sacai's SS21 Collection Is a Love Letter to Sade
Chitose Abe pays homage to the iconic signer’s style, music and strength.
Chitose Abe looked to legendary British singer Sade when designing Sacai‘s Spring/Summer 2021 collection, a range that merges sharp tailoring and menswear cues — hallmarks of the musician’s much-lauded style — with feminine touches.
Sade, who hasn’t released music since 2010 (a new album is reportedly in the works), lent her face and music to Abe’s latest collection, which paraded down the runway to seminal track “Kiss of Life.” A portrait of the star, shot by Albert Wilson, appears on a slouchy T-shirt sure to become a collectible item. Recontextualizing the femininity of the dress, Abe splices together suiting, shirting and outerwear into all-in-ones. The proportions of a bomber jacket are transformed into a satin dress with a sweater-like bodice, while an A-line skirt made of shirting material, complete with buttons down the center-front, is stitched to the hem of a sheer blouse. Her remixing of garments provides a cohesive thread throughout the range, which also dabbles in ’80s-inspired silhouettes and military references.
Take a look at the entire Sacai SS21 collection above.
