5 things to love about Chloé SS18

Natacha Ramsay-Levi, 37, took over the role of Creative Director from Clare Waight Keller in April. It’s the first time she’s headed up a label, but she’s an industry stalwart; she was at Balenciaga for 11 years, working her way up from intern to Nicolas Ghesquière’s right-hand woman, before moving with him to Louis Vuitton as Creative Director of Womenswear. So, chances are, you already have her clothes in your closet. Also of note: she’s French, a mother of one (she has a son with art director and photographer Olivier Zahm), is a huge art and sculpture fan, and has impeccable personal style – think understated cool in block-heeled boots, mismatched textures and ladylike flourishes on androgynous staples.

“I want to create fashion that enhances the personality of the woman who wears it, fashion that creates a character and an attitude, without ever imposing a ‘look’,” said Ramsay-Levi when she was appointed. For SS18, that meant taking the spirit of the Chloé girl, all carefree bohemia and ethereal charm, and lending a cool edge to it, resulting in pieces that would slip easily into any closet. Embroidered dresses, wear-forever Western leather jackets and ’70s-inspired tailoring were the heart-stopping pieces, so act quickly if you want to own one.

And oh, the accessories. From the minis to the doubled-up totes, the bags are as standout as ever, but it’s the shoes that you’ll really be fighting over – specifically, it’s all about those block-heeled cowboy boots. Whether you prefer pristine white or colorful snakeskin, they’re the perfect foil to the pretty dresses and broderie anglaise blouses, and already one of the most coveted pieces of the season.

The colorful illustrations woven through the collection were designed by Rithika Merchant, an artist Ramsay-Levi discovered on an internet trawl (how relatable). The mythical drawings are filled with symbols and totems: look closely and you’ll find moons, eyes, hands, flowers, fertility goddesses and horses.