There’s a common misconception that New Yorkers love to wear black—it’s easy to style, is appropriate in all seasons, and hides ungainly stains. Don’t tell that to Chloe King, women’s fashion director at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. King’s approach to style is anything but minimal—it’s expressive; color-drenched; and filled with print, pattern, embroidery, and unexpected details at every turn.
We’ve long been fans of King’s embrace of all things maximalist (as evidenced by her presence in many of our street style galleries). We also love that she’s a dedicated supporter of up-and-coming American talents from Henry Zankov to Christopher John Rogers, but that she isn’t afraid to dip a toe into familiar brand names (quite literally, in Prada shoes).
Here, in the latest installment of Closet Case, we asked Chloe King to take us inside her Brooklyn closet and share how she pieces together all her outlandish wares into whimsically endearing—and cohesive!—outfits. Plus, how does she store all her beloved goodies?
How many closets do you have, and how big are they?
My Brooklyn apartment had two small closets when I moved in—which is not a lot of storage for a fashion person and her belongings! In previous apartments, I’ve succumbed to a rolling rack for spillover, but I am around clothes all day and really wanted this space to have everything tucked out of sight. So, I added two wardrobes for additional room. Thankful for creative storage solutions!
How are they organized? Does your approach change season to season?
They are loosely organized by category: one closet with stacked rails stores shirts, tops, and jackets; one taller closet is for outerwear, another for longer dresses, and so on. Shoes get swapped out to top shelves or baskets so the seasonal options are available. I am a very eclectic dresser, so I need to be able to see what I have in order to get a little weird.
Being a New Yorker, what is your biggest closet “challenge” and what’s the thing you love about your closet?
Space, of course! Working for a luxury fashion retailer means I am tempted every day by the very best in the market. In my house, fashion takes priority over everyday items: a floor-length Rick Owens needs a proper home, not a suitcase or tennis racket.
What I love about my wardrobe:
The decadence of living alone means I’m in charge. For example, I loathe cooking, so half of the kitchen cabinets are now filled with millinery. It never ceases to surprise a houseguest who opens the wrong door.
