BY JAY AQUINO

Here’s an unpopular opinion: If you consider yourself a fashion enthusiast, Sacai should be on your radar. Founded by the visionary Chitose Abe, Sacai has evolved into one of the most revered and influential Japanese fashion brands of our time. And If we had to describe Sacai in three words, they would be: innovative, edgy, and chic.

Born in Gifu, Japan, Abe’s love for fashion was nurtured by her mother, a seamstress who adjusted and tailored her clothing to stand out at school. After graduating from college in Nagoya, she began her career at Comme des Garçons, where she worked under the tutelage of the legendary Rei Kawakubo. She later became a pattern maker for Junya Watanabe, who brought her on board when he launched his own label.

When she launched Sacai in 1999, she started making knitwear pieces from the comfort of her own home. Her design approach, which remains consistent today, challenges conventional notions of clothing by mixing contrasting elements, like masculine with feminine, casual with formal, and structured with fluid. This unique perspective is what sets Sacai apart in the high fashion landscape; it's what makes them good. It's what made Sacai a dream come true for the little fashionistos and fashionistas of the world.

Photo credit: Jason Lloyd Evans

Abe’s ability to create pieces that are both groundbreaking and wearable has earned Sacai a loyal following, with over a million Instagram followers. Her designs often feature unexpected fabric and silhouette combinations, resulting in garments that are as functional as they are artistic. For example, Sacai made a jacket that merged the styles and materials of a suit with a bomber jacket; this juxtaposition creates an element of surprise, making not this jacket but every Sacai piece a statement.

Throughout the years, Sacai has collaborated with brands like Nike, Moncler, and The North Face, expanding its reach and pushing fashion’s boundaries. As the brand continues to grow, Abe remains dedicated to crafting pieces that are both familiar and refreshingly new. Her ability to innovate while staying true to her brand's core identity has made her a visionary in the truest sense of the word, and her legacy will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.

Photo credit: Shoji Uchida / Cartier / British Vogue