A Sacai Summer

After training for eight years with Abe Junya Watanabe at Comme des Garçons, Chitose Abe launched her womenswear label Sacai in 1999. Lucky for the guys, after an encouraging nudge from Comme’s Rei Kawakubo, she unveiled her menswear line in 2006.

Known for her innovative hybrid and deconstructivist design vision that produces high-quality conceptual pieces and outstanding knits, her Spring/Summer 2012 Sacai menswear line is actually rooted in “design built upon the everyday.” From easy-to-wear shirt and shorts options to cotton jersey T-shirts and, as expected, great knitwear, the latest range encompasses the classic elements of formal suiting — yet, have been re-envisioned as a relaxed, summery silhouette.

“When I design womenswear, the key element is form,” the designer explains. “But, menswear is conservative and there is little leeway for design. Even if there are some surprise design elements, they still have to be wearable each day. So, while I can do little with form, I put more into textile selections and techniques.”

Sacai’s Spring/Summer 2012 menswear collection is available at Lane Crawford stores in Hong Kong (ifc mall and Canton Road).