Chitose Abe’s Sacai: 20 Years In The Making And Just Getting Started

No designer creates quite like Chitose Abe. Her label Sacai explores the multiple ways in which two garments can be arranged and hybridized, mixing casual sportswear with elevated tailoring. Her past as a pattern cutter at COMME des GARÇONS and as part of Junya Watanabe’s design team has given her the confidence and business acumen to remain independent — and even after 20 years, Abe and Sacai continue to surprise with every collection. As models walk the runway at the rehearsal for Sacai’s spring/summer 2019 show in Paris, the thumping beat of Detroit techno legend Moodymann’s “I Can’t Kick This Feeling When It Hits” mixes with the jazz rhythms of Japanese composer Jun Miyake’s “Lillies of the Valley.” Two anthems from contradictory genres are brought together harmoniously, not unlike what Sacai founder Chitose Abe does with her clothing. Challenging preconceived notions of fashion, denim jackets feature zigzag Apache prints and sleeves are replaced with varsity silk. Frayed shorts are paired with matching leggings. Elsewhere, loose-fitting button-down shirts with exaggerated collars are tucked into oversized plaid pants. Read more at Highsnobiety.