A relaxed and romantic allure floats throughout the Chloé Spring 2016 collection designed by Clare Waight Keller, where unexpected boyish tendencies are fused with an effortless, flyaway sense of femininity. Harking back to the free-spirited music scene of 1970’s London, nuances of folk rock mingle with a new urban attitude, for a springtime wardrobe layered with delicate contrasts. The palette of pastel and soft earth tones highlights the season’s textured, artisanal fabrics for harmonies of rosy pink, jade, ivory, pale ochre, black, bright white, chocolate brown, and shades of light blue. From double-face cashmere and dry quilted jersey to the diaphanous folds of silk crêpe or floral lace, a cool play of opposites unites humble and precious textiles with an artisanal hand.
A tiered, languid silhouette explores the individuality of the Chloé girl, from the downtown ease of slim, zipped blousons paired with floaty sundresses to the confident sophistication of high-waisted trousers and a tailored cashmere coat. Woven check knits and printed carré silks trick the eye in a play of 3D surface, for a collegiate reference that returns in an elongated check bomber and a quilted teddy jacket embroidered with pouncing tigers. Railroad stripe denim or linen sarrouel trousers counter the light transparency of ruffled blouses and open-weave knitwear, whilst the bold animalia of an ocelot print punctuates the lineup as cocooning jackets, crêpe separates, and a sleeveless fur duster.
For evening, a tulle t-shirt is strewn with dark crystals, and daisy-dotted gauze cotton or gold-flecked jacquard in baroque florals is draped and ruched into sumptuous A-line dresses. Sprinkled with daisy appliqué and framed in swirling broderie anglaise, a column gown in dusty rose mousseline is worn with a shrunken leather waistcoat, embodying the distinction of delicate toughness throughout the collection.
Resort 2016 introduces the ‘Inez’ bucket bag adorned with tassels and engraved hardware on a long shoulder strap, and the ‘Indy’ camera bag: a soft structured flap purse with a graphic circular lock. On foot, cut-out zip loafers on a block heel, sculpted wooden clogs, and laced canvas sandals ground the silhouette for an authentic, street smart effect.
