The New York label forms a joint venture with Yagi Tsusho to build a long-term presence across Japan’s key luxury channels
Khaite is laying the groundwork for a dedicated push into Japan. The New York label has formed Khaite Japan Corp., a joint venture with Yagi Tsusho Ltd., signaling the start of a long-term, market-specific strategy. The partnership positions Khaite to enter one of luxury’s most discerning regions with a structured plan rather than a series of isolated wholesale placements.
The move brings together two distinct strengths: Yagi Tsusho’s deep operational footprint within Japan’s retail ecosystem and Khaite’s sharpened global positioning under creative director Catherine Holstein and chief executive officer Brigitte Kleine. Yagi Tsusho—founded in 1946 and already partnered with names such as Moncler—will guide Khaite through local retail, digital, and distribution channels, giving the label an immediate foundation in a competitive luxury landscape.
The formal market launch is scheduled for next fall, creating a clear runway for the label’s next phase of international growth. Khaite arrives with strong momentum: Holstein has earned consecutive CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year awards, and the company secured investment from Stripes in 2023, with Kleine—formerly a key architect of Tory Burch’s scale—supporting expansion strategy.
For a house built on modern American polish, Japan offers a highly attuned audience for craftsmanship, silhouette, and storytelling. The joint venture marks Khaite’s most intentional geographic build-out to date, and a signal of how the label plans to evolve its global footprint.