For Studio Ghibli fans and fashion lovers, the dream collaboration has just come true with the LOEWE x My Neighbor Totoro capsule collection.
Jonathan Anderson, creative director of Spanish luxury house, LOEWE, has teamed up with Hayao Miyazaki to pay tribute to the characters and landscapes of the 1988 Japanese animated fantasy film, My Neighbor Totoro.
The Totoro-inspired ready-to-wear, bags and accessories have been available globally in-store and online since the launch on January 8. The edit ranges from t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts to culottes and biker jackets, including an array of wallets, small leather goods and bags – all of which feature familiar characters, motifs and themes from the film.
The Art of Studio Ghibli
When one of the world’s oldest and major luxury houses joins forces with the most beloved anime studio, it means only one thing – a collaboration not to miss out on. As LOEWE approaches 175 years in the making, and with 143 stores mainly concentrated in Spain and Japan, it seems only right for this partnership to materialize.
In the brand’s press release, Anderson explained the reasons behind this collaboration: “The connection between LOEWE and Studio Ghibli is the mutual love of craft and artisanal techniques, expressed in our respective languages. The connection between LOEWE and My Neighbor Totoro, on the other hand, is the mutual connection with nature, the world outdoors, and a sense of perpetual invention.”
The Influence of My Neighbor Totoro
The beloved animation classic, My Neighbor Totoro, tells the fictional story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who moved to the countryside with their father to be closer to their ailing mother residing in a hospital. Their spooky old house is inhabited by tiny creatures called ‘Susuwatari’ – dark house spirits also referred to as ‘Dust Bunnies’. In the woods, they befriend a giant forest spirit and a rabbit-like figure named ‘Totoro’.
Writer-director, Hayao Miyazaki, has created a legacy for Japanese children with Totoro as the film’s central character, capturing the pure innocence and simple grace of childhood. Since its release, the film has received universal critical acclaim, amassing a worldwide following with Totoro being recognized as one of the most popular and genuinely loved characters in Japanese animation.
“When I think of a movie that affords me that kind of solace, speaking just as directly to a child as it does to an adult, that movie is My Neighbor Totoro… [you] cannot possibly forget it,” expresses Anderson.
An Innovative Collection
Anderson meets Miyazaki for a playful collection, celebrating the magic of Studio Ghibli in luxury fashion. Illustrations of Totoro and Dust Bunnies pop up on standout pieces, including bright knitted jumpers, oversized cotton t-shirts and leather jackets, as well as the fashion label’s luxe leather goods filled with colour and vibrant characters. As a whole, the items are loosely fitted with a relaxed feel.
A range of LOEWE’s timeless bags are featured, such as the Puzzle, Basket, Hammock Drawstring and Balloon bags in classic and soft calfskin. Totoro is boldly printed along the side and mischievous Dust Bunnies can be found hanging from jackets in the form of fluffy pompoms.
As one of LOEWE’s most high-profile collaborations, the collection has taken a conscientious approach to incorporate updated traditions of Japanese animation, representing ‘a natural world that is fully, spiritually alive.’ It mixes nostalgia with modernity, translating the film’s concept of adventure into an exciting, youthful and comforting collection that resonates with all ages.
The Production Process
Studio Ghibli films are known for their long but lovingly hand-crafted production processes. Each individual frame is hand-sketched and coloured, sometimes resulting in years of work to complete just one film. The love and care present in this collection certainly haven’t gone unnoticed in terms of craftsmanship.
LOEWE utilizes a marquetry technique called ‘Intarsia’ for the meticulous production of leather bags, whereby designers hand-trace and carefully peel off sketches of Totoro, his co-stars and backdrops before shapes are cut into the leather. The iconic imagery is then hand-painted with the utmost attention to detail.
“The message is one of dreamy serenity and hands-on creativity—of being at one with nature and with one’s own inner child—which is especially important right now and, I think, always will be,” explains Anderson.
In a tale of supernatural creatures, My Neighbor Totoro, is enchantingly relatable, whether that be through friendships between the characters or the deep appreciation for nature, living in harmony with the environment. The idea of translating such sentiment onto clothing is truly uplifting.
This collection is a fun form of warm-hearted escapism that transports viewers into the magical world of Studio Ghibli, ideal for tapping into the imagination of the inner child during difficult times like these. It keeps adventure, optimism, creativity and the wonder of life alive.
All images in this article are courtesy of LOEWE.
