Embracing the Unrefined: Khaite's SS26 Vision
The Core Philosophy: Elegant Duality
For Khaite, the philosophy of 'less is more' remains central, yet a deeper examination reveals the intricate beauty woven into the brand's sophisticated designs. A closer inspection highlights meticulous artistry and precise outlines. While the archetypal Khaite woman exudes a minimalist charm, she is far from uncomplicated. Her character is marked by contrasts – graceful yet powerful – and these antithetical elements converge harmoniously in the Spring/Summer 2026 collection.
Empowering Confidence: Beyond Polished Perfection
She radiates self-assurance, a natural outcome when adorned in impeccably tailored, captivating ensembles. However, designer Catherine Holstein aimed to instill confidence in her wearers even when their attire is less than perfectly polished. She sought to demonstrate that a disheveled aesthetic can also be highly fashionable. Consequently, she introduced rougher elements to some of the looks' pristine edges, incorporating asymmetrical forms, bold shapes, and raw hemlines, thereby unveiling a different facet of Khaite, a Khaite untamed.
A Theatrical Presentation: The Shed as a Stage
The collection's unveiling took place at The Shed, where the runway was characterized by sharp, fractured pathways interspersed with pools of water. The show's accompanying notes described this setting as a metaphor for navigating "shaken ground." A gentle mist permeated the venue as the collection showcased an array of playful tactile elements, including fur accents, floral embellishments, and dense knit fibers, integrated into coordinated skirt and top sets, button-down shirts, and blouses. Distorted silhouettes imbued this iteration of Khaite with a fresh, edgy sensibility; fabrics appeared twisted, folded, or gathered, resulting in designs that elevate everyday wardrobe essentials.
Innovative Silhouettes: Redefining Wardrobe Staples
Certain leather jackets are cut to end just below, or provocatively above, the bust—a daring evolution of the dependable layering piece we all cherish. The classic power pantsuit is reimagined, with tulle cascading from necklines in both knee-length and ankle-length capri variations, while audacious skirts feature split hems or exaggerated proportions. It is not uncommon for Holstein to intertwine elegance with a bold, raw edge, but this venture into the unexpected felt particularly deliberate.
The Art of Natural Beauty: Skin as the Canvas
This effortless aesthetic extended to the show's beauty direction. Makeup was kept minimal—models predominantly wore subtly smudged charcoal eyeliner—making skin preparation crucial for achieving that "effortlessly chic" impression. Monastery's cleansing and moisturizing products were utilized to prime the models' skin, bestowing a natural radiance that accentuated the inherent beauty of each look. Athena Hewett, the founder of the beauty brand, revealed that this organic sensibility was intentional; it resonated with the collection's overarching message that true beauty doesn't always require a buttoned-up facade.
Discover the Collection: A New Chapter for Khaite
Immerse yourself in this fresh interpretation of Khaite by exploring the complete collection featured above.