Luxe fabrics such as cashmere and silk plisse are kept in neutral or muted tones to temper the overall look, rather than compromise it. Sacai’s greatest allure, however, is in its signature “mix & match” approach to dissecting and unifying a garment’s various parts, resulting in a playful silhouette which, in the hands of a lesser-skilled designer, might easily cross over into the comical. Receiving the 2009 Designer of the Year award from the FEC (Fashion Editors Club) tells us that Abe is too clever for that. Clearly, there’s a method to all the madness here – and it’s snubbing its nose at fashion stereotypes, one cardigan at a time.