In recent years, the worlds of anime and fashion have collided in a spectacular way, giving rise to a new trend that has captivated both enthusiasts of Japanese animation and fashionistas around the globe. Anime, with its unique art style and compelling storytelling, has inspired numerous fashion designers and brands to incorporate elements from popular anime series into their collections.

In this article, we explore the profound influence of anime fashion on designers and highlight notable collaborations that have taken place between anime franchises and renowned fashion houses.

Sailor Moon and Jimmy Choo: Embracing Magical Girl Chic

© Naoko Takeuchi / Kotaku

Sailor Moon, the beloved manga and anime series that follows the adventures of a group of magical girls, has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. One of the most notable collaborations inspired by Sailor Moon is the partnership between the iconic shoe brand, Jimmy Choo, and the anime franchise.

The collaboration gave birth to a stunning collection of footwear that featured celestial motifs, whimsical designs, and vibrant colors reminiscent of the magical world of Sailor Moon that debuted on Valentine’s Day of 2023. The fusion of Sailor Moon’s enchanting aesthetics with Jimmy Choo’s renowned craftsmanship created a line of shoes that truly captured the essence of “magical girl chic.” And for $1,500 per pair, you can live out your Sailor Moon inspired designer flare.

Astro Boy and MSCHF – Big Red Boot: Nostalgic Futurism Redefined

© MSCHF, Photo by Garrett Bruce, Model Sarah Synder

Astro Boy, the pioneering manga and anime character created by Osamu Tezuka, has become a symbol of retro futurism and a source of inspiration for many artists and designers. In a groundbreaking collaboration, the rebellious creative collective MSCHF teamed up with the Astro Boy franchise to produce the viral “Big Red Boot.”

Similarly timed with the Sailor Moon Jimmy Choo debut, the Big Red Boot, debuted at New York Fashion Week this past February. The viral boots seamlessly recreated Astro Boy’s iconic footwear for the real world, and the result was a stunning fusion of retro futurism and streetwear that stopped the fashion world in its tracks.

Spy x Family and Dior: Espionage Meets High Fashion

© Spur Magazine / Shueisha

The critically acclaimed manga series Spy x Family took its stylish espionage narrative to new heights through a collaboration with the esteemed fashion brand Dior. In this groundbreaking partnership, the series’ creator, Tatsuya Endō, produced an original illustration featuring model and professional flutist Cocomi, prominently showcasing a handbag from Dior’s 2021 Summer Collection.

This fusion of Spy x Family’s intrigue and Dior’s exquisite designs created a captivating blend of style and storytelling. The collaboration exemplified the harmonious convergence of anime and high fashion, leaving a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts and manga lovers alike.

Studio Ghibli and Loewe: Enchanting the Fashion World

© Loewe x Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation film studio, has enchanted audiences worldwide with its imaginative storytelling and breathtaking visuals, namely with the 2001 film, Spirted Away. Embracing the magic of Studio Ghibli, the Spanish luxury leather brand LOEWE embarked on a series of collaborations inspired by the studio’s iconic works.

One notable collaboration involved LOEWE creative director Jonathan Anderson, who expressed his fondness for Hayao Miyazaki’s classic world of Spirited Away through a collection of bold and intricately crafted pieces.

Blending hand-drawn and digital animation, the collaboration celebrated the power of craft as a bridge between the old and the new. This creative partnership showcased the inherent beauty and whimsical elegance that Studio Ghibli has brought to the world of fashion.

Doraemon and Gucci: A Journey through Time and Style

© Gucci, 2021 Doraemon collection

Doraemon, the lovable robotic cat from the future, has become an iconic symbol of Japanese pop culture. Gucci, a brand renowned for its luxury and eccentricity, embarked on a collaboration with Doraemon, resulting in a collection that delighted fans around the world. The Gucci x Doraemon collaboration featured over 50 items, including coats, jackets, track pants, shorts, and accessories.

Gucci’s classic GG monogram pattern was elevated with playful Doraemon accents, showcasing the beloved character in various playful scenarios. Signature design elements, such as the iconic green/red stripe accent, added a touch of Gucci’s timeless aesthetic to the collection. This fusion of playful nostalgia and high fashion captivated both Doraemon enthusiasts and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Pokémon and Converse: The Power of Pop Culture

© Converse x Pokemon

Pokémon, the globally beloved franchise, has not only captured the hearts of millions but has also made a significant impact on the fashion world. Collaborating with the iconic shoe brand Converse, Pokémon enthusiasts were treated to a lineup of Pokémon-inspired high tops as part of the All Star collaboration.

The collection paid homage to some of the most beloved Pokémon characters, with each colorway corresponding to a specific character. Pikachu, Eevee, Charizard, and Mewtwo all received their dedicated designs, with shoe colors and details inspired by their distinctive traits.

The high tops were presented in a special Pokéball-inspired shoe box, further adding to the excitement of this nostalgic collaboration.

Akira and Supreme: Streetwear meets Cyberpunk

© Supreme

Akira, the legendary cyberpunk manga and anime, has continued to inspire and captivate audiences since its inception. Supreme, the iconic streetwear brand known for its bold collaborations, joined forces with Akira to create a capsule collection that paid homage to the series’ dark and futuristic aesthetic.

The collaboration included a range of apparel and accessories, such as jackets, tops, hats, skateboards, and even a plate and tray. Otomo’s striking illustrations adorned the collection, blending seamlessly with Supreme’s distinct style.

The Akira x Supreme collaboration became a coveted symbol of cyberpunk cool, attracting both anime enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals alike.

Anime’s influence on the fashion industry cannot be understated. From Sailor Moon and Jimmy Choo’s magical fusion of style to the futuristic nostalgia of Astro Boy and MSCHF’s “Big Red Boot,” these collaborations have transformed the way we perceive and appreciate fashion.

Spy x Family and Dior brought manga and high fashion together, while Studio Ghibli and Loewe showcased whimsical elegance in motion. Gucci’s playful fusion with Doraemon and Converse’s embrace of Pokémon’s nostalgia further solidified the bond between anime and fashion.

Finally, Supreme’s collaboration with Akira captured the essence of cyberpunk cool. These collaborations serve as testaments to the enduring power of anime to inspire and influence the world of fashion. To catch the ultimate display of anime fashion, be sure to check out the Anime Expo this year, July 1-4, 2023 at the LA Convention Center in Downtown Los Angeles.