When Chloe Gosselin designs a shoe, she’s not just thinking about fashion—she’s creating a story you can wear.
As a fine arts-trained designer, she’s built her career on timeless silhouettes, quality craftsmanship, and an unwavering sense of detail. And in this new chapter of her designs, Chloe is embracing the power of women supporting women. Her latest collaboration with Larroudé is an example of coming together with a friend to create something truly curated and special.
The Newsette sat down with Chloe to talk about the art-meets-fashion magic behind her designs, why she believes in investing in fewer, better pieces, and which shoes she’s favoring now.
Tell us about your partnership with Larroudé. How did it come about, and why are you excited about it?
I'm at this point in my business where, after the pandemic, I made everything very small again. I don't do full collections anymore—I do small drops and something more curated. It's a difficult time for small designers, and I really do believe in partnerships and sisterhood within the industry. I knew Marina Larroudé back in the days when I launched at Barney's, which was my first retailer. She was the fashion director there, and we really connected on the same view of friendship and sisterhood in fashion and designers supporting each other.
We decided to start with the little summer capsule, and I based [the whole collection] on friendship. All the shoes are named after my best friend's daughters. [It’s about] how, in this difficult time in the world, we can, as women, help one another grow.
Has your approach to design evolved over the years, or do you feel your core vision has stayed the same?
My background is in fine arts, but I have always loved shoes since I was a little kid. For me, they were always kind of wearable sculptures—really an amazing bridge between art and fashion, and that’s why I went into shoes and why I love them.
When I started the line, the consumer demand (and just fashion in general), was very different. Ten years ago, my line was more evening and high heels, but the core was always to have a timeless design. And because of my art background, everything is very detailed, but I always wanted to have a shoe that is not going to go out of style. I try to keep those core values, but in a more comfortable shoe. I think a lot of us want to be fashionable and put together, but still be very comfortable.
How do you see the role of independent designers shifting in today’s fashion landscape?
As it gets more and more difficult to be a small, independent designer, I think the way to success is to build a community. The community buys your product, but it's also shared values, and [the] a whole package that you sell. As a small designer, I think it's really important to disrupt and question the world we live in, and as long as you cater to that community, you have a loyal customer.
In a market full of fast fashion, how do you make a case for investment pieces?
I think buying from specialty, small, high-end designers is a sustainability statement. You believe in sustainability and protecting our planet, and you believe that less is more. I think it's a brave thing. And sometimes the price can deter people, but instead of buying 30 dresses, you can have one dress from a smaller designer that you're going to cherish forever. I do believe in the stories that garments and fashion accessories hold, and you take with you through your life. So, investing in pieces is really special.
If we peeked inside your closet right now, what shoes are up in front, ready to be worn daily?
With this summer collab, there are a couple of pairs like the NOVA in beige. It's a little flat, and they're super comfortable. They feel very special. [Another one] that I wear a lot this summer is my AVA mule, which you can take from summer to fall.
