Fashion Maisons

On December 8, Calea Victoriei witnessed a remarkable moment with the festive illumination of Știrbey Palace—an event that marked not only the beginning of the holiday season, but also the official launch of Romania’s most ambitious luxury retail project: TOFF Galleries.

The imposing façade of the landmark was reimagined through a winter couture vision, enhanced by installations inspired by the world of fashion and accessories, transforming the palace into a true visual spectacle. The atmosphere was elevated by a grand flashmob featuring the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra, a 30-children choir, and soprano Irina Baianț.

Set to the notes of “Carol of the Bells,” the lights enveloped the palace in a moment that blended emotion, elegance, and the spirit of the holidays.

“A Palace Reborn in Light” – the rebirth of a symbol and the beginning of a new tradition in Bucharest

Știrbey Palace, one of the capital’s most valuable neoclassical residences, is experiencing a spectacular revival through its integration into the TOFF Galleries project. Its restoration and cultural reconversion bring this emblematic monument back into circulation, placing it once again at the heart of contemporary urban, cultural, and commercial life.

“A Palace Reborn in Light symbolizes the rebirth of Știrbey Palace and the beginning of a Christmas tradition that we aim to carry forward with elegance and emotion. TOFF Galleries is a project close to our hearts, built at the intersection of heritage, creativity, and excellence.”

Robert Coman, CEO & Founder of TOFF Group

TOFF Galleries brings together some of the most influential international fashion houses—Dior, Valentino, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Celine, Loewe, and Alaïa—alongside contemporary brands that complete a diverse portfolio comparable to those of the world’s leading fashion capitals. This exceptional selection sets a new standard for the luxury market in Romania and marks a key step in aligning with Europe’s most prestigious retail destinations.

Bucharest is experiencing one of the most important moments in its evolution within the world of contemporary fashion. One of the most influential fashion houses globally, Gucci, is officially returning to Romania—and the choice of location for this new chapter is a meaningful one: TOFF Galleries, the luxury destination set within the magnificent Știrbey Palace, brought back to life with impeccable care.

This return goes beyond a simple brand relaunch. It marks the renewal of a cultural dialogue between the world of Gucci and a city whose appetite for authentic, sophisticated, and conscious luxury has grown remarkably in recent years. For over a century, Gucci has remained synonymous with Italian elegance, artisanal mastery, and a timeless aesthetic that has profoundly influenced global fashion. For the Romanian audience, Gucci has always been an aspirational symbol—a benchmark of prestige and contemporary refinement—a story that, even in its absence, never ceased to captivate.

TOFF Galleries – where luxury takes on its own architecture
On Calea Victoriei, Bucharest’s historic and cultural axis, TOFF Galleries has redefined the standards of luxury retail in Romania. Here, the harmony between the architectural heritage of Știrbey Palace and a contemporary curatorial vision creates an impeccable setting, where experience transcends the object and fashion becomes a form of cultural dialogue.

Launched in 2016 in New York by Catherine Holstein, KHAITE has quickly evolved into a defining brand of contemporary luxury aesthetics. The brand has established itself through a distinctive interpretation of American minimalism—warm, sensual, built on luxury materials and subtle details—offering pieces that embody a quiet yet deeply recognizable style. Known for her instinct for urban style and her ability to transform simplicity into a form of elegance, Catherine Holstein leads KHAITE with a mature vision focused on construction, texture, and movement. Her silhouettes combine classical allure with contemporary dynamism, while each collection explores the contrast between strength and fragility, between rigid structure and fluid materials. Under her direction, the brand has come to influence a new generation of consumers seeking not just luxury pieces, but a coherent and timeless sartorial language.

KHAITE’s collections are built around recurring elements—impeccable denim, voluminous knitwear, sculptural dresses, and soft leather—pieces designed to be worn season after season. Each creation reflects the brand’s obsession with exceptional materials, balanced proportions, and details that enhance the elegance of a minimal silhouette. From its continually reinterpreted oversized cardigans to the introduction of a footwear line and the launch of a selection of bags and accessories with a contemporary aesthetic, KHAITE continues to define the new dress code of New York luxury: pure, sophisticated, and powerful in its simplicity. Starting this season, KHAITE will debut in Romania with an exclusive presence at TOFF—both online and within the TOFF GALLERIES space—further strengthening our position as a leading destination for international luxury brands.