Khaite's Spring 2026 Collection Revives 90s Grunge with a Lived-In Twist

Khaite's latest Spring 2026 collection brings forth a captivating revival of 1990s aesthetics, infused with a modern, lived-in sensibility. Designer Catherine Holstein, renowned for her sartorial vision, presented a range that seamlessly blends sophistication with an urban, gritty undertone. This stylistic approach extended to the beauty looks, masterfully crafted by hairstylist Guido Palau and makeup artist Diane Kendal, who collaborated to achieve an 'undone' yet powerful statement on the runway.

Khaite's Spring 2026 Collection: A Gritty Homage to 90s NYC Beauty

In a compelling showcase for her Spring 2026 collection, designer Catherine Holstein of Khaite meticulously reinterpreted the quintessential 1990s beauty landscape, imbuing it with a raw, authentic charm inspired by the vibrant streets of New York City. The runway presentations featured an eclectic mix of designs, from gracefully voluminous jackets to precisely structured dresses and subtly patterned polka dot skirts, creating a harmonious blend of refined elegance and urban edginess.

Complementing these distinctive fashion statements were the innovative beauty directions pioneered by celebrated hairstylist Guido Palau and visionary makeup artist Diane Kendal. Palau described the hair as having a "slightly messy, damp, and carefree" quality, a deliberate choice that echoed the collection's overall theme of effortless cool. Models, including the iconic Kendall Jenner, were seen sporting simple yet striking looks, such as a casual bun or a half-up style, with hair artfully pulled away from the face to emphasize a sense of strength and confidence. A nostalgic touch was added with the strategic placement of bobby pins at the back of the hair, a direct nod to 90s accessory trends. Palau highlighted the use of TRESemmé A-List Collection Dry Texturizing Spray and Workable Hairspray to achieve this easy-to-recreate texture, transforming even freshly washed hair into a more lived-in, robust style.

Diane Kendal's makeup artistry further underscored the 90s influence, reintroducing the bold and often controversial straight, skinny brow. Some models even graced the runway with bleached brows, a daring statement that celebrated individuality and departure from conventional beauty standards. Kendal maintained a natural and luminous complexion for the models, subtly enhancing features with contour and highlight. The eyes, however, took on a more dramatic flair, featuring smudged, winged-out black and dark brown eyeliner from Nars, reminiscent of a sophisticated 90s party aesthetic. Aesthetician Athena Hewett meticulously prepared the models' skin, utilizing a delicate mist, a rich bouncy serum, and Monastery Attar, a nourishing balm that also served as a radiant highlighter. This holistic approach to beauty perfectly encapsulated Holstein's vision of celebrating diverse female aesthetics with an inherent fluidity and grace.

This collection serves as a poignant reminder that true style often resides in the reinterpretation of past influences, filtered through a contemporary lens. The '90s, an era celebrated for its rebellious spirit and minimalist cool, continues to offer a rich wellspring of inspiration for designers and beauty artists alike. Khaite's Spring 2026 show brilliantly demonstrated how seemingly simple elements – a messy bun, a skinny brow, a bobby pin – can be transformed into powerful statements of personal style and self-expression. It encourages us to embrace imperfections and find beauty in the 'undone,' reflecting a more authentic and relatable elegance that resonates deeply in today's fashion landscape.