Chloé Spring Summer 2024 Fashion Show

Chloé's Spring 2024 runway show, marking Gabriela Hearst's farewell after three years as creative director, couldn't have asked for a more idyllic setting. Bathed in sunlight, the runway was set right along the Seine, with a gentle breeze and a sky devoid of clouds. As guests arrived, waiters served Caipirinhas, a renowned Brazilian cocktail, setting the stage for an event that exuded sophistication, civility, and most importantly, fun.

Hearst's final collection for Chloé emerged as one of her finest works to date. While like many designers, she drew inspiration from flowers for Spring 2024, her approach was distinctly thoughtful and understated, devoid of pastels or typical botanical prints. Instead, she delved into the shapes of flowers, crafting wearable, covetable, and inherently feminine pieces that paid homage to the graceful contours of stems and petals.

The calla lily influenced curved wrap skirts, dresses, and outerwear, while orchids inspired seams, cutouts, balloon sleeves, and daring necklines. The show notes beautifully described the creations: "Lengths of wool crepe jersey spill out exuberantly through ceramic buckles like bougainvillaea, encircling the body and forming a minidress with the spontaneity of a vine." Beads echoed stamens, and sleeves gracefully imitated petals. On the more literal side, there were ceramic and leather flower embellishments on dresses, as well as a black gown adorned with silk bouquet sleeves.

In the show notes, the collection was described as a "celebration of [Hearst's] transformative journey at Chloé," which had been marked by her dedication to sustainability and climate activism. Her last three collections had each focused on a specific climate solution. For Spring 2024, Hearst sought to explore "the power of individual action as a form of environmental advocacy," beautifully connecting this concept to the botanical theme.

The collection paid homage to Chloé's heritage, not only through meticulous craftsmanship but also with a reinterpretation of a clutch originally designed by the brand's founder, Gaby Aghion. When it comes to accessories, the spotlight was on the shoes, particularly the strappy floral sandals and metal wedges inspired by a 1993 design by Karl Lagerfeld for Chloé.

The grand finale of the show was a true celebration. Dancers and musicians from the Rio de Janeiro samba school Mangueira burst onto the runway, filling the atmosphere with jubilant energy. As the models completed their final walk, Gabriela Hearst herself joined in the celebration, dancing exuberantly, radiating pure joy, excitement, and a sense of liberation. With this remarkable show, Hearst bid farewell in style.