Fashion and anime may seem like two vastly different worlds, but the impact of Japanese animation on high fashion is nothing novel. The fusion of the two cultures was evident from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, when anime and Japanese culture saw a surge in popularity in the West.
Take illustrator Naoko Takeuchi — the mastermind behind the iconic anime series Sailor Moon as an important figure in its rise. Known for incorporating elements of haute couture and Japanese street style into her characters’ eccentric costumes, Takeuchi drew her inspiration from fashion heavyweights like Dior, Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Thierry Mugler.
Then there was fashion icon Vivienne Westwood, who left a lasting impression on Nana, a manga written by Ai Yazawa. In it, the creation of protagonist Nana Osaki — a rebellious punk rock singer — was heavily influenced by Westwood’s punk fashion aesthetic. Through the series, Yazawa showcased the designer’s impact on punk fashion and culture, and how her unique vision has inspired countless fashion enthusiasts and rebels.
The recent resurgence of the Y2K subculture trend, coupled with the continued popularity of anime, has led more people into the anime watcher-to-fashion enjoyer pipeline, and brands are lining up to profit from it.
Loewe & Howls Moving Castle
The internet buzzed with excitement when Spanish luxury fashion brand Loewe collaborated with renowned animation studio, Studio Ghibli. This stunning partnership brings together two creative forces to create a dreamy, enchanting, and stylish collection that is sure to take your breath away.
This collection is a must-have for fans of both fashion and animation. A beautiful fusion of two creative worlds, resulting in a collection that is both stylish and imaginative. So go ahead, indulge in a little bit of magic and add some of these enchanting pieces to your wardrobe today.
Jimmy Choo: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
The iconic luxury footwear brand Jimmy Choo has teamed up with the beloved Japanese anime sensation Sailor Moon to create a collection of items inspired by the feminine charm of the characters from the series. In a collaborative capsule designed by Sandra Choi, the collection is set to release on the 13th of February in honour of the Sailor Moon series 30th Anniversary.
MSCHF: ‘Astro Boy’ Boots
The release of the ‘Astro Boy’ boots by MSCHF have sparked a heated debate among fashion aficionados, with some hailing them as the next big thing and others critiquing the impracticality of the bold design.
On one hand, the boots are being praised for their futuristic yet nostalgic design. Fashion enthusiasts are flocking to get their hands on these limited edition boots, which are selling out as fast as they’re going viral. They’re being touted as the ultimate statement in fashion, and for good reason — the boots exude a bold, edgy vibe that is sure to turn heads.
However, not everyone is a fan of the boots. Some critics argue that their design is too over-the-top and impractical, with several TikTok videos showing the difficulties of putting them on and taking them off. Some people have even had to cut the upper part of the boots just to get them off! The question on everyone’s mind is whether the trend-setting appeal of these boots is worth the USD$350 price tag.
So, is the “Astro Boy” boot the next big thing in fashion? The answer remains to be seen.
But one thing is for sure — this daring design is dividing opinions and sparking conversation among the fashion community. Whether you love them or hate them, these boots are sure to make a statement wherever you go.
Once you’re done with this story on Fashion and Anime’s moment, click here to catch up with our February 2023 issue.
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