In the sizzling sun-soaked Sorbonne courtyard, the sacai Spring/Summer 2024 collection emerged as a breath of fresh air amidst the Parisian heat. Chitose Abe conjured an impressive blend of primary colors and off-beat designs, serving a platter of men’s and women’s fashion inspired by her school days and an intrinsic aura of positivity.
Abe’s school memories from Japan take center stage in this collection, shaping the do-it-yourself tone that ripples throughout. The key was not just to reminisce about the past but to redefine it in terms of the modern world. It was about the art of reinventing the ordinary, an art perfected by Abe’s knack for transforming her once mundane school uniform into something that dares to deviate from the conventional.
Every stitch in the collection tells a story of Abe’s artful rebellion, a playful pastiche of patchwork, splicing, and asymmetrical hemlines. The suits, a hybrid concoction of rugged Carhartt denim and suave pin-striped wool, boasted contrast linings on collars and patch pockets that epitomized this creative fusion. One can’t help but envision a teenage Abe carefully threading together mismatched fabric, a testament to her creative spirit.
A particular standout, a deep blue jacket and shorts ensemble, came adorned with tone-on-tone patches that were reminiscent of a child’s imaginative doodles – stars, leaves, and the word “Sacai” scribbled in exaggerated, free-flowing letters. Swirly patterns punctuated t-shirts and sweaters, adding a twist of whimsy.
In a delightful tribute to the nostalgia of childhood, nearly all the ensembles were bedecked with necklaces that resembled bright pop beads and puka shells – vibrant and playful pieces of jewelry that kids use to add a dash of charm to their creations.
© Photos: sacai
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