Fantasy meets artisanal craftsmanship in this highly anticipated collaboration

It may only be the start of 2021 but we have already been treated to various announcements regarding exciting fashion collaborations to look forward to such as streetwear legend Jerry Lorenzo's partnership with Adidas and outdoor clothing label The North Face teaming up with Gucci.

And now, Spanish luxury house Loewe has revealed that it will be dropping a capsule collection with none other than the iconic Japanese animation film company, Studio Ghibli. The Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro capsule collection will see the animated fantasy film come to life as its iconic characters and landscapes appear on limited-edition ready-to-wear pieces, leather products and accessories.

The collection drops online and in Loewe boutiques on January 8 in Singapore. 

Tatler Asia

Though released in 1988, My Neighbor Totoro remains a cultural landmark beloved by not only film enthusiasts but also children and adults alike. The capsule collection seeks to celebrate the feel-good story’s beloved characters through a mutual love of craft and artisanal techniques shared by Loewe and Studio Ghibli.

(Related: Discover Loewe's Show-In-A-Box And Why Jonathan Anderson Is One Of Fashion’s Most In-Demand Designers)

Comfort is at the heart of the collection so expect relaxed shapes and a vibrant colour palette with hints of chrome and Loewe’s iconic tan. The ready-to-wear pieces include T-shirts printed with both Totoro and Loewe’s logo, hooded sweatshirts with The Camphor tree where Totoro is often found napping as well as handbags and small leather goods with even more whimsical motifs.

Explore the collection below through four of the main motifs:

Meet the Totoro Family

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The forest spirit animals appear on Loewe's iconic handbags such as the Puzzle and Hammock, as well as small leather goods. T-shirts and sweatshirts are also emblazoned with Totoro prints.

Look for the magic tree

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The Camphor tree where Totoro is often found napping is reinterpreted in the form of a tote bag with rich and tactile tapestry embroidery. These tapestry panels are also imposed in the women’s ready-to-wear, in relaxed and elongated silhouettes. The sweater in particular incorporates textured jacquard with a mix of different yarns, with the Totoro embroidered patch applied by hand onto the knit to evoke the sense of Totoro resting on the magic tree.

Dust bunnies takeover

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Leave it to the dust bunnies to perfectly inject a sweet, playful charm in this part of the collection. The dust bunnies selection includes details such as textured motifs, all-over embroidery and mohair pom-poms that bring more character to the ready-to-wear pieces. 

Find the dust bunnies all over signature designs such as the Balloon bag and Basket bag as well. The fictitious spirits are crafted using different textures including suede and smooth calf.

Beautiful and tranquil landscapes

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And finally, the capsule collection is incomplete without including the animated film's scenic landscapes.

For those who don't know, Sayama Hills was the source of inspiration that led to the creation of My Neighbor Totoro. Its beauty alone played a pertinent role in the creation of the landscape pieces in the collection, where forest creatures are embroidered or painted on by hand—perfect for those who want their fashion piece mixed with a little touch of nature.

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