On the occasion of the launch of the AIGLE x CHLORE capsule collection, Hélène Boulanger, stylist and co-founder of CHLORE, reflects on the origins of this unique collaboration. Blending outdoor heritage, refined sporting elegance, and a shared passion for movement, she reveals the inspirations, creative challenges, and behind-the-scenes story of a collection designed to move effortlessly between land and sea.
How did the collaboration between AIGLE and CHLORE come about?
Above all, it is a story of passionate women. Sabrina, who leads our PR agency Univers Presse, and Virginie Sartres, Head of Design Studio at AIGLE, share a deep love for both swimming and fashion. They were the driving force behind the project from the very beginning.
At CHLORE, we felt truly honoured by the proposal and immediately recognised the opportunity to create a dialogue between our two worlds.
What is the main inspiration behind the capsule collection?
Water, perpetual movement, and sunlight.
We envisioned the Mediterranean as an endless open-air lap pool — a place where the freedom of the outdoors meets the spirit of sport, merging performance, elegance, and escape.
Which worlds and references shaped the collection?
The collection was born from the natural meeting point between AIGLE’s technical expertise and outdoor heritage, and CHLORE’s architectural, minimalist, and sport-infused elegance. At its core was the desire to celebrate a summer in motion — where style serves performance, and functionality never compromises refinement.
What were the key challenges in developing the collection?
The primary challenge was introducing the swimwear category into AIGLE’s universe with authenticity and excellence. The ambition was to seamlessly merge our two identities: translating AIGLE’s expertise in protection and outdoor performance into CHLORE’s aquatic and technical world, while ensuring exceptional comfort and effortless versatility between land and water.
What materials and technologies were used in the collection?
For women
We showcased CHLORE’s signature bonded fabric. Crafted from double-faced Italian Lycra® Xtra Life™ and assembled using thermal bonding technology, this innovative material delivers unique performance benefits: sculpting, smoothing, matte, ultra-durable, and water-resistant. The bonded construction prevents water absorption while ensuring impeccable shape retention and long-lasting performance.
For men
We developed a premium swim short using a French-made technical fabric that is water-repellent, eco-conscious, and made entirely from recycled fibres. Lightweight and quick-drying, it is designed to transition effortlessly from water to everyday wear.
How did the AIGLE and CHLORE teams work together?
Our Creative Director, Éric Beckman, conceived the visual identity of the collaboration by seamlessly merging the two brands’ logos. On my side, I co-created the collection alongside Pierre, our designer.
For women
We revisited two of CHLORE’s signature silhouettes: the Bondi one-piece, inspired by surfwear, and our asymmetrical bralette bikini. Both styles were reimagined in AIGLE’s emblematic colours—Empire Blue and Avocado Green. We incorporated AIGLE’s New Bird emblem alongside CHLORE’s graphic circles, while reflective details—one of CHLORE’s signatures—were used to reinforce the collection’s outdoor spirit and technical character.
For men
This part of the project was particularly exciting, as it began with a true blank canvas. While CHLORE has long-standing expertise in swimwear, AIGLE had never developed a swim short before. The choice of a French-made recycled, water-repellent fabric quickly became the obvious foundation. We designed an elegant mid-length silhouette, finished with tonal reflective logos for a refined and understated look, available in both colours of the capsule collection.
Were there any defining moments during the development of the collection?
Two moments stand out in particular.
The first was undoubtedly the unveiling of the very first prototypes, when we saw our two logos brought together on the pieces for the first time. For CHLORE, still a young brand, it was both a source of immense pride and a meaningful recognition to collaborate with a global outdoor reference such as AIGLE. Seeing our signature silhouettes and technical fabrics reimagined through AIGLE’s colours and New Bird emblem instantly made the project feel real.
The second highlight was the campaign shoot in Sardinia, on the sculpted granite rocks of Capo Testa, art-directed by Éric Beckman. Watching the collection come to life through his creative vision, against the backdrop of this raw, mineral landscape overlooking the sea, felt like the ultimate culmination of the project.
If you had to summarise this capsule collection in three words?
- Movement — reflecting the collection’s sporting DNA and sense of freedom.
- Technical Excellence — embodied in the choice of premium, high-performance and durable materials.
- Elegance — expressed through clean, refined sport-chic silhouettes.
What would you like AIGLE employees to take away from this collaboration?
That boldness and cross-disciplinary thinking create real value.
This collaboration demonstrates AIGLE’s ability to push beyond its traditional boundaries and explore new territories without ever compromising its identity. It is proof that when two brands unite around shared values, complementary expertise, and a genuine passion for innovation, they can create exceptional products that embody and inspire a premium, active lifestyle.
