Khaite, pronounced “Kate,” is a New York–based luxury brand known for its sophisticated wardrobe staples that blend high-quality materials with American sportswear sensibility.
The label has also built a strong identity around the “cool girl” aesthetics, combining structured tailoring with a relaxed, modern design with a twist.
Beloved by many A-listers, Khaite has gained widespread attention in 2019 when actress Katie Holmes made the brand go viral with her now-iconic off-duty look. Since then, the label has become synonymous with quiet luxury, offering timeless investment pieces that prioritize craftsmanship and subtle sophistication over bold logos or overt branding.
If you’re looking to invest in some of these coveted “cool girl” pieces, here’s what you need to know about the brand Khaite.
Khaite’s Origins
Founded by designer Catherine Holstein, Khaite was born out of a deep understanding of both design and what modern women want in their wardrobe. Holstein began her fashion journey at Parsons School of Design in New York, where she developed a strong foundation in craftsmanship and design.
She later expanded her experience by working with established fashion houses, such as Gap and Vera Wang between 2009 and 2014, gaining valuable insight into both commercial and luxury fashion.
After those solid years, Holstein launched Khaite in 2016, taking on the roles of founder and creative director. With a clear vision in mind, she set out to create a label that would eventually achieve cult status, defined by its balance of structure, femininity, and modern ease.
The name “Khaite,” though often assumed to be a stylized version of “Kate” for aesthetic appeal, carries a deeper meaning. Derived from a Greek word meaning “flowing hair,” it subtly reflects the brand’s focus on femininity, softness, and movement.
Famous Designs and Signature Pieces
While Khaite offers a melange of categories, the brand is best known for these standout staples, including luxurious cashmere knitwear, Japanese deep-wash denim, and ultra-chic eveningwear. These everyday essentials are reimagined with a distinctive sense of sophistication, each piece carrying a subtle yet unmistakable luxury.
At its core, Khaite reflects Holstein’s vision of creating daily wear that feels polished and effortless. Her approach blends practicality with refined silhouettes, resulting in pieces that feel intentional yet easy to wear. The designer herself described Khaite’s pieces as “cherished items for the masses,” and she aims to build a brand that functions as a one-stop shop, as reported by In Style Magazine.
Over the years, Khaite has also expanded from ready-to-wear into leather goods, including shoes and handbags. From preppy loafer pumps to sleek stilettos, Khaite also delighted fans with its compact bags, like the structured "Scarlett" bag, to oversized carryalls, further cementing the label as a defining force behind the contemporary cool-girl aesthetic.
Katie Holmes & Celebrity Fans
In August 2019, Katie Holmes became the figure who catapulted Khaite into mainstream fashion consciousness. The New York–based actress was photographed casually hailing a cab in the brand’s now-iconic “bra-digan,” featuring a matching bra and cardigan. The seemingly not-staged, genuine moment quickly went viral, with the “bra-digan” pieces selling out almost instantly and giving the brand its first major break.
Since then, Holmes has remained a loyal fan of the brand, frequently incorporating its refined, everyday staples into her stylish outfits. Beyond Holmes, style icons such as Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber were also often seen wearing Khaite’s denims, including their sought-after types like the Danielle: a high-rise, rigid straight-leg jean, and the Kerrie, a more relaxed wide-leg silhouette.
Even global superstar Rihanna has been spotted in the brand on multiple occasions. Most recently, in May 2025 at Cannes Film Festival, the singer wore a black ribbed long-sleeve dress with a fringed skirt, further reinforcing Khaite’s place within the world of competitive luxury fashion.
So, what are you waiting for? Discover your next signature piece from Khaite, available exclusively at MAYFEYR.
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