Highlights
Japan continues to make "otaku fashion" fashionable with collaborations between anime studios and fashion brands like the recent partnership between Studio Ghibli and Levi's.
The collaboration gave rise to a distinctive collection of denim products, drawing inspiration from Studio Ghibli's renowned film, Princess Mononoke. This compelling fusion seamlessly blends otaku culture and contemporary street fashion. These collaborative clothing pieces are more than mere garments; they represent works of art that not only convey the environmental message of Princess Mononoke but also encapsulate the distinct styles of both Levi's and Studio Ghibli.
Looking fashionable while expressing your love for anime is now easier than ever! Japan is leading the way in making "otaku fashion" trendy, with an increasing number of partnerships between anime studios and fashion brands. This summer, Studio Ghibli has taken a unique approach by teaming up with Levi's, a renowned Western brand.
Last week, the denim giant and one of Japan's top animation studios announced their exciting collaboration. The outcome is a remarkable collection of denim products that effortlessly blend otaku culture with modern street fashion. While Studio Ghibli has previously collaborated with brands for exclusive clothing lines, this particular collaboration stands out as exceptionally intriguing.
Levi's designs are exclusively inspired by Studio Ghibli's renowned film, Princess Mononoke, released in 1997. The movie delivers a powerful environmental message, showcasing a mystical forest guarded by animal protectors and spirits. The protagonist, Ashitaka, teams up with the legendary Princess Mononoke to defend the forest against the destruction caused by large corporations. Given its rugged outdoor setting, Princess Mononoke serves as an ideal muse for Levi's denim apparel, a prominent and reputable brand in the industry.
The collaboration between Levi's and Studio Ghibli stems from their shared reputation as leaders in their respective fields. Both brands strive for excellence and have distinct artistic styles. The resulting clothing collection from this collaboration is described as "masterpieces, infused with poetic charm in every garment."
The fashion line encompasses all the elements from the original Princess Mononoke story, epitomizing its environmental message. Each item not only embodies the characters but also reflects the essence of the movie. The collection features the San & Wolf Trucker Jacket (¥34,100, $239USD) and the Ashitaka 501® '93 Jeans (¥23,100, $162USD), seamlessly blending the vibrant green forest with the prominent characters. Additionally, there is the Nightwalker Denim Kimono Jacket (¥24,200, $169USD) and the Kodama Denim Overall (¥26,400, $185USD), emphasizing the majestic presence of the forest spirits.
Along with these iconic denim pieces, the collaboration also includes a selection of special t-shirts, a trendy bag, and a stylish coin purse. These items are designed to be worn in combination, symbolizing the contrasting rhythm between serene moments and exhilarating action scenes in cinema. While it may be uncertain if fashion can truly capture this essence, one thing is for sure - wearing these items will leave a lasting impact. The Princess Mononoke x Levi's collaboration items can be purchased at the Levi's Harajuku Flagship Shop or through the Levi's Online Store.
Source: PR Times