See how anime and manga influence fashion

The art of storytelling is expressed in many ways around the world. Japanese art is heavily influenced by manga and anime. Originating in the 12th century, the earliest comics were in the form of elaborate scrolls, with vivid visuals and provocative text. It wasn't until 1790 that the term “manga” was incorporated into the vocabulary. In the 1920s, the scrolls evolved into their current form, being published in local newspapers and magazines in each city.

Anime emerged as an adaptation of the moving image and has since become a highly inventive and powerful industry that has impacted not only the East but also the West, winning over thousands of passionate fans who dedicate themselves to cosplay, fan clubs and manga collections.

Due to the huge fandom that goes far beyond the streets of Tokyo, many fashion brands have started to invest in this partnership, collaborating and bringing exclusive products to fans, in addition to promoting this “exchange” of cultures, even winning over new fans who are not yet familiar with the universe of Japanese stories. This explains the success of this partnership.

Nana X Vivienne Westwood

_{Vivenne Westwood accessories on Nana (Photo: reproduction/X/@brownandmossy)}

Vivienne Westwood's influence on “Nana” is clear. Nana Osaki, one of the main characters, is the lead singer of a punk band and has a style that clearly resembles Westwood's. She is often seen wearing clothes that are reminiscent of the designer's iconic style, with a mix of punk, gothic, and haute couture elements. Ai Yazawa is a big fan of Vivienne Westwood and incorporates many elements of the designer's work into the designs of the characters' outfits.

Westwood’s brand is present in the series, with characters often wearing real-life clothing and accessories from the brand. This not only reinforces the authenticity of the character’s punk style, but also pays tribute to Westwood’s influence on alternative fashion. Furthermore, the series contributed to the spread of punk and goth aesthetics among young Japanese people, providing a new audience for Westwood’s designs.

Vivienne Westwood, with her avant-garde and revolutionary vision, has inspired and been influenced by many subcultures and artistic movements. Her connection with “Nana” shows how fashion and pop culture interconnect, influencing and being influenced by each other, creating a rich web of cultural and stylistic references.

Studio Ghibli X Loewe

_{(Photo: reproduction/disclosure/Loewe)}

It's impossible to talk about collaborations without mentioning Loewe and its pieces inspired by Studio Ghibli films (a production company created by producer Toshio Suzuki and filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki in 1985). The Spanish company had already invested in the films “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away”, both of which were hugely successful and highly sought after.

Featured photo: (Photo: reproduction/disclosure/Loewe)