French fashion house Chloé has appointed Chemena Kamali as its new creative director. The 41-year-old German designer takes over from Gabriela Hearst, who exited after her final Paris Fashion Week show.
Kamali’s appointment marks a return to Chloé, where she began her career over 20 years ago. She worked under Phoebe Philo and later as design director with Clare Waight Keller.
“My heart has always been Chloé’s,” said Kamali. “Returning feels natural and very personal.”
Previously, Kamali held roles at Saint Laurent, Alberta Ferretti, and Frame. She is a graduate of Central Saint Martins in London.
The appointment comes amid calls for greater diversity in luxury fashion’s top creative roles. Currently, most creative director positions are held by white men.
Founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, Chloé has been helmed by leading female designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Martine Sitbon, Stella McCartney and Natacha Ramsay-Levi.
Kamali’s return continues Chloé’s tradition of promoting talented women to its creative director role.