Sefa Blazer, $429, thefrankieshop.com
Fashion is all over the place but it’s hard not to notice a renewed interest in and appreciation for chic, wearable, and modernistic clothes beautifully designed and luxuriously fabricated, as exemplified by KHAITE. Indeed, judging from KHAITE’S loyal following, many women eschew trends and prefer to look polished, pulled together, and effortlessly cool.
KHAITE’S founder and creative director, Catherine Holstein, is riding high. The 38-year-old mom-to-be (9 months pregnant) won the 2022 CFDA Award for Womenswear Designer of the Year. Catherine opened her first store in Soho and was recently the subject of an article in The New York Times Thursday Styles section.
“Khaite’s Catherine Holstein manages an almost impossible balancing act. She creates a wardrobe which can exude pared-back modernist luxe, adds a sometimes edgy spin and romantic references, while frequently being the chicest thing in the room worn by the coolest, smartest and most beautiful women.”
Linda Fargo, Bergdorf Goodman, Senior Vice President, Fashion Office, and Store
Holstein’s highly acclaimed fall 2023 ready-to-wear show, held at her new store, was praised by editors and, most importantly, the buyers. Roopal Patel, Fashion Director, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman’s fashion director, Ricky De Sole, and Bergdorf Goodman’s senior vice president Linda Fargo were among those who named KHAITE as one of their favorite collections this year, as indicated in a recent WWD article.
I have been a fan of KHAITE since she launched in 2016. She delivers the sort of reliable yet exciting closet staples everyone needs. Like Linda Fargo, I thought fall 2023 was one of Cate’s most concise, sophisticated, and appealing collections.
KHAITE’S prices, which range from $450 for denim to $12,000 for a floor-length shearling coat or knee-high crystal-embellished boots, are admittedly out of reach for many, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the KHAITE look for less. To illustrate, I select 12 signature KHAITE items and show them alongside their much less pricey doppelganger.
Left, KHAITE’S sleek, luminous, “Milo” dress in smooth chiffon is illuminated by embroidered black sequins, a sea of shiny round paillettes that lie flat. The plunging surplice neckline and strappy back combine with a bias-cut skirt animated by deep side slits. Priced at $3400, it is for sale at bergdorfgoodman.com.
Right, Banana Republic’s striking Teia Sequin Maxi Dress is covered in light-catching paillettes. It is guaranteed to transform any wearer into the life and light of the party. The straps can be removed and corseted inside for a secure fit. Originally priced at $280, it is for sale at $169.97 at bananarepublic.com.
Left, KHAITE’S “Tania” snake-print Motorcycle Jacket is calf leather and features a point collar, zip front, placket covered mid-length, loose fit, and belted waist. Priced at $6400, it is for sale at neimanmarcus.com.
Right, this sleek zip-front jacket is made from genuine python. It is one of several unisex items custom handmade by Indonesian seller, Luxinda. Reduced from $799 – $399, it is for sale at etsy.com.
Left, KHAITE’S “Murphy” trench is tailored in compact, water-resistant cotton twill woven in Italy. The double-breasted silhouette combines classic trench details- epaulets, storm flats, tortoiseshell buttons, a pleated back yoke, trapunto stitched belt, wide collar, and belted cuffs. Priced at $2280, it is for sale at khaite.com.
Right, Zara’s double-breasted fitted trench coat is made with a cotton blend fabric. It has all the bells and whistles but will only cost you $149. It is for sale at zara.com.
Left, KHAITE’S “Cerise” off-the-shoulder bodysuit has a twisted bodice, cap sleeves, a fitted silhouette, and snap gusset. Made of cotton and spandex, it is priced at $890 and is for sale at bergdorfgoodman.com.
Right, Christopher Esber’s Distorted Quartz off-the-shoulder top is made of a midweight rib knit with stretch. It features handmade brass and crystal hardware and torso cutout detailing. Priced at $520, it is for sale at thefrankieshop.com.
Left, KHAITE’s “Faza” shearling-trimmed leather jacket is cut from buttery soft-brown leather with extended sleeves and warm shearling edges. It offers a typically refined take on proportion. Priced at $5600, it is for sale at matchesfashion.com.
Right, Zara’s double sided short jacket with lapel collar has contrasting fleece lining, front metal zip closure, and two front pockets. Priced at $149, it is for sale at zara.com.
Left, KHAITE’S “Maddy” top is made of finely ribbed ivory stretch viscose. The pull-on, bustier knit top is designed for a slim fit with a flattering sweetheart neckline and deeply notched sides. Priced at $1160, it is for sale at khaite.com.
Right, Zara’s knit choker top is made of an ecru viscose and polyamide blend. It has a round neck, sweetheart neckline, long sleeves, and back zip closure. Priced at $35.90, it is for sale at zara.com.
Left, KHAITE’S “Selly” double-breasted trench is made of black cupro-lined black calfskin leather. It has a slightly oversized fit, a spread collar, a storm flap, and belted waist. Priced at $8400, it is for sale at farfetch.com.
Right, Zara’s belted black faux leather trench has epaulets, tonal lined interior front double-breasted button closure, and a slightly oversized fit. Priced at $149, it is for sale at zara.com.
Left, KHAITE’S “Casey” top reimagines the iconic silhouette through a contemporary lens, reinterpreted in black and ivory silk stripes. It is made memorable by dropped shoulder seams and is designed to reach the fingertips. Priced at $790, it is for sale at khaite.com.
Right, Zara’s version of the beloved marinière is made of a lightweight wool and cotton blend. At $39.90, the price cannot be beaten. It is available at zara.com.
Left, KHAITE’S “Yara” minimalist dress in ecru cotton blend satin boasts a luminous balloon silhouette that doubles as a long skirt. Bounded by a gently elasticized and rounded hem, it is refined by high side slits for easy movement. Priced at $3200, it is for sale at khaite.com.
Right, Zara’s minimalist oyster midi dress has a straight neckline, ruching detail, a back slit, and side hidden in-seam zip closure. Priced at $59.90, it is for sale at zara.com.
Left, KHAITE’S “Dallas” knee-high boots feature a square toe, low 50mm heel, and subtle embroidered design. Made of calf leather, they are a minimal and luxurious take on Western boots and a KHAITE signature. Priced at $1380, they are for sale at farfetch.com.
Right, Zara’s black minimal Western boot has a similar silhouette and walkable curved 2-inch heel. Made of black calf leather, they are priced at $219 and are for sale at zara.com.
Left, KHAITE’S “Viv” fringed midi skirt is made to mesmerize thanks to its banded fringe. The sheer, dynamic silhouette slips on for a smooth fit. Priced at $2095, it is available at belindainternational.com.
Zara’s deeply fringed black chiffon cape is perfect when you want a touch of playful fringe. Priced at $119, it is for sale at zara.com. Swoosh!
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