Anime’s Relationship with Fashion
Whether you are an avid consumer of Japanese pop culture, or simply a luxury fashion fan, you have most likely noticed a palpable link between Anime and high fashion.
From luxury fashion houses collaborating with beloved anime franchises to the vibrant cosplay culture, the realms of fashion and Japanese pop culture have woven together a rich tapestry that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
In recent years, luxury brands have increasingly embraced anime, recognizing its profound cultural impact and aesthetic appeal. Notable collaborations, such as Gucci's partnership with Doraemon and Loewe's collections inspired by Studio Ghibli's masterpieces "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro," have highlight this relationship’s potential to create unique products that seamlessly combine high fashion’s unique artistry with Anime’s fresh playful perspective.
This is not a new phenomenon however, as anime’s impact in the fashion industry has been a pervasive force since 1988, with the release of Katsuhiro Otomo's legendary film Akira, directly influencing fashion designers all the way from Rei Kawakubo’s CDG in the 1990s, to Kanye’s west Yeezy brand today.
Many crediting the emergence of the techwear/cyberpunk aesthetic, now considered a mainstay in fashion, as originating from Otomo’s iconic character Kanada’s red biker jumpsuits, which have been frequently referenced by a myriad of brand such as Comme des Garçons, yeezy, nike and Supreme. This demonstrating anime's enduring influence on contemporary fashion and subcultural trends.
The greatest example of a symbiotic relationship between fashion and anime exists in the form of the 2000s series ‘NANA’ and its beloved protagonist Nana Osaki. The series epitomised the edgy, rebellious style of the punk movement. With its characters drawing inspiration from Vivienne Westwood. This can be seen in their wardrobes, which were characterised by corset bustiers, ripped stockings, and tartan blazers, all of which resonated with fans who admired the bold, unapologetic fashion sense.
In recent years Nana's style has become a beacon in Japan for those seeking to express their individuality and nonconformity through fashion, directly leading to the explosive popularity of the Vivienne Westwood brand in Japan, in particular the pearl necklaces and earrings which have seen a recent resurgence in popularity in the west.
As fashion houses and Japanese animation continue to collaborate and inspire each other, we can anticipate even more innovative and eclectic collections gracing the runways. The world of anime, with its limitless potential for artistic expression, offers exciting opportunities for fashion to explore and expand its creative boundaries.
