Sacai: A Brand of Feminist Empowerment

Founded in 1999 by young Chitose Abe, Japanese clothing brand Sacai has established itself as one of fashion's cult heroes over recent years. Following eight years working at Comme des Garçons, Abe initially created the brand after becoming tired of the sartorial restrictions of new motherhood and, with the direction and support of Rei Kawakubo, the label has flourished – since their first runway show in 2011, they have accrued over 175 international retailers. 

Both the clothing itself and the philosophy behind it hold a distinct message of female strength, but without the overtly masculine aesthetic that is often considered integral for 'successful' women. the cult Japanese womenswear label has established itself as a vanguard of the rising movement of designers creating slick, stylish streetwear with distinctly feminine sensibilities.