Read on FashionNetwork.comKhaite's Strategic Expansion into Japan Through Joint Venture with Yagi Tsusho
New York-based luxury fashion label Khaite is embarking on a significant international expansion by entering the Japanese market. The brand has formed a strategic joint venture with the established Japanese company Yagi Tsusho Ltd., creating Khaite Japan Corp. This partnership leverages Yagi Tsusho's extensive local expertise and retail network to introduce Khaite's critically acclaimed womenswear and accessories to Japanese consumers, starting with the Fall 2025 collection. The move represents a calculated step in Khaite's global growth strategy following recent investments and retail expansion in the United States.
In a strategic move to capture a key luxury market, the New York fashion label Khaite has announced its official entry into Japan. The expansion is being facilitated through a newly established joint venture with the Japanese firm Yagi Tsusho Ltd., resulting in the formation of Khaite Japan Corp. This partnership marks a pivotal moment for the brand, signaling a long-term commitment to growth in the Asian market and leveraging local expertise for a successful launch.
The Strategic Partnership: Khaite and Yagi Tsusho
The joint venture pairs Khaite's modern American luxury aesthetic with Yagi Tsusho's deep-rooted presence in the Japanese retail landscape. According to reports from WWD, Yagi Tsusho will spearhead the introduction of Khaite's collections to Japan, commencing with the Fall 2025 season. This structured approach allows the brand to build its presence methodically from the outset.
Yagi Tsusho's Role and Expertise
Yagi Tsusho is not a newcomer to managing prestigious international brands. The Osaka- and Tokyo-born company operates globally and already holds a successful joint venture with the Italian luxury outerwear giant Moncler. Furthermore, it owns the heritage British outerwear brand Mackintosh. This portfolio demonstrates Yagi Tsusho's proven capability in nurturing and expanding luxury fashion labels within Japan and beyond. The company will utilize its established retail relationships and local market knowledge to manage Khaite's expansion across both physical stores and digital platforms in Japan.
Khaite's Meteoric Rise and Market Position
Founded in 2016 by Creative Director Catherine Holstein, Khaite has rapidly ascended to become a favorite among luxury consumers and fashion critics alike. Holstein's vision has been recognized with back-to-back CFDA American Womenswear Designer of the Year awards in 2022 and 2023, cementing the brand's influence and design credibility. This strong creative foundation provides a solid platform for international growth.
Recent Growth and Investment
The move into Japan follows a period of significant momentum for Khaite. In 2023, the brand secured an investment from New York-based private equity firm Stripes, providing capital for strategic initiatives like international expansion. Earlier in 2025, Khaite continued its domestic growth by opening its fifth boutique, located in the prestigious Melrose Place area of Los Angeles. The Japanese venture is a logical next step in this growth trajectory.
Implications for the Japanese Luxury Market
Khaite's entry introduces a distinct point of view to Japan's competitive luxury sector. The brand's focus on refined, modern essentials with a sensual edge may resonate strongly with Japanese consumers who have a deep appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and understated design. By partnering with a local expert like Yagi Tsusho, Khaite mitigates the common risks associated with entering a complex and nuanced market, ensuring its brand identity is communicated effectively through appropriate channels.
Khaite's formation of Khaite Japan Corp. with Yagi Tsusho Ltd. is a textbook example of strategic market entry. It combines a brand with strong creative capital and recent investment backing with a partner possessing unparalleled local distribution expertise and a track record with luxury brands. This joint venture positions Khaite for a controlled and knowledgeable launch into one of the world's most important luxury markets, setting the stage for the next chapter in the brand's global story. The success of this partnership will be closely watched as a model for other contemporary luxury brands considering Asian expansion.
