Effortlessly feminine, undeniably Parisian, and known for its bohemian charm – Chloé has long held a coveted place in the wardrobes of fashion’s most discerning tastemakers. Since its founding in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, the French luxury house has become synonymous with soft elegance and bohemian refinement.
Aghion’s vision of “luxury prêt-à-porter” revolutionised fashion at a time when haute couture ruled, making Chloé one of the first brands to offer high-quality ready-to-wear collections that celebrated freedom, youth, and effortless chic.
Over the years, Chloé has been shaped under the creative leadership of some of fashion’s most influential names. Karl Lagerfeld defined its romantic aesthetic in the ’60s and ’70s, while Phoebe Philo introduced minimalist edge in the late ’90s. Clare Waight Keller brought a soft, feminine ease, followed by modern reinterpretations from Natacha Ramsay-Levi and Gabriela Hearst.
In 2023, Chemena Kamali was appointed creative director, marking a full-circle moment as she began her career at the house over two decades ago. Her vision channels Chloé’s 1970s roots, with a focus on natural femininity and freedom. In the Autumn/Winter 2025 runway show, Kamali brought back the iconic Paddington bag – an early-2000s favourite – which we’ll revisit in more detail below.
In this edition of our Style Staples series, we spotlight five iconic Chloé handbags that every stylish person either owns or dreams of owning.
Marcie
First introduced in 2010, the Marcie bag quickly became a signature piece in Chloé’s accessories lineup thanks to its timeless, boho-inspired design. With its decorative saddle stitches, leather-wrapped handles, and dangling leather tassels, the Marcie balances relaxed structure with everyday elegance. It remains a favourite for everyday wear, beloved for its roomy interior and quiet luxury appeal.
Shop the Marcie here.
Tess
Launched in 2018 under Natacha Ramsay-Levi’s direction, the Tess bag from Chloé blends vintage charm with modern structure, showcasing a distinctive round shape and signature gold ‘O’ hardware. Its dual-strap design – one top handle, one crossbody – makes it both versatile and functional.
Shop the Tess bag here.
Woody
The Woody bag made its debut in 2020 and quickly rose to “It bag” status for its minimalist design and bold logo-printed straps. Made from canvas with leather trim, it’s a lightweight yet durable carryall, ideal for everyday errands or casual outings. Worn by stars like Angelina Jolie and Hailey Bieber, it’s a go-to for effortless style.
Shop the Woody bag here.
Paraty 24
Originally released in 2008, the Paraty bag brought a modern twist on slouchy luxury with its unique trapezoid shape and soft, supple leather. Its structured piping, dual top handles, and detachable strap made it both elegant and practical, becoming a favourite among celebrities and stylists alike. Relaunched in 2024 as the Paraty 24, it retains the original’s laid-back sophistication with subtle modern updates.
Shop the Paraty 24 here.
Paddington
First launched in 2005 under Phoebe Philo, the Paddington became a defining It bag of the early 2000s. Recognised for its slouchy shape, chunky hardware, and oversized padlock, it was a bag that flew off shelves and often sold out within hours. On the recent Autumn/Winter 2025 runway, Chemena Kamali reintroduced the Paddington, reviving a beloved classic for a new generation while keeping its signature padlock charm intact.
Join the waitlist for the upcoming Paddington bag here.
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