HOW THIS NYC BRAND IS BECOMING THE NEW KHAITE

Ever since Katie Holmes hailed a NYC cab in 2019 wearing a matching Khaite cashmere bralette and cardigan, the brand has captivated the fashion world. It is no secret that we at The Ceiling have been intrigued by the New York label since its founding by Catherine Holstein in 2016. Its easy yet striking silhouettes crafted from the finest materials with unexpected details (like this lace minidress) have enraptured both us, and the fashion industry at large.

Lara: I constantly seek that same (Khaite) thrill when discovering new brands. It's not merely about aesthetics per se, but rather about evoking a feeling of excitement and novelty tinged with a hint of familiarity. I experienced it when I visited a showroom in New York last February. Tucked away in a NoMad gallery space, ten models showcased chic, laid-back outfits that immediately spoke to me.

ACNE STUDIOS Logo hoodie, INTERIOR Sybil twill halterneck maxi dress or here (both on sale), BALENCIAGA Rodeo bag medium and KHAITE Crinkled-leather slingback pumps

What I was looking at was Interior’s FW24 collection. Inspired by New York City's vibrant nightlife of the 1970s to the mid-1990s, it was an era when individuality flourished, designer Jack Miner shared with me. Among the pieces he introduced were a luxurious cashmere balletcore set paired with a round-shouldered jacket, a relaxed corduroy suit, and a gown featuring unfinished hems. Additionally, he unveiled a new iteration of the brand’s popular low-slung sweater with a puff collar called the Bruno. Having glimpsed the original cashmere version a few times, I was drawn to its chic yet quirky design. I treated myself to the lighter version made from a soft cotton and silk blend, hoping it would be the perfect addition to my spring and summer wardrobe - and I was right.

Left: INTERIOR Dolenze pleated cotton-poplin mini skirt (on sale). Right: Lara wearing the INTERIOR Bruno sweater in silk and cotton (on sale), cashmere version here

Miner co-founded Interior in 2020 together with Lily Miesmer, who has stepped away from the brand to pursue new opportunities while continuing as a silent partner. From the beginning, Interior’s approach is about reimagining the classic roots of American sportswear and tailoring with a contemporary twist. Its DNA is (much like Khaite’s) interwoven with the cultural fabric of New York—dynamic and a study in contrasts: bold yet refined, modern yet timeless. Their ethos combined with their rise in the industry with stockists like Net-a-Porter, SSENSE, and Bergdorf Goodman and a growing celebrity following (we loved seeing Hari Nef in a white cashmere babydoll dress, available in red here) mirrors the trajectory that Khaite took a few years ago. (Miner also mentioned that their head of sales previously worked for Khaite, which makes complete sense.)

Left: INTERIOR Ren Wool Double-Breasted Long Overcoat, INTERIOR Ren double-breasted wool-twill blazer and INTERIOR Ren pleated wool-twill straight-leg pants both on sale. Right: INTERIOR Nuno shirt, in off-white and on sale here and here (Interior Resort 2024, www.vogue.com)

In his work, Miner embraces life's imperfections and its messy nitty-gritty parts - finding the beauty in 'fucking things up'. His approach, as he explained in an interview with Vogue Business, counters the Instagram-crazed world by focusing on creating uncomplicated clothes that feel personal rather than conforming to trends. This philosophy could explain the brand's name; an ironic twist, as clothing is worn on the exterior but reflects our inner emotional world.

 Interior Fall 2023, www.vogue.com

Resonating with a growing demographic of consumers who value longevity in their wardrobe choices, Interior creates garments that are built to last. While I see Khaite items as true investments for the long term (like their timeless leather Arizona ankle boots or their wool Bontin coat) – Interior offers a same focus on quality, yet with a different edge and unpredictability. Would you consider a distressed T-shirt an investment piece? Maybe not, but in a world where quiet luxury is pervasive, this unexpectedness is a welcome differentiation. It’s a twist on the simple classic—a ‘look twice’ kind of feeling, which makes getting dressed exciting and easy. It speaks to contemporary women who aren't searching for perfection and don’t strive to feel that way. Their pieces give room for interpretation, to play and make it your own. At least, that's how I felt when I wore one of their pieces for the first time — and I believe many of the women present in that showroom (also dressed in Interior), with me.

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