed a collection of around a thousand blouses over the decades, ranging from antique Victorian pieces to modern designs. She values the rich history behind each garment and believes in translating past influences into contemporary fashion. Despite being associated with the boho chic aesthetic, Kamali finds the term reductive and prefers to draw from broader historical influences in her work. Before her debut show, she and her team worked in relative obscurity, creating a bubble of creativity that was all their own.
At her flagship store on Rue St-Honoré, Kamali is implementing a new “architectural concept” that will reshape Chloé’s retail spaces. The store has a gallery-like atmosphere with walls adorned with colorful paintings by female artists. Kamali is passionate about giving female artists a platform and believes in the importance of sharing their personal narratives. She describes a fashion show as a form of storytelling, like a poem or a short movie, with a beginning, middle, and end. While she interacts warmly with her team and customers, she is still navigating the boundaries of her authority as the new creative director of Chloé.
In the Chloé archives, Kamali immerses herself in the history of the house, admiring vintage garments and artifacts that hold memories of the past. The meticulous archivist, Géraldine-Julie Sommier, helps Kamali navigate through the archives, ensuring that each piece is handled with care. Kamali is drawn to the unconstructed and lightweight designs created by Karl Lagerfeld during his time at Chloé. She is inspired by Lagerfeld’s minimalist approach to fashion and his emphasis on simplicity and elegance in his designs. Kamali’s love for the archives reflects her appreciation for the legacy of Chloé and her commitment to preserving its heritage.
Kamali’s creative process is deeply rooted in her obsession with blouses and her dedication to translating historical influences into modern designs. She finds inspiration in the stories behind each garment and believes in the power of fashion as a form of personal expression. Despite her association with the boho chic trend, she rejects the label as it limits the scope of her work. Kamali’s approach to fashion is more nuanced and multifaceted, drawing from a diverse range of influences and historical references.
As Kamali continues to navigate her role as the creative director of Chloé, she remains focused on honoring the heritage of the house while also pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues. Her dedication to female artists and their narratives is evident in her new initiatives, such as the Chloé Arts program, which aims to support and showcase women in the arts. Through her collections and retail spaces, Kamali seeks to create a platform for artistic expression and storytelling, blending fashion with art and culture in a unique and innovative way. Her unwavering passion for creativity and collaboration propels her forward as she leads Chloé into a new era of fashion and design.
