Runway Look 12 (pictured on model Danielle Zinaich) from the Chloé S/S 2003 Ready-to-Wear collection — Phoebe Philo's second spring-summer collection for the French fashion house.
In excellent vintage condition. No defects. This item has never been washed in hot water or placed in a drier. It has been stored and cared for like an archival piece.
Original owner worked in the industry and purchased item new and in-season from the early 2000s Nolita boutique Language NYC.
COLOUR
Soft medium army green / olive with a subtle shibori effect. Actual item is more of the sage green in my photos rather than the pickle colour ffrom the Vogue runway photos.
Runway photo of the long trousers included to show the wash in more detail under different lighting. The subtle dirty wash is less pronounced in person vs. the runway photos. Deliberate "rust stains" were a trend in the era, similar to R13 and Golden Goose. A subtle rust wash was done to one of the back pockets and there are a few intermittent speckles throughout the bermudas.
SIZE / FIT
A true French size 36, or size Small.
Will fit a US size 4 perfectly mid-rise and slim (as seen on the runway) — with a slight drop-crotch as intended by the designer. (I sold the brand in the early 2000s so familiar with how Phoebe and Stella cut their bottoms during this era.)
Will also fit a US size 0-2 (Fr 34 / XS) in a different/baggier way — super low-rise and low-slung on the hips, with a deeper drop-crotch and looser in the rear. It's a different look entirely but still super cute and au courant for any flat-stomached girlies bringing back that very specific early '00 rise. Think Frankie B or the Dondup jeans from the era.
I've worn these shorts when I was a bigger US 6 (Fr 38) but that's as far as I'd push it. They were fitted throughout the rear and leg and looked like tight bicycle shorts.
STYLING
Vogue has entire runway archives online to check out the look/direction of this collection. These shorts are casual but sexy and can be dressed up or down. Would look great with a pair of kitten heels, ballet slippers, mary janes or Sambas. Y2K indie-sleeze vibes.
HARDWARE
The original extra buttons will be included in your shipment. (Note: there are two different kinds of buttons on these shorts.) All hardware (buttons and zipper pulls) are original and Chloe-branded (zoom into photos for details.)
FINISHIN
It's a designer piece so the inner stitching is excellent. The seams lay flat and feel good on the skin. No details (like hanger loops) overlooked.