Khaite Showcases Theatrical FW26 Collection

Designer Catherine Holstein draws inspiration from Orson Welles and 1970s self-reinvention.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 9:15am

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Khaite presented its Fall/Winter 2026 collection at the Park Avenue Armory in New York, a space typically reserved for large-scale art installations. The show featured a monumental 60-foot LED screen backdrop displaying words and phrases that underscored the collection's exploration of authorship, illusion, and the boundary between performance and truth. Designer Catherine Holstein looked to the 1970s for a mood of self-reinvention, with velvet as the key fabric reflecting the era's painters and provocateurs.

Why it matters

Khaite's theatrical runway show and thematic exploration of identity and authenticity generated buzz around the brand and highlighted its ability to push the boundaries of traditional fashion presentations. The collection's blend of 1970s influences and Holstein's signature precision tailoring solidified Khaite's position as a label that balances drama and wearability.

The details

The collection featured elongated tuxedos, wrapped dresses, and sweeping velvet coats that caught the light, combined with lace and leather for tactile strength. Slim trousers and precise seaming added structure and movement. Evening dresses dipped low at the back, clinging to the body. Tailoring remained central, with sleek blazers, semi-sheer blouses, and midi skirts that transitioned between formality and relaxed sensuality. Accessories like chains, hardware, and hand-worked details highlighted the personal emphasis of the collection.

  • Khaite presented its Fall/Winter 2026 collection during New York Fashion Week on February 17, 2026.

The players

Khaite

An American fashion label founded by designer Catherine Holstein, known for its sensual yet unsentimental approach to femininity.

Catherine Holstein

The creative director of Khaite, praised for her ability to balance drama and wearability in her designs.

Griffin Frazen

The designer who created the monumental 60-foot LED screen backdrop for Khaite's runway show.

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What they’re saying

“Presenting in the Park Avenue Armory—a space typically reserved for large-scale installations and unconventional works of art—and naming Orson Welles' F for Fake as a key inspiration, Khaite had already captured the attention of those seeking spectacle at this season's NYFW.”

— Olivia Caldwell, Author

The takeaway

Khaite's Fall/Winter 2026 collection showcased the brand's ability to blend high drama and wearable elegance, solidifying its position as a label that pushes the boundaries of traditional fashion presentations while remaining true to its signature aesthetic.