Tessa Thompson Adds Khaite Suede to Her Textured Awards Season Lineup

Tessa Thompson showcased a sophisticated style at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, opting for a tailored ensemble from Khaite. The appearance occurred during “Celebrating Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford” at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley on Friday night.

A Statement in Suede

Thompson’s outfit centered around Khaite’s Saraphina jacket and Clover pant, both rendered in a “Toffee” suede from the label’s resort 2026 collection. The look was styled by Karla Welch. This choice adds to a recent trend of fabric-focused outfits for the “Hedda” star, following a Chanel tweed suit and a Balenciaga sequined gown worn earlier in January.

Did You Know? Robert Redford, the founder of the Sundance Institute, passed away in September 2025, making this year’s festival the first edition held since his death.

The Saraphina jacket featured peak lapels, welt pockets, and an elongated placket with dark buttons. It was worn buttoned through the torso, creating a streamlined silhouette. The matching Clover trousers were straight-legged and high-waisted, covering most of Thompson’s black, scale-textured leather pointed-toe pumps.

Accessories included an Aureum Collective Cassandra clutch, croc-embossed with a structured top handle and tassel, as well as Completedworks’ The Depths of Time earrings and stacked silver rings. Thompson’s hair was braided with two curls framing her face, and her makeup was kept natural with a glossed lip.

Khaite’s Rising Profile

Khaite’s resort 2026 collection, described as an exploration of “playfulness and ’90s boho-meets-grunge references,” heavily featured surface and fabrication. The suede suit worn by Thompson is already gaining traction among celebrities; Dakota Johnson wore the same style in toffee suede in New York in June 2025.

Expert Insight: Thompson’s choice of a fully coordinated, yet textured, suit signals a continued interest in strong, deliberate fashion statements during awards season. The use of suede, a material often associated with both luxury and a relaxed aesthetic, suggests a balance between formality and personal style.

During the event, Thompson presented the Vanguard Award for Fiction to “Hedda” director Nia DaCosta.

Frequently Asked Questions

What label did Tessa Thompson wear to the Sundance tribute?

Tessa Thompson wore Khaite’s Saraphina jacket and Clover pant from the label’s resort 2026 collection.

What color was the suede ensemble?

The Khaite suit was in the “Toffee” suede colorway.

Who did Tessa Thompson present an award to at the Sundance tribute?

Tessa Thompson presented the Vanguard Award for Fiction to “Hedda” director Nia DaCosta.

As Thompson continues promoting “Hedda,” it is likely she will continue to make notable fashion choices at upcoming events. Her recent selections suggest a preference for bold textures and established design houses. It remains to be seen if she will continue to favor coordinated looks or explore more varied styles as the awards season progresses.