Kamali's Latest Chloé Show Delivers a Stunning Collection Amid Rumors of Designer Departure
Chemena Kamali has presented what may be her final collection for Chloé, featuring romantic low necklines, generous use of lace, and charming plastic rain coats in rich colors. Rumors suggest the designer could depart to lead women's ready-to-wear at Saint Laurent, where she previously held a senior design position. The Spring 2027 collection demonstrates the exceptional quality that has defined Kamali's tenure at the French luxury house since 2023.
Chemena Kamali joined Chloé's creative helm in 2023 and has since earned critical acclaim for elevating the storied French fashion house. Her design philosophy combines romantic, feminine elements with playful modern touches—a signature approach evident in her use of delicate lace, plunging necklines, and unconventional materials like colored plastic rainwear. The collection notes, written in personal, reflective language, have fueled speculation about an imminent departure.
Before her current role, Kamali served as women's ready-to-wear design director at Saint Laurent under Anthony Vaccarello. Given her prior experience within the Kering conglomerate and her proven design capabilities, industry observers suggest she could be positioned to assume creative leadership at the luxury house, marking a significant shift in both brands' creative direction.
Potential leadership changes at major fashion houses may influence industry hiring patterns and creative direction across the luxury sector. If Kamali transitions to Saint Laurent, both brands could experience shifts in design philosophy and market positioning that affect consumer preferences and investor perception. Her departure could also impact Chloé's commercial performance and brand identity, while potentially reshaping Saint Laurent's women's ready-to-wear division. Such executive movements ripple across the broader fashion ecosystem, influencing competitor strategies and emerging designer opportunities.