Chloé founder Gaby Aghiona has died, aged 93. The brand paid tribute to her, and the legacy she created, dedicating its spring/summer 2015 show to her memory.
"It is really sad that she has passed away and I do feel for all of her family, and loved ones, but she has had an exceptional life and career and created one of the most individual houses in fashion," former Chloé designer Stella McCartney said. "I think that at the time when I met her I was just really proud to be part of the female fashion family that she had made so successful at Chloé."
Aghion created the brand in 1952, helping redefine French fashion in the postwar period. With a more softly feminine aesthetic than her contemporaries like Christian Dior, and later Yves Saint Laurent she won legions of fans who craved freedom from the stiff and pared-back wartime look.
The Egyptian born designer sold her stake in the brand in 1985, retiring shortly after, but never relinquished her interest in its development.
"She was very demanding, but also so generous in everything she did," Ralph Toledano, who was chairman and ceo of Chloé from 1999 to 2010, told WWD. "When there was a show she didn't like, I had her on the phone. She had a passion for the brand. Even at 85, she was the best critic. Her points were always valid. She was the one I listened to. I really loved her."
Aghion is survived by her son, Philippe Aghion, a French economist and Harvard professor, and his two children.
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