When Jean Paul Gaultier announced that his spring/summer 2020 couture collection would be his last, the house also revealed a new strategy in which a different creative would be brought in each season. And now, the house has announced that the first designer to give their take on the brand will be Chitose Abe from Sacai.
The Japanese designer founded her brand in 1999 and is known for bridging the gap between smart and casual clothing. How her vision will translate to Gaultier’s label remains to be seen, but the couture designer confirmed that Abe will have complete control.
VICTOR VIRGILEGETTY IMAGES
“I am pleased that this concept will become reality now with Chitose Abe of Sacai as the first guest designer,” Jean Paul Gaultier said in a statement via WWD. “I admire her work, we have many things in common creatively and a similar vision of fashion. I am glad to give her the complete freedom.”
Abe will be the first designer to take part in this new concept, which will see a different creative take through their vision for the couture house. Her designs will be showcased on the catwalk during the couture shows this July.
“I have a long-held admiration for Jean Paul’s unique vision of subversive femininity and his originality, both of which I’ve strived towards in my work since the beginning. It’s a true honour to be given the opportunity to be custodian of his house as the first designer of this project.”
Kaia Gerber on the AW18 Sacai catwalk FOC KANGETTY IMAGES
From Harper’s Bazaar UK
