Set along the West Bund, the Long Museum rises in soft curves of
concrete, weaving indoors and outdoors against the dynamic Shanghai
skyline and the tranquil Huangpu river. As a minimalist temple for
contemporary and modern art, it is the site chosen by creative director
Natacha Ramsay-Levi for the first-ever Chloé SPRING PRE-COLLECTION
runway show. Embracing the ceremonial traditions and transformations
inherent to the bustling metropolis, the historical and cultural
symphony of Shanghai becomes both backdrop and central protagonist
to the SPRING 2020 PRE-collection.

Expressing Ramsay-Levi’s personal fascination for the Fifth Generation
of Chinese cinema, silhouettes pay homage to strong female characters
– their stories shrouded in mystery and set against exultant natural
landscapes where time speeds up or stands still. Considering China at the
turn of two centuries, decorative and cinematic allusions unfurl
throughout in dialogue with the legacy of Chloé founder Gaby Aghion,
creating a symbiosis of preciousness and utility. Dualities emerge as
matching ensembles provoke boyish encounters of tailoring and delicate
flou, from blazers tied at the waist to pajama-style blouses paired with
ample trousers in leafy silks, woodcut toile de jouy and crinkled
jacquards.

In transparent games of print and embroidery, odes to Shanghai’s belle
époque abound – from a geometric archive logo in the Art Deco style to
floral buds and blooms. Mingling with classic Chloé neutrals, they
flourish in enamel shades of persimmon and cherry, terracotta, umber,
saffron and cornflower blue. Asserting touches of whimsical femininity,
romantic blouses and dresses with flounced sleeves and chiffon ruffles
balance the grounded workwear shapes of fitted jackets and belted
coats transformed in flowering quilted satin, corduroy and suede. Skirts
flow in sheer embroidered tulle, raw denim and knife-pleated silk, whilst
high flared trousers are cuffed or fall long in georgette, wool crepe,
and cotton jacquards.

Examining a bourgeois exchange between Paris and Shanghai, the SPRING
2020 accessories collection twists ladylike tropes of prettiness with
youthful urban staples. A patchwork of inspirations create contrasts,
from lizard-embossed slingbacks and buckled loafer boots to bright,
gum-soled high top trainers, as an array of delicate jewelry pieces from
hair combs to ribbon chokers feature figurative serpent heads, baroque
pearls and semi-precious beads.

Echoing the collection’s graphic details, the Aby chain and lock-shaped
ABY LOCK appear embossed with the Art Deco archive logo, as the Chloé ‘C’
bag is flocked or finished in floral leather marquetry. New styles
include the spacious double-handled Aby bucket bag with stud and
padlock hardware, and the soft top-handled Faye in pebble-grained
leather with graduated chain and charm details.

After the SPRING 2020 PRE – COLLECTION show, four exclusive runway styles of the
Chloé ‘C’ bag will be available for immediate purchase on WeChat for 48 hours
only