Seven years ago, while on a business trip to Paris, I bought an exquisite fine gauge cardigan with stitched-on lace trim by a line that I had never heard of called Sacai. The sweater is still one of my favorites, and I have fallen ever deeper in love with the line designed by Chitose Abe, a relatively young Japanese designer who worked for eight years at Comme des Garcons. Her designs collage together various classic wardrobe elements—like v-neck cardigans with ruffled silk backs or t-shirts with lace panels—all in quiet neutral tones resulting in just the right amount of avant garde drama.

These shorts are a perfect example of this collage effect, with the very basic pleated short silhouette in front and the pretty pleating in back. It’s a gorgeous silhouette and is just dressy enough to go from alfresco brunch to afternoon cocktail party. In other words, perfect for summer!

On sale for $519 at Barneys, 15 E Oak or barneys.com