Meet the next cult jewellery collab
YOU MIGHT NOT have heard of Sacai, but its founder, Chitose Abe, has probably had an influence over your wardrobe. If you own a trench coat with a twist, an asymmetric pleated skirt or a tee that’s been spliced together out of two different fabrics – all examples of everyday clothes that have been elevated to new heights of cool – you can thank Chitose. The Japanese designer, who founded her label in 1999, has found fans in Rihanna, Zendaya and Gigi Hadid – and has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Jean Paul Gaultier and Dior.
Next up is Cartier. The Trinity ring, a signature piece that was conceived in 1924, was the starting point for Chitose – and, rather sweetly, the first ‘real’ piece of jewellery she bought herself. ‘I wore it for years,’ she says. ‘It still is eternally iconic.’ She also owns one of its watches, the Panthère, and two of its bracelets, so this was a special assignment. ‘It was very personal.’ The collaboration comprises six limited-edition pieces: two rings, a bracelet, a necklace, an earring and a versatile piece that can be worn as an earring or a ring, in white, yellow and rose gold.
Chitose can’t choose a favourite – ‘I love and wear all of them’ – and says she applied the same design principles to the collection as she does with Sacai. ‘I take something familiar and make it into something new. Trinity is an icon everyone is familiar with. I wanted to keep that timelessness but discover an unconventional new balance.’ By experimenting with the different metals, as well as the configurations of the rings so that some pieces can be worn in multiple ways, she created a collection that manages to be ‘comfortable, practical and bold’. So, if you’re looking for an investment piece that will bring look-twice appeal to any outfit, you can call off the search.
Cartier Trinity for Chitose Abe of Sacai is available for pre-order and will launch in early 2023 in the UK