Overview
Chloe is the brand name of a designer line of handbags. Like most designer bags, they don't skimp on quality materials. They're expensive -- among the most expensive bags on the market -- and that also makes them one of the most counterfeited bags.
The Look
Chloe has several lines of handbags each season, so the looks of the bags always change. But Chloe definitely sticks to a style. Forget about tiny little evening bags with sequins, bells and whistles. Chloe bags are designed for casual, daily use. The bags come in colors ranging from black to oxblood to yellow. Chloe bags come in saddle bag and box shapes. They use gold-toned hardware that gives them an ultra luxe look.
Styles
As of August 2011, Chloe has eight different handbag collections, each with its own shape and look in different colors. The Paraty is a saddle bag shape with shoulder handles and a longer strap to wear cross body. One version comes in a quilted, diamond stitch, and another one in snake. The Ethel bags come in large square or smaller rectangular shapes, in distressed leather with contrasting leather accents at the top handles. This is a more rugged bag for the cool, downtown chick.
Exclusive Retail Sites
Chloe does not have a direct online shop, and its boutiques are only in chic big cities like Paris, Milan, New York and Tokyo. They are available online from official retailers such as Net-A-Porte and Nordstrom's. The prices were between $500 and $2,000 as of late 2011.
Fake Alert
Don't be fooled into thinking you got a great deal if you find a Chloe priced at several hundred dollars less than the market value. Before you shell out the cash, take a look at the stitching on the bag. One uneven stitch or loose thread guarantees you're looking at fake Chloe. The leather of the back should feel like tanned skin, and should have some weight. If the Chloe has a plastic sheen, it's a fake. The brand name stamp on the hardware should be perfectly centered and easy to read.
