Chloé by Parfums Lagerfeld, introduced in 1975, was more than just a fragrance—it was a sensory extension of a fashion house known for its refined romanticism and feminine charm. At the time, Parfums Lagerfeld was a subsidiary of Eli Lilly & Co., based in Indianapolis, and the fragrance itself was distributed through another of Lilly’s holdings, Elizabeth Arden, headquartered in New York. This structure positioned Chloé not only as a fashion-forward scent but also as a serious commercial endeavor supported by two major names in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
The name “Chloé” (pronounced klo-ay in layman’s terms) was taken from the fashion house Chloé, for which Karl Lagerfeld had been a leading designer since the 1960s. But the choice carried deeper significance. The word "Chloé" comes from ancient Greek, meaning “green shoot” or “young bloom,” and has long been associated with freshness, youth, vitality, and natural beauty. It evokes imagery of soft spring air, sunlit gardens, carefree elegance, and the quiet confidence of a woman who doesn’t need to shout to be noticed. The name itself carried an emotional resonance—it felt both delicate and timeless, much like Lagerfeld’s fashion vision.
Karl Lagerfeld, who was already a rising star in European couture, was known for his sleek silhouettes, flowing lines, and unapologetically feminine tailoring. He referred to his design ethos as “quietly important”—never overdone, but always impactful. In that spirit, launching a fragrance was a natural step. Perfume, like fashion, could become a signature. It could express mood, identity, and presence without saying a word. Lagerfeld understood that to truly embody the Chloé woman, scent needed to be part of the picture. A fragrance completed the wardrobe, lingering like a final whisper of style.
The mid-1970s was a time of aesthetic evolution. Following the youthquake of the 1960s and the radical experimentation of the early '70s, the mood was shifting toward a softer, more romantic sensibility. Flowing fabrics, earth tones, peasant blouses, high-waisted trousers, and bohemian elegance were dominant on the runway and in the streets. In perfumery, this translated into lush florals and bold compositions—scents that projected presence and embodied femininity with rich, expressive blends.
