Khaite
Independent (backed by Stripes) · United States
Khaite is a New York luxury womenswear label founded in 2016 by designer Catherine Holstein, with early backing from Adam Pritzker. Known for refined knitwear, denim and leather, it received growth investment from Stripes and sells through its own stores, e-commerce and around 120 wholesale partners.
| Founded | 2016, New York |
|---|---|
| Founder | Catherine Holstein |
| Investors | Adam Pritzker (co-founding investor), Stripes |
| Headquarters | New York City |
| Award | CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year 2022 |
| Segment | Luxury womenswear |
| Website | khaite.com |
What is Khaite?
Khaite is an American luxury fashion brand founded in New York by designer Catherine Holstein. It is known for a polished, sensual version of American sportswear that mixes precise tailoring, cashmere knitwear, denim and leather, and it has become one of the most closely watched labels at New York Fashion Week.
History
Holstein launched Khaite in 2016 with a co-founding investment from Adam Pritzker of Assembled Brands. The brand built momentum quickly, and Holstein was named CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2022. Growth equity firm Stripes, based in New York, later invested in the company to fund its next stage of expansion; the amount was not disclosed.
Khaite has also attracted attention for its marketing, including a 2021 short film by director Sean Baker for its autumn/winter 2021 collection, and an eyewear collaboration with Oliver Peoples in 2023.
Products and positioning
The label covers ready to wear, including dresses, outerwear, denim and knitwear, as well as footwear, handbags and accessories. It sits in the luxury tier alongside other American labels that favour craftsmanship and understated design over logos.
Business model and distribution
Khaite runs a mixed model. According to WWD, it was sold through about 270 points of distribution, including roughly 120 global wholesale partners, alongside its own e-commerce and stores.
- Own stores: a flagship at 165 Mercer Street in SoHo, followed by further US openings, including Bal Harbour Shops in Florida in 2026
- Wholesale: international luxury department stores and boutiques
- E-commerce: direct online sales
Why it matters
Khaite is part of a generation of New York labels showing that American luxury can be built on product quality rather than heritage. Its path from a Pritzker-backed start-up to a growth equity investment and a growing store network is a template for independent designer brands seeking scale without joining a conglomerate.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Khaite?
Khaite was founded in New York in 2016 by designer Catherine Holstein, with a co-founding investment from Adam Pritzker. Holstein was named CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2022.
Who owns Khaite?
Khaite is an independent company. Growth equity firm Stripes invested in the brand to support its expansion, alongside early backer Adam Pritzker; the size of the stakes has not been disclosed.