Catherine Holstein’s latest Khaite‘s Fall/Winter 2025 collection transformed New York’s Park Avenue Armory into a Lynchian dreamscape, blending cinematic drama with sharply tailored reality. Inspired by David Lynch’s love of “The Wizard of Oz” and the shadowy allure of 1940s noir, the presentation balanced avant-garde artistry with pieces designed for real-world appeal.
Holstein reimagined femme fatale staples for contemporary wardrobes, grounding her vision in wearable silhouettes. Corsets – softened with stretch mesh and subtle boning – appeared layered over cashmere tees or paired with low-rise denim, offering structure without rigidity. Leopard-print pony coats and smooth leather cigarette pants nodded to Old Hollywood, while cobweb jacquard tops and looped knit dresses showcased meticulous craftsmanship.
The show’s circular runway, bathed in amber light, underscored Khaite’s expanding footprint. Recent store openings in Dallas and Los Angeles reflected the collection’s broader appeal beyond its New York roots. Practicality emerged in cashmere camp shirts, blanket coats and relaxed-fit jeans, while punk-prep touches-argyle sweaters, crimson leather blazers-provided playful contrast.
Holstein’s nod to Lynch’s defiance of convention resonated in DIY details: mismatched tacks on distressed jackets, unraveled silk corsets, and deconstructed knits. These imperfections lent humanity to the polished lineup, bridging fantasy and accessibility. Eveningwear featured open-back draped gowns and column dresses with shadowy cutouts, their drama tempered by sleek opera gloves and over-the-knee boots.
Khaite Fall/Winter 2025 proves that high-concept fashion does not have to sacrifice wearability. Holstein’s fusion of Lynch’s surrealism with Edith Head’s tailored elegance creates a wardrobe for women who demand attention without sacrificing comfort – a collection as likely to dominate front rows as city streets.
©Photo: Khaite
