Lately we’ve been really inspired to do a little digging to find out how, when, and where some of our favorite designers got started. Sometimes you find a real life fairytale, but more often than not it’s a simple story of hard work coupled with an intense passion for design. We could write  pages upon pages talking about the many designers and their backgrounds but in the interest of time (yours–not ours) we will keep it to just a short list of some favourites. {And yes, we sometimes choose to write as if we learned English in Europe, deal. #ArtisticLicense.} We are going to do a post each week about a few designers…and the post will come on Monday. Why you ask? Because Monday is the “blah” day. The day we get back to reality. The day we need the most inspiration and motivation. And we are going to give it to you. Try and be inspired by these women and men, even if you do something outside of the creative realm, use it as personal fuel.

First and foremost. The one. The only. The best of the best. Ladies and gents, Chloé.

Chloé was founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion. Gaby was an egyptian born Parisienne. Gaby was not inclined to design clothes relevant to the 50′s, stiff and structured. Instead, she created soft, feminine pieces made with fine fabrics that were extremely luxurious. After the debut collection, Chloé begins to gain popularity. Gaby and her business partner Jacques Lenoir begin hiring young talents to design new collections.

This becomes a trademark of Chloé and keeps the line constantly thriving. In 1966, the king himself, Karl Lagerfeld, becomes the head designer making Chloé one of the most iconic brands in the 70′s. We are talkin’ Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly (swoon), and Jackie Kennedy status. The rest is really history but I will give you the short of it…the Richemont Group buys Chloé enabling the brand to gain global recognition. In 1997 the lovely, amazing, talented, queen of feminine, Stella McCartney takes over as lead designer and does some amazing things. Since then there have been 3 other creative directors, all great. The current creative director is Clare Waight Keller and as you can see, the ultra-feminine and romantic Chloé lives on. See below for picture story.

Next, newer on scene but no stranger to fame, is Marni. {Are you seeing a theme in the name of these brands?} Marni was launched in 1994 by Consuelo Castiglioni. Married to her husband Gianni who ran his family’s fur business, she was able to gain a reputation for her design work. Marni was centered on having super chic, wearable clothing. The line, named after her sister, expanded as fur customers desired luxurious and chic clothing to wear under their furs. Marni is the epitome of what we love about design, it is eclectic, feminine, bohemian, and luxurious all at the same time. Although Marni is now owned mostly by Renzo Rosso (owner of Diesel), Consuelo and Gianni still retain complete creative control of the brand. The most recent project with Marni was the brilliant collaboration with H&M in 2012; and of course the genius of Sofia Coppola directing the shoot in Marrakesh. We are interested to see where Marni goes over the next few years. Look out for more aggressive growth–at least that’s what we are anticipating. Oh yea, and more of their amazing clothing and accessories. The fun part below:

Until Next Monday…Stay Inspired!

Ciao,

Linz & Holl