The key to success for any brand is knowing what you are trying to achieve and how relevant your products are to the target market. In this case, luxury fashion brands have generated significant buzz due to collaborations, especially with Japanese anime series.
We’re here to highlight the rise of luxury fashion brands that have collaborated with Japanese anime over the years – think Loewe x Studio Ghibli and Gucci x Doraemon. Characters from the popular manga get the luxury treatment and we understand why. These limited edition collections are fresh, trendy, yet suitable for every fashion enthusiast and anime lover. In January 2022, Loewe released the Loewe x Studio Ghibli collaboration to honor its creative director’s admiration for the Japanese animators. The Maison also paid tribute to My Neighbor Totoro in 2021. These collaborations increase desirability and bring a new appreciation for the fashion houses.
The latest is Maje – collaborating with legendary heroine Sailor Moon for an adorable series that’s worth adding to your cart. If you love luxury fashion anime crossovers as much as we do, check out the iconic collaborations that have made it onto our radar.
Check out our five favorite Japanese anime fashion collaborations:
Maje x Sailor Moon
The limited edition capsule pays homage to the legendary superhero Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon was popular in 90’s and played a big role in every anime fan’s childhood. This season, French brand Maje brings love, boldness and femininity to the collection by incorporating Sailor Moon, the symbol of girl power. Inspired by the style of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, the collaboration includes relaxed ready-to-wear pieces and accessories. The palette consists of striking pink, yellow and blue. Our highlights include the matching denim set, oversized graphic tee, hoodie and bucket hat.
The Maje x Sailor Moon capsule collection will be available on April 26, 2022.
Loewe x Studio Ghibli
Step into the world of Studio Ghibli with Loewe’s best-selling collaborations. The Maison has released notable collections featuring award-winning films such as the 1988 film, My Neighbor Totoro and the 2001 film Spirited Away. This capsule collection features signature bags, accessories and ready-to-wear with adorable artwork of recognizable characters from the soot spirits to Totoro. Fun Fact: Creative Director Jonathon Anderson is a Studio Ghibli fan. Our top pick? The Hammock leather bag with Totoro motif.
Gucci x Doraemon
As part of Gucci’s Chinese New Year 2021 campaign, the Italian house released a capsule collection featuring the popular cat robot. The Japanese manga series and TV show was a hit in the 60s and early 2000s. To honor the occasion, the brand is highlighting the character on a range of ready-to-wear pieces, shoes and accessories. In this collection, fans can spot the signature Gucci monogram and graphics featuring the adorable robot in a variety of happy poses. The best part? Doraemon is also dressed as an ox wearing two small horns to celebrate the year of the ox.
Longchamp x Pokemon
Remember when Longchamp teamed up with Pokemon for a joyful collaboration? It caught our eye when it launched in October 2020. With Pikachu as the main protagonist of this collaboration, you’ll recognize the adorable character on the iconic Le Pliage range and other coveted silhouettes. From backpacks to crossbody bags, the unique collection features a range of monochrome and monogram leather pieces that teem with Pikachu’s happy spirit.
Coach x Michael B Jordan x Naruto
As Coach’s global ambassador, Michael B. Jordan released his first fashion collaboration with his favorite Japanese anime Naruto in 2019. The best-selling Japanese manga is based on Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who aspired to become the Hokage, the strongest ninja in the world. Naruto fans can easily recognize themes from the anime show consisting of the main characters – Naruto, Sasuke and Itachi – sharingan and sennin eye themes etc. Sweaters and t-shirts – pieces, shoes and bags. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur was chosen to host an exclusive pop-up area to celebrate the launch of the collection.
Hero & Featured Image: Maje