Overdressed. Khaite SS26

September 15, 2025 | Design & Culture by Ed

For the past few seasons, Khaite’s Catherine Holstein has been trying far too hard to make a fashion statement. She seems intent on proving her brand is ‘more.’ Yet, just like last season, her latest collection is overcrowded with unnecessary volumes and overworked design gestures. Geometric foldings, unflattering cuts, exaggerated padding, crafty weavings, oversized ruffles, and fur pompons leave her woman looking overdressed – and confused. The polka dots in the finale looks with gathered maxi skirts? Actually fun. They were clearly inspired by Rei Kawakubo’s Comme des Garçons. Perhaps the Khaite client should stop by Dover Street Market New York once in a while.

My biggest issue with this collection lies in all the in-between fillers. Coincidentally, COS presented its collection just a day after Khaite – and the high-street favorite of minimalists worldwide not only outshone Holstein’s so-called ‘less is more’ suits and eveningwear, but also made Calvin Klein Collection and many other New York–based labels look pale and plain by comparison this season.

I’m officially dubbing this phenomenon: ‘KHOS.’

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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What’s Hot (15.9.25)

September 15, 2025 | Design & Culture by Ed

GET THE LOOK:

LOEWE Layered Cable-knit Wool Sweater

Dries Van Noten Velvet Midi Skirt

Chloé Paddington Leather Shoulder Bag

COS Tasselled Leather Kitten-Heel Loafers

Rodarte Organza Brooch

Tension. Eckhaus latta SS26

September 14, 2025 | Design & Culture by Ed

Finally, a collection in New York that had a sense of tension – a spark! There was something undeniably sexy and smoky about Eckhaus Latta’s spring outing. I’ve always said that Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta would be the perfect fit for a truly successful Helmut Lang revival. They just have it in them. The collection’s second look – a black suit with a slashed belt worn by Cole Mohr – was electric in its simplicity and sensual regality. Likewise, the sleeveless black dress with a sheer skirt evoked the Yohji Yamamoto number Carolyn Bessette Kennedy adored. In fact, looking at this collection, I found myself thinking about Carolyn and John F. Kennedy Jr. – their style (a topic that will never cease to fascinate Substackers) and their passionate (and at times tumultuous) relationship. Yet alongside this unexpected elegance, the collection also embraced a more raw, straightforward take on New York sexiness, such as the abs-exposing t-shirts. Even in their most mature collection to date, Mike and Zoe never shy away from a mischievous twist.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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Socialite. Altuzarra SS26

September 14, 2025 | Design & Culture by Ed

Altuzarra’s (very autumnal) spring–summer 2026 collection centered on charming details, executed in a surreal, trompe-l’œil manner. A stole appeared as an illustration of bird wings encircling the neckline; a blazer’s pockets were appliquéd with black and red feathers, accentuating the waist and hips; dresses were not printed but patched with florals. Yet nothing about these wardrobe enhancements felt overly on the nose. The line-up is one that New York’s Swans – socialites like C.Z. Guest or Lee Radziwill – would surely embrace for its deft balance of day-to-evening sophistication. Balloon pants, Joseph Altuzarra’s recurring obsession, returned better than ever. For several seasons now, the designer has been channeling an elegance that feels both authentic and substantial.