Chitose Abe of Sacai’s first bag collection is a “hybrid” like her clothes, with different influences + purpose.
Chitose Abe of Sacai’s first bag collection is a “hybrid” like her clothes, with different influences + purpose.
When Chitose Abe started her fashion label Sacai 18 years ago, she did something no one else did, which now almost everyone does. Some people call it mash-up (that’s too simplistic), while some call it deconstruction (not quite spot on, either). Vogue.com’s Nicole Phelps nails it down most succinctly: “She manipulates multiple aspects of different garments, synthesising them into something original.” Not all originals turn out well. But Abe’s are consistently delightful, always feminine in an urban sporty way, and wearable – not weird or mere of-the-moment statements. These qualities are reflected in her first bag collection, designed with the help of British accessories designer and consultant Katie Hillier. It’s a mix of materials (croco and mink, canvas and suede, embossed leather, leather and mink), textures (studs and tassels), colours (green and two shades of blue) and influences (marrying a coin purse with a duffel).
Released immediately after her recent S/S ’17 show, the bag collection features just six designs— a small but purposeful range. Three of them come with modular three-piece straps – a handle, a chain, and a shoulder strap. Why? So that the bags can be handheld, slung on a shoulder, or worn crossbody. The other two designs come with two straps. “My goal was to create a bag collection that distilled the spirit of Sacai, that I’d be excited to wear myself,” says Abe. “For a woman, a bag is such an important part of her identity, so I wanted to create a collection that’s an authentic expression of luxury but that brings something new an already very busy category – a modern, playful version of true luxury.” And that’s exactly what she’s done.
