Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Chloe King Reveals a Brooklyn Closet Overflowing with Maximalist Style
Forget the stereotype of the monochrome New Yorker. Chloe King, Fashion Director at Neiman Marcus, is rewriting the city’s style playbook, one vibrant print and unexpected detail at a time. King’s closet, a testament to her maximalist aesthetic, is a far cry from minimalist chic, and she’s generously offered a glimpse inside her Brooklyn home to showcase her unique approach to fashion.
The Challenge of Space and the Priority of Style
King’s apartment, initially equipped with just two small closets, presented a storage challenge for a fashion professional. She’s since added two wardrobes to accommodate her extensive collection, prioritizing the visibility of her pieces over conventional storage solutions. “I am around clothes all day and really wanted this space to have everything tucked out of sight,” she explains, demonstrating a commitment to both organization and showcasing her sartorial treasures. Fashion, it seems, takes precedence even over everyday essentials—a floor-length Rick Owens piece, for example, demands a dedicated space, not a suitcase.
A Curated Collection: Vintage Finds and Emerging Designers
King’s shopping habits reflect her discerning eye and support for both established and emerging talent. She maintains a “running mental list” of desired items, ranging from a ribboned Simone Rocha dress to ruby satin Herbert Levine mules. Her searches are specific, often targeting vintage Prada shoes for their comfort or seeking out retro French cycling jerseys. But her dedication extends beyond familiar names; she actively champions up-and-coming American designers like Henry Zankov, Christopher John Rogers, Diotima, Theophilio, Puppets and Puppets, and Conner Ives, recognizing the importance of supporting fresh ideas within the fashion ecosystem.
The Joy of Eclectic Dressing and Treasured Pieces
King’s approach to daily dressing is decidedly anti-uniform. She prefers to “stare blankly at my closet until something catches my eye,” embracing a sense of playful experimentation. Her outfits often begin with a bold statement piece—like dramatic organza Proenza Schouler boots—layered with more understated items. Stripes, she notes, are a constant in her wardrobe, a versatile element she manipulates through scale and color. Among her most treasured possessions is a Fendi bag, a gift from a close friend purchased from a vintage shop in Tokyo, a tangible reminder of generosity and shared style.
Family Heirlooms and a Closet of Memories
Beyond the latest runway trends, King’s closet holds deeply personal significance. Small items inherited from her family—a scarf from her paternal grandmother, a sweatshirt from her grandfather, and a ring from her maternal grandmother—are among her most cherished pieces, imbued with the stories of generations past. These heirlooms, she says, are “most precious” because of the “life they’ve witnessed,” transforming clothing into powerful symbols of memory and connection.