In the midst of all that already goes on during February and March's fashion weeks, there were major rumours and news and hype in the recent fashion month. John Galliano was, as everyone knows, taken down from his pedestal at Christian Dior and we still aren't fully sure as of now who will take his place. After that somewhat calmed down, another rumour took place stating that Chloé's Hannah MacGibbon may not have renewed her contract for this upcoming season. Me, being the hardcore Chloé fan that I am, tried not to think about the woman whose designs I've lusted over since I first began my full fashion experiences. But sadly, the rumours were true and a few months later, it was stated that Hannah would not be returning to Chloé.
I was really taken aback and quite sad. Hannah's Chloé, other than Luella which is now no longer, was my first favourite fashion house. I'd loved every single thing Hannah did since spring 2009. That first collection was such a show stopper for an unreasonably known new designer. From then on, I've tried to mock looks from every show and have even started a Chloé appreciation Tumblr. I've grown my love for Chloé over the years with Hannah and actually don't know any other Chloé! But on June 1st, it was announced that Pringle of Scotland's Clare Waight Keller was to take her place. I've not looked into Clare's work at POS, but I'm extremely optimistic when it comes to what she'll bring to the table. But I will never ever forget Hannah's work at Chloé. You'll be missed, Han.
Not much was ever said about Hannah's personal life or her personal biography throughout her Chloé years. Hardly any pictures were released either. But we do know that Hannah graduated from London's Central Saint Martins school of design in 1996 and spent five years being the assistant director to Valentino. In 2001, she left Valentino and became the assistant to Phoebe Philo at Chloé. After Phoebe left in 2006, Hannah started consulting for Chloé and helped launch the Chloé perfume. In the spring of 2008, she was named creative director and debuted her first collection in spring 2009. Before leaving the house this year, Hannah earned her name a spot next to Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo as the minimalistic English designers who rule the French runways.
I was really taken aback and quite sad. Hannah's Chloé, other than Luella which is now no longer, was my first favourite fashion house. I'd loved every single thing Hannah did since spring 2009. That first collection was such a show stopper for an unreasonably known new designer. From then on, I've tried to mock looks from every show and have even started a Chloé appreciation Tumblr. I've grown my love for Chloé over the years with Hannah and actually don't know any other Chloé! But on June 1st, it was announced that Pringle of Scotland's Clare Waight Keller was to take her place. I've not looked into Clare's work at POS, but I'm extremely optimistic when it comes to what she'll bring to the table. But I will never ever forget Hannah's work at Chloé. You'll be missed, Han.
Not much was ever said about Hannah's personal life or her personal biography throughout her Chloé years. Hardly any pictures were released either. But we do know that Hannah graduated from London's Central Saint Martins school of design in 1996 and spent five years being the assistant director to Valentino. In 2001, she left Valentino and became the assistant to Phoebe Philo at Chloé. After Phoebe left in 2006, Hannah started consulting for Chloé and helped launch the Chloé perfume. In the spring of 2008, she was named creative director and debuted her first collection in spring 2009. Before leaving the house this year, Hannah earned her name a spot next to Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo as the minimalistic English designers who rule the French runways.
Spring/Summer 2009
With a soundtrack to match the models' attitudes and the funk of the clothes, Hannah brought back the classic and flirty Chloé girl but with a 21st century fling. Peeps of skin every once in a while and odd silhouettes drew everyone in with a sigh of relief. The Chloé girl was alive and young again with bows on almost every look, cute strappy sandals, fun colours and interesting textures and cuts. This was a fresh and eye opening collection that let the flood gates open for Hannah.
Autumn/Winter 2009
Most likely my favourite Chloé collection from Hannah, this marked the beginning of her obsession with the colour camel. This was such a diverse and warm collection that hinted the 70s and 80s in the most graceful way. Everything was incredibly dreamy; from the soflty curled hair to the brown smokey eyes down to the knitted detailing on some of the wedges and back up those extremely comfy high waisted trousers. Any woman could wear anything from this collection and I would love to own a wardrobe with just these clothes and accessories.
Spring/Summer 2010
I like to call this collection most wanted because I tried to copy so many of the looks that season. From the maxi dress pictured to the brown leather sandals and all white looks. Even the denim on denim outfit I tried with my sandals and I can promise you I didn't look like an idiot. Or maybe I had too much Chloé confidence and all I could think of throughout the day was, "I'm so Chloé today". This collection had such a beachy feel to it which is something you wouldn't relate Chloé with. The fabrics used are sand and water friendly and I could easily feel a breeze blowing through wearing any of these looks.
Autumn/Winter 2010
The collection of shoe lust. Hannah has always done fabulous accessories from sunglasses to cute little rings and necklaces. But I really enjoyed every shoe from this show. She seemed to always make the autumn feel very warm and cosy with neutral colours and lux fabrics. Everything was so luxurious in this collections especially. She made these massive fur coats and layered pea coats over heavy blazers on top of jumpers and knitted trousers. This is how I like my autumn and winter. She even dabbed a little more into a masculine feel with Diana's look featured above.
Spring/Summer 2011
Every season I found it so heart warmingly easy to mimic the hair styles from the shows. I especially liked doing this ballerina bun because it felt so fresh. Speaking of fresh, another thing Hannah knew how to do was make her spring and summer collections feel that way. Light colours like white and this beautiful mauve (which are typical but they work here) paired with easy fabrics like cotton and chiffon. A great mixture of brown and red and black were thrown in with the popular minimalist accessory: metal collars. A great ballerina vibe floated around with leotard-esque tops and extremely thin ballerina flats in assorted colours. And as always, Hannah managed to throw in that fun and quirky Chloé vibe with odd cut outs and funky sandals.
Autumn/Winter 2011
Autumn/Winter 2011
The final collection of Hannah MacGibbon was not as thrilling as they used to be. When this collection debuted, no one knew this would be her last but knowing this now, I wish it were a little more special. I was actually a little disappointed in this show but as I've watched it over and have seen various looks in magazines, it's grown on me. After all, I am a true Chloé fan so I eventually found something to lust over. I enjoyed the pumps and a few dresses and some accessories but I really did not care for the explosion of python. Hannah was right on trend but I think she went a little over board. However, she did make her last collection one to remember. And that's the very important thing.
Hannah will definitely go in the Chloé history books as one of the greatest to work at the luxury house. We had fun with Han over the years. We grooved to the exceptionally well mixed soundtracks each season and explored a few decades and maybe opened up something inside of our fashion minds that we didn't know was there. I know I'll be forever looking to her six collections for inspiration and will have great memories watching the shows on YouTube. Chloé had a warm feeling with Hannah around and I hope Clare Waight Keller at least carries on that vibe in a few weeks when she debuts her collection for spring 2012. So, au revoir mademoiselle Hannah and bon jour mademoiselle Clare.
I'll Be There by The Detroit Spinners
Here is the closing song from Hannah's last collection. Not only is it a great closer but I think it's great for ending Hannah's era.