Chemena Kamali continues to reimagine the collection with her quiet confidence and a return to softness. Her Chloé Spring-Summer 2026 this season speaks to women who appreciate craftsmanship while maintaining a sense of freedom.
The new collection draws inspiration from founder Gaby Aghion’s earliest ideas of elegance: refined yet relaxed. Kamali reimagined 1950s and 1960s silhouettes through a contemporary lens, transforming them into pieces that feel spontaneous and light. She examined vintage prints, joyful florals, and the bright optimism of old swimwear to breathe new life into the house’s signature femininity.
Cotton replaced formality. Kamali imagined how a Chloé girl would wear couture today, deciding she would do so effortlessly – with cotton, unlined pieces that are alive with movement. Draping came naturally to her. Having trained under Alberta Ferretti, she transformed her skill into a language of fluidity. She shaped the floral-printed cotton into baby-doll dresses, airy skirts, and body-hugging tops that hinted at couture techniques while maintaining a sense of playfulness.
Follow all the latest news from Fashionotography on Flipboard, or receive it directly in your inbox with Feeder.
You might also read
Color gave rhythm to the collection. Bursts of rose and citrus were balanced later by calmer tones of almond, sand, and coffee. These shades framed the transition from day to evening, when sarong-like skirts, cocooning coats, and cropped blouses offered structure with ease. Even the accessories evoked nostalgia: handbags inspired by 1950s swimming caps and sculpted heels reminiscent of hybrid pool slides.
What stands out is Kamali’s instinct to evolve Chloé organically. Her vision honors the brand’s heritage while subtly modernizing its aesthetic. She draws energy from the past but applies it to the rhythm of today’s life, where women want beauty without restriction. The result is fashion that feels lived-in yet refined, staying true to Chloé’s youthful, nonchalant spirit.
Kamali’s confidence lies in subtlety. Rather than making loud statements, Kamali conveys her message through fabric, proportion, and gesture. Each piece feels like a conversation between heritage and freedom, craft and simplicity. The draping and pleating evoke couture, yet the cotton fabric makes the designs approachable. It’s a smart evolution: thoughtful, wearable, and quietly daring.
