The Chloé brand was founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, an Egyptian-born Parisienne; a dark beauty with a bohemian spirit. Rejecting the stiff formality of 1950s haute couture, she created the soft, alluring Chloé clothes from fine fabrics. Deciding to offer the Chloé clothes herself to the fashion boutiques – which were just starting to carry ready-to-wear clothes – they were unique for their time, beautifully made but accessible. ‘Luxury prêt-à-porter’ was born. Gaby chose the brand name ‘Chloé’ for its warm, feminine appeal. It was perfectly in sync with the new mood of Paris; youthful, modern in design, and slightly audacious in spirit.