Large-scale paintings now have a home at the brand's luxury shop in Paris. Image credit: Chloé
French fashion house Chloé is empowering and aligning with female talents.
Framing creative director Chemena Kamali’s debut collection, the work of Danish painter Mie Olise Kjærgaard is currently on view in Paris. The flagship store installation looks to spark interdisciplinary discussions and officially launches Chloé Arts, a new initiative that aims to support established and emerging women artists.
“Chloé is about intuition, freedom and the celebration of women,” said Ms. Kamali, in a statement.
“Mie’s work speaks to all these elements,” Ms. Kamali said. “Her paintings portray women who make their own defined choices.”
Paint for empowerment
At 253 Rue Saint-Honoré, shoppers and visitors can view eight paintings done by Ms. Kjærgaard.
Seven are existing works. The remaining one is an exclusive commission for Chloé.
The issues explored in the Danish professional's work reflect feminist themes often touted by the house. Image credit: Chloé
The themes pictured echo the internationally exhibited artist’s usual topic: liberation.
Specializing in paintings, installations and sculptural objects, Ms. Kjærgaard’s subjects of choice are women who are the main characters of their own lives.
She shows their experiences from an emotional perspective, reflecting Chloé’s ethos — the maison's campaigns often center on intimate narratives that, like the Danish master, apply a female gaze.
The painter’s signature large-scale pieces, positioned between merchandise at Chloé's boutique, tell visual stories of independence. Movement is applied throughout the works.
Women riding horses and tearing off their corsets to play tennis are just a few of the activities depicted. In many ways, the project aligns with Chloé's long-held values.
At 253 Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, visitors can view eight paintings done by Danish artist Mie Olise Kjærgaard. Image credit: Chloé
It is one of few luxury brands to employ a succession of female leaders (see story), a legacy continued by the recent appointment of Ms. Kamali in October 2023 (see story).
“I always thought that, as women, we could succeed independently,” said Gaby Aghion, founder of Chloé, in a statement.
“I fought for this personal freedom of choice,” Ms. Aghion said. “Creating Chloé is my proudest achievement, even though I still ask myself how, as a young woman, I managed to do all that!
“I always told women, ‘You must dare!’”