Khaite and Yagi Tsusho Form Joint Venture for Japan

LAND OF THE RISING SUN: Khaite is headed to Japan. The New York designer brand has teamed with Yagi Tsusho Ltd. to form Khaite Japan Corp., a joint venture that marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership.

Yagi Tsusho will formally launch Khaite in the Japanese market for the fall season next year.

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“Japan represents both a pivotal and natural progression for Khaite,”  said Brigitte Kleine, chief executive officer of the company. “In Yagi Tsusho, we have found a partner whose heritage, expertise, and deep relationships within the Japanese market align seamlessly with our commitment to unique storytelling, craftsmanship and quality.”

Yagi Tsusho, who founded the Japanese company in 1946, called Khaite “one of the most promising fashion brands.”

Yagi Tsusho started off in Osaka and Tokyo, but has built a global presence with offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. It also has a joint venture with Moncler and owns the European fashion brand Mackintosh. Through the joint venture, Yagi Tsusho will use its local operational expertise and relationships to introduce Khaite in key retail and digital channels in Japan.

Creative director Catherine Holstein founded Khaite in 2016 and quickly carved out a niche — gaining recognition with luxe shoppers, as well as awards and investment.

Holstein won the CFDA’s American Womenswear Designer of the Year award in both 2022 and 2023.

In 2023, Khaite sold a stake to New York growth equity firm Stripes, where Kleine — who helped take Tory Burch from one store to $1.2 billion in sales as president — is an operating partner.

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