Sacai
Tokyo, Japan
Sacai was established by Japanese designer Chitose Abe in 1999, after 8 years of working with Junya Watanabe at Comme des Garçons. After taking a maternity leave, Chitose was inspired to create her own line that embodied something different, new and fresh. Not concerned with breaking the rules, she is known for her unconventional combinations of patterns, giving garments different “coming” and “going” aesthetics and turning the known into the fantastical.
While her collections may appear to be about femininity, Chitose’s interest is in creating clothes that are entirely unique and timeless, innovative and experimental. Her designs are absolutely whimsical variations on basic silhouettes, creating a distinctive look that can transition easily between various occasions.
What sets Chitose’s work apart is the three dimensionality she explores with each collection. Drawing upon her credentials in Japanese fashion, she is never satisfied crafting a flat pattern. Her art is in designing for the first impression: a surprising side angle, the flash of something new on the back, unexpected fabric pairings. Her clothes say different things with each twist and turn, with each coming and going, but the voice is one. The result is a line with a singular elegance based on renderings and transformations of classic items.
