The Undeniable Links between Fashion and Anime

Culture Snapshots

At Fashion Minority Report, we are always continuing to find new ways to showcase diverse talent on an international scale. As such, we have developed a new series called ‘Culture Snapshots’, where we highlight the cultural context behind fashion phenomena across the globe. For our first instalment of the series, we have created a whistle stop tour of the inextricable links between anime and fashion, which will sit amongst the series of the compelling cultural snapshots to come. 

Anime’s influence is of international significance. Originating in Japan, it has permeated culture since its beginnings in 1917 and has been a source of inspiration for creatives in all fields, with fashion being no exception.

Loewe x Howls Moving Castle Collaboration

At the core of anime’s appeal is the freedom to express oneself, as such, many designers draw from the themes of strength, individuality, and community found in it. Leading to innovative collaborations that emulate this sense of unique identity.  Most recently, luxury fashion house Loewe teamed up with Studio Ghibli, the legendary animation studio behind beloved film, Howl’s Moving Castle. The result, an array of handcrafted and embellished collectors items that channel the infinite alternate realities of anime. 

Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon Collaboration

Shoe designer Jimmy Choo also got in on the action, collaborating with the hugely popular anime of the 1990s, Sailor Moon. The collection featured iridescent platform shoes and a crystal embellished clutch of Sailor Moon’s adored feline companion Luna. Again, exemplifying the majestical lengths anime can push brands into.

Thierry Mugler’s influence on Sailor Moon

Fashion also plays a huge role in constructing the colourful stories of Anime’s characters. Naoko Takeuchi, Sailor Moon’s creator, often drew inspiration from designer Thierry Mugler. When attesting to the inspirations of his clothes, Mugler said, “I made clothes because I was looking for something that didn’t exist. I had to try to create my own world”. This explains why the relationship between these two forms of art worked so well, as both crafts relied on the imagination of the fantastical and otherworldly.

The connection between anime and trending fashion

Oversized and exaggerated clothing has been a trend for a while now. One reason for this is the bold, expressive style of anime, which has inspired many designs. Cartoon-like figures and bold colours are commonly found in anime, resulting in a playful and imaginative approach to fashion.

For example, MSCHF recently released the ‘big red boot’, which has an evident relation to the Japanese anime series Astro Boy. However, the reception of these boots was polarising. This led to their viral circulation and provoked strong reactions from fashion critics regarding their aesthetics and wearability, or lack of.

Anime’s natural persuasion lends itself well to producing viral trends, and we are seeing an increase in collaborations that capitalise on this. A trend that is likely to continue as long-standing luxury brands compete in the effort to renew their appeal and relevance for further commercial expansion.