Since its inception in France in 1952, luxury fashion house Chloé has been known for “creations that bring elegance and freedom of movement to those who wear them,” (chloe.com). The breezy and bohemian styles offered by the brand represent the vision of founder Gaby Aghion, who famously said, “All I’ve ever wanted was for Chloé to have a happy spirit, to make people happy.”
Caitlin Agnew, a locally based artist whose work is recognized throughout Washington State and beyond, felt that emotional connection to the brand and created a series of paintings inspired by Chloé’s Summer 2026 campaign. Her pieces incorporate the warm ecrus, rich browns, earthy greens, and ethereal blues represented in the season’s collection. Agnew sat down with Bellevue Lifestyle to discuss her career and the Colors of Chloé series.
When did you begin your career as an artist?
I had no formal experience as an artist, aside from a single abstract painting class I took for fun with a friend in 2015. The piece I created that day still hangs in my home and has been continually noticed and praised by friends and family over the years. Still, I never thought to explore painting any further. It wasn’t until 2020, during the pandemic, that I picked up a paintbrush again and unexpectedly discovered a creative ability I never knew I had, and a genuine passion for making art. What began as curiosity quickly evolved into an entirely new creative chapter of my life.
What do you like about acrylic paint as a medium, how does it allow you to express yourself?
Acrylic gives me the freedom to really play with color, texture, and layering. It’s quick-drying which forces me to work more in the moment and intuitively. I can add, cover, or change direction without overthinking each decision, which often allows the unexpected parts of the process to become the most interesting.
You typically create works that are large in scale, what drives that choice?
I’ve always been drawn to painting on a large scale because of the presence it creates. I love making work that is a statement and visual focal point within a space. Collectors often tell me that my paintings become conversation starters, pieces guests immediately notice and ask about. I love the idea of my work becoming part of the story of someone’s home in that way. My preference for scale is also influenced by interior design, architecture, and travel. I’m constantly inspired by the spaces featured in Architectural Digest and by the luxury hotels I’ve visited, where art is often given room to be bold and make a statement.
What spoke to you about this Chloé collection?
Blending my art with fashion has always been my dream. Chloé is a longtime favorite brand of mine. They’re known for using earthy color palettes, warm neutrals, delicate pastels, and golden and bronze tones – all colors I gravitate toward. Their clothing is feminine, free-spirited, and romantic. While working on this series and learning more about the brand, I discovered that beyond creating beautiful clothing, Chloé has a long history of championing women’s liberation and female leadership. I was especially inspired to learn about Chloé Arts, a platform dedicated to celebrating and elevating emerging female artists—an ethos that made my connection to the brand and this body of work feel even more meaningful.
Has your artistic style evolved with this Colors of Chloé series?
Definitely. While I’ve always been drawn to large-scale abstract florals, this series feels unexpectedly different. Using Chloé as a visual gave me more inspiration to draw from, not just color palettes, but also the texture of the fabrics and the backdrops of the fashion campaigns. The result is a series that still feels rooted in my floral abstraction, yet looser and bolder. This series helped me evolve in a way I hadn't intentionally planned—which, to me, is one of the most exciting parts of creating.
How do you see fashion influencing art, and vice versa, in today’s culture?
Fashion and art have always shaped and inspired each other. With the rise of fast fashion and AI, I believe that authentic human creativity is becoming more valued, and that luxury fashion brands will seek out and share the human story behind their product. By collaborating with artists and utilizing original art, fashion houses can offer something technology cannot replicate: human perspective, imperfection, and connection. I hope to be a part of that.
You can find out more about Agnew’s Colors of Chloé collection and her other work at finchesart.com, and follow her on Instagram at @finchesart.
What began as curiosity quickly evolved into an entirely new creative chapter of my life.
I’ve always been drawn to painting on a large scale because of the presence it creates. I love making work that is a statement and visual focal point within a space.
While working on this series, I discovered that beyond creating beautiful clothing, Chloé has a long history of championing women’s liberation and female leadership.