In 1999, Tokyo-based designer Chitose Abe founded sacai, a variation on her maiden name (spelled with a “k” instead of “c”), which has steadily amassed a cult following for its designs that splice unexpected style lines and fabrics onto traditional silhouettes to create surprising, yet wearable garments. sacai incorporates the idea of hybridization through juxtapositions of contrasting textures of fabrics, such as knits with super fine wovens and the usage of techniques based on reinterpretations of patterns of the garment, transforming the pieces into unexpected shapes and silhouettes. To Abe, who is influenced by observing her surroundings and functions of daily life, the sacai collection has a distinctive elegance that is based on renderings and transformations of basic and classical items. The result is a collection of items that can transition easily between various occasions and is not only reserved for special opportunities. sacai began showing at Paris Fashion Week in 2008, introduced its men’s line in 2009, and opened its first flagship store in 2011. While still independently owned by Abe, sacai boasts the resume of a far bigger brand, including an impressive list of collaborators such as Moncler, Dover Street Market, The North Face®, and Nike.