Nike to launch Japanese styled clothing with Sacai

The sportswear giant has teamed up with Sacai head designer Chitose Abe to produce an eight-piece capsule collection inspired by Nike's running, tennis and American football clothing ranges.

What can we expect from this new co-branding project from Nike, spotlighting textile innovation? Functional yet feminine brand classics, featuring Nike's tech fleece and new mesh lace, color blocking, plissé-style paneling, side zips and peplum shapes.

Speaking to Business of Fashion, the Sacai designer said, "I've always been inspired by original silhouettes and ideas that often come from utility, performance and sportswear. Nike is a classic and an original that has a purity about it and a familiarity to the silhouettes that they've created over the years, so it's a perfect fit with my aesthetic and inspiration."

"Many of her collections have inspired the design team at Nike, through her elegant and graceful application of materials," commented Kurt Parker, vice president and creative director of Nike Sportswear.

Other highlights of the collection are slip-on versions of Nike's Air Max and Dunk sneakers, and trompe l'oeil Air Max wedges.

Three years after Sacai made its ready-to-wear debut at Paris Fashion Week in 2012, this new project with the world's largest sporting-goods maker marks another milestone for Chitose Abe.

The designer founded her apparel label in 1999 after honing her pattern-making skills at Comme des Garçons.