Khaite’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection embodies a very specific aesthetic – cool, effortless, slightly edgy, and quintessentially New York. Hairstylist Guido Palau, backstage at the show, described the inspiration as a “’90s kind of woman,” and the beauty look reflects that era’s distinct charm. This woman could easily step out of a Peter Lindbergh photograph and seamlessly blend into 2024. She possesses an effortless striking presence but maintains a tasteful, enviable attention to detail, all without trying too hard.
The clothing itself is a collection of timeless essentials with a modern twist. Glamour isn’t an afterthought, but it also doesn’t compete for attention. To complement this collection, Guido created low ponytails, using mousse to give the hair a just-showered appearance. He then used his fingers to style the hair, adding what he called a “toughness” to the look. A Khaite-designed gold hair cuff was then placed at the base of the ponytail, transforming the casual style into something elevated and special. “It adds a modern touch,” Palau said.
With the hair swept back, the focus shifted to the face. “It’s very like raw skin, not super, super perfected or super covered,” explained NARS’s Head of Artistry, Niko Lopez. “You want to see the natural skin come through the makeup.” To achieve this, Khaite partnered with Danucera, founded by renowned esthetician Danuta Mieloch, to refresh the models’ skin before the runway. The brand’s hero product, Cerabalm, was the foundation of the skincare prep. “It acts as a cleansing balm, moisturizer, and skin soother all in one,” Mieloch explained. “Its rich, nourishing formula deeply hydrates and soothes the skin, making it perfect for both prepping the skin and giving it a luminous, healthy glow on the runway.”
After cleansing, the models received the D22 Tonic to tone and balance the skin, followed by the nutrient-rich Mega Serum, eye cream, and the Cream Supreme Moisturizer, all massaged into the skin with a sculpting facial massage to boost circulation and depuff. With their complexions glowing, each model moved to the makeup chair for a light application of NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer to combat dark circles. This was followed by a Paul Klee-like application of After Glow Blush in shades of coral, pink, and burgundy, to warm the skin. A monochromatic dab of Explicit Lipstick in similar tones, dotted on with fingers and blurred along the edges, created a natural, just-bitten color effect. The result was a natural flush that could easily be mistaken for no makeup at all, allowing the eyebrows to take center stage. Arches were etched boldly and darkly with a pencil for an editorial feel, completing the look.
