The sacai Autumn/Winter 2026 collection, designed by Chitose Abe, showcases a striking exploration of the “beauty of destruction.” Drawing inspiration from the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, the collection emphasizes breaking free from conventional design constraints. This season’s presentation serves as a manifesto for creative liberation, intertwining innovative construction with bold visual statements.
Abe’s latest work features a range of hybrid pieces that challenge traditional silhouettes and techniques. For instance, jackets are ingeniously spliced horizontally, merging various elements into a cohesive whole. The collection also introduces skirt-pant hybrids formed from carefully cut wide-leg trousers, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to layering that goes beyond simple assembly. Even formalwear receives an unconventional twist, with traditional shirts and ties transformed into relaxed styles, utilizing scarf-like ties draped loosely around the collar.
Collaboration plays a crucial role in this collection, with notable partnerships that enhance the overall aesthetic. The ongoing collaboration with Levi’s sees Type 1 and Type 2 denim jackets reimagined with leather accents and bomber-inspired designs. Flared jeans are skillfully spliced with tailored trousers, further blurring the lines between casual and formal.
Innovative Partnerships and Inspirations
Abe also joins forces with A.P.C. to develop new fabrics inspired by Jessica Ogden’s patchwork quilts. These materials are seamlessly integrated into signature sacai silhouettes, illustrating the concept of recontextualization in fashion. Completing the collection are J.M. Weston Golf Derbies, presented in a fresh bordeaux hue, enhancing the collection’s theme of transformation through destruction.
The runway show amplified the collection’s message with a dynamic soundtrack, transitioning from Queen’s iconic “I Want to Break Free” to a powerful remix by Charli XCX. This energetic backdrop set the tone for a presentation that dismantles established archetypes, paving the way for a new creative vision.
As the Autumn/Winter 2026 season unfolds, sacai’s latest collection stands as a bold testament to the potential of innovation through destruction. By challenging norms and embracing hybridization, Chitose Abe invites audiences to reconsider the boundaries of fashion and self-expression. The collection not only highlights artistic freedom but also resonates with the spirit of resilience embodied by Muhammad Ali, proving that breaking apart the familiar can lead to exciting new possibilities in design.
