When Chitose Abe took to the runway of Paris Fashion Week last summer to show off the Sacai x Carhartt WIP collab, three things happened. One: menswear Discords all around the globe buzzed non-stop. Two: Insta moodboards couldn't (and wouldn't) stop posting about it. And three: dudes who wore workwear (which is pretty much everyone at this point) were gassed up hard. Now, six months later, the Japanese label has unwrapped its next collection – and we're back to step one again.
A culmination of Sacai's tailored drive and Carhartt's blue collar appeal, the collection is made up of 18 pieces, and is all about “deconstruction.” Yes, that's a term thrown around a lot these days (especially in the sneaker game). But it's been used accurately here for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2024 collection. Essentially, Sacai has borrowed some of Carhartt's biggest pieces, and added its own spin. The Reversible Duck Coat, for example, takes elements from the American brand's Chore Coat and Siberian Parka, and the Suiting Bonding Dress is pretty much the Bib Overall, but reworked and refitted with a nice pleated skirt.
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In terms of fabrics, Sacai's signature wool-blend is used here (usually reserved for its best suits, FYI), and Carhartt's Dearborn Canvas plays a leading role. Each piece is detailed with triple stitching, piping, metal hardware, and more pockets than you'll ever need in your entire life.
According to Lyst's annual Year in Fashion report, workwear has been having a good, good time as of late. Back in 2021, there was a 109 per cent increase in searches for the trend compared to the previous year. And a new study by Grand View Research found that the market is set to skyrocket at a rate of 5.3 per cent every single year. That's a lot of Detroit Jackets.
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The Sacai x Carhartt WIP Spring/Summer 2024 collection is set to release on February 22 at Sacai, Carhartt, Dover Street Market, and select shops worldwide. Prices have yet to be officially confirmed, but expect them to be on the higher side.
