Sacai Partners Up With Brooklyn-Based Artist Hank Willis Thomas
The collaboration will be featured in Bergdorf Goodman's windows.
![sacai x hank willis thomas](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fkd64S827chKACnFYyDhbe-415-80.jpg)
With her 2021 Pre Spring and Men's Spring/Summer collections, Chitose Abe of sacai wanted to evoke the themes of peace, love, and unity with the tagline "Love Over Rules." To convey this message, the fashion house has teamed up with Brooklyn-based conceptual artist Hank Willis Thomas. The collection is presented in a powerful two-part campaign inspired by those who have broken rules and pushed boundaries to defy society’s expectations regardless of race, culture or gender.
The campaign was created by Hank Willis Thomas Studio, in collaboration with Equator Productions, and focuses on community through portrait photography and film. A handful of artists were invited, including jazz trumpeter Keyon Harrold; movement artist Mizuho Kappa; artist Zoë Buckman; designer and advocate Celine Semaan Vernon; jazz pianist Jason Moran; and artist and activist Chella Man, as well as Thomas himself and his wife, curator Rujeko Hockley. In the campaign film, the participants shared what "Love Over Rules" means to them.
In honor of the collection, longstanding supporter and retail partner Bergdorf Goodman will be celebrating sacai's partnership with Thomas in its iconic store windows on Fifth Avenue starting Monday, January 18 to coincide with Martin Luther King Day. Plus, Bergdorf Goodman has an additional marketing campaign, which includes an interview with Thomas featured on their website. The collection is available in store and online at Bergdorf Goodman.
A post shared by Bergdorf Goodman (@bergdorfs)
A photo posted by on
The fabrics used for these two collections are all repurposed from the sacai archives. In doing so, Abe revisited some of her favorite prints, such as Reyn Spooner, Pendleton as well as suiting fabrics in solids, glen checks and pinstripes and nylon MA-1. Abe has reworked these materials into a graphic patchwork pattern inspired by Hank Willis Thomas's work. This collection, like the brand's DNA, is all about taking classic and familiar shapes and transforming them to create something new and unexpected.
In a video call from her Tokoyo Atelier with WWD, Abe said about the Love Over Rules collection, which debuted last summer, “Basically, the collection is to honor and respect all people, and to also agree—love over rules, no matter what their race, culture or sexuality.”
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Shelby Comroe is the Credits Editor and Fashion Assistant at Marie Claire covering all things fashion and giving credit where credit is due. Check her out @shelbycomroe on Instagram if buying designer handbags is your idea of a retirement plan!
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
30 Linen Pieces From Nordstrom’s Sale for a Seamless Summer to Fall Transition
Shop breezy dresses and airy pants for versatile summer and autumn outfits.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Make-My-Life-Easier Items I'm Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Grab these must-haves before it's too late.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
The Best Summer Work Shoes Don’t Have To Scream ‘Corporate'
Footwear that means business in the best way possible.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
34 Chic Vacation Essentials Hiding in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Don't board the plane without packing these items first.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The Boxer Shorts Trend Offers a Realistic Take on Lingerie Dressing
How the borrowed-from-the-boys bottom became a hero summer piece with endless style potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Destined to Wear the J.Crew x Maryam Nassir Zadeh Collaboration on Vacation
Beloved indie designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh translated her essentials into the ultimate packing list.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I'm a Style Editor—50 Last-Minute Prime Day Fashion Deals to Grab Before Tomorrow
Grab these on-sale items before it’s too late.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
Fashion Editors Share the Best Work Dresses From Their Summer Uniform
From classic wrap silhouettes to breezy linens, these are the expert-approved styles we're wearing on repeat.
By Lauren Tappan Published