Khaite: America, Close to the Skin
Ten years after its launch in New York, Khaite has become one of the most closely followed American fashion houses. Its founder, Catherine Holstein, was honored two years in a row by the CFDA. Here is our selection for the season: black velvet, raw denim, cashmere, and footwear, available online and in our Avignon and Arles boutiques.
Catherine Holstein: discretion as a method
Catherine Holstein grew up between Southern California and London, then studied at Parsons in New York. While still a student, her senior collection was bought by Barneys New York. The resulting brand closed in 2009. She then spent five years working for other houses: Gap, Vera Wang, Maiyet, and The Elder Statesman.
In 2016, she launched Khaite with the support of Assembled Brands. The name comes from a Greek word referring to long hair. From the start, she designed a women's wardrobe without heavy ornamentation: few ruffles, few decorative details, and a strong emphasis on cut and material.
In 2022 and 2023, she received the American Womenswear Designer of the Year award at the CFDA Awards, facing nominees such as Tory Burch and Altuzarra. Yet she remains very discreet in the media and on social networks.
American sportswear, high-precision version
Le point de départ de Khaite, c'est le sportswear américain des années 90 : le jean, la chemise d'homme, le pull, la botte. La maison garde ces formes connues, mais retravaille leurs proportions et leurs matières.
Concrètement, on retrouve des épaules marquées sur des tissus fluides, des jeans très rigides portés avec des mailles très souples, des coupes masculines ajustées près du corps. Ce jeu entre structure et douceur revient dans presque toutes les collections.
Le grand public a découvert la marque en 2019, quand Katie Holmes a été photographiée à Manhattan en brassière et cardigan de cachemire Khaite. Les photos ont fait le tour du monde. Depuis, Khaite défile à la Fashion Week de New York et se passe toujours de logo.
Our Khaite selection
Our selection is built around three materials: velvet, denim and knitwear. Shoes and belts round it out.
Velvet, in absolute black
The Rolo jacket is a double-breasted black velvet piece with strong shoulders, a defined waist and satin lapels. It pairs with the Ryden trousers, slim and high-waisted, cut from the same velvet. Together they make a winter tuxedo; worn separately, the jacket works beautifully with jeans.
To soften the black, the champagne satin Ivy shirt slips under the jacket, with its gold buttons and pointed collar. The Bodine top, with its boxy cut and shoulder pads, brings the same fluidity in a deep khaki.
Denim, raw and architectural
Denim is one of the house's historic pillars, and our selection proves it. The Dane jeans dare an ultra-flared leg that grazes the floor. The Clara jeans revisit the 1970s with more restraint, enhanced by gold topstitching. The straight, roomy Finley jeans and the Kerrie complete this core wardrobe.
These jeans are cut from a thick, unwashed denim, fairly stiff at first, that softens and develops a patina over time. For a total look, the Christensen shirt reinterprets the western shirt in an oversized version, with dropped shoulders and flap pockets.
Knitwear as a refuge
The Gemma sweater is the cashmere piece of the selection: a heathered artichoke-colored cashmere, an oversized cut with wide sleeves, and ribbing at the neck and hem. The Margaux and Leta sweaters, in black, are more understated.
The Harlin dress, in charcoal wool, pairs very full batwing sleeves with a fitted midi skirt, beneath a high draped neckline.
Footwear and the finishing touch
The camel suede Clive boots have a soft shaft that falls in folds over a block heel. They go just as well with the Dane jeans as with the Harlin dress. The Jett d'Orsay pumps, in python-print leather, have an 85 mm heel. The Marlene, in black leather with a square toe, settle for a low 50 mm heel.
Finally, the croc-effect leather Dome belt, with its rounded gold buckle, is all it takes to give structure to an oversized shirt or a sweater.
Our Khaite selection is now available on our e-shop. You can also see, feel and try it on in our boutiques in Avignon and Arles.