We’re always looking for a happy memory to uplift our mood and a lot of people have turned to reliving their childhood memories to do so. Nostalgia can help one manage feelings of loneliness, which is something we can all feel even in our new reality, a study suggests.
It seems fashion brands have caught on to this because a lot of whimsical Japanese fashion collaborations have been released in the past few weeks. Whether it’s from a popular TV anime series that you used to watch after school or a game franchise that you grew up with, everything’s fair game. Here are some of the latest collections that caught our eye and have us considering adding to cart soon.
Longchamp x Pokémon
All the bags designs in the Longchamp x Pokémon collaboration collection.
Adding on to the growing list of whimsical Japanese fashion collaborations with luxury brands, Longchamp’s newest range of bags features well-loved figures from the hit Pokémon series. Pikachu adds an electrifying element to the Le Pliage®, Maison Longchamp’s classic bag design. The collection is an embodiment of French elegance and Japanese kawaii, perfect for ladies who want to indulge their youthful interests or mums who want to match with their kiddos. You can shop this collection internationally on longchamp.com and locally in the Philippines at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Cebu, Greenbelt 5 and Rustans.com starting today.
G-SHOCK x Dragon Ball Z and ONE PIECE
(Left) GA-110JDB-1A4, SGD319/~USD234.77 (Right) GA-110JOP-1A4DR, SGD319/~USD234.77
If you prefer smaller accessories with a bold design, G-SHOCK recently released two collaboration models inspired by the anime series Dragon Ball Z and ONE PIECE you might like. The shock-resistant watches feature the series’ respective protagonists, San Goku and Monkey D. Luffy, in powerful poses. So whether you’re a pirate adventurer like Luffy or going Super Saiyan like Goku, these watches will surely make you feel empowered and youthful whenever you wear it.
Uniqlo x Demon Slayer Manga UT Collection
One of the designs from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba UT collection.
Uniqlo is another J-fashion brand known for its inspired collections. This time, they released the second instalment of their Demon Slayer manga UT collection in anticipation of the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train release in Japan this 16 October. The main protagonist from the television anime Tanjiro Kamada gets the spotlight, while other designs also feature some key characters such as the powerful sword masters known as the Hashira. If you’re a fan of the series or looking for a cool new graphic tee, you can check out the whole collection in Uniqlo stores and the Uniqlo website in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
PUMA x Super Mario Bros.
Complete the look with a pair of sneakers from the upcoming PUMA x Super Mario Bros. collab collection. Featuring Nintendo’s infamous plumber, PUMA’s athletic designs get a whimsical twist. ICYDK, this year marks the Super Mario franchise’s 35th anniversary. So aside from the bunch of Super Mario game features released last month to celebrate the momentous occasion, Nintendo and PUMA have also teamed up to create a shoe for every game in Super Mario 3D All-Stars. You can bet that Mario’s signature red and blue theme is heavily present in each design. The collection drops on 27 November, so mark your calendars!
BlackMilk x Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Speaking of Nintendo’s best-selling franchises, the Animal Crossing craze is still not over. As the unofficial escapist quarantine game, Animal Crossing has inspired a lot of fashion designs both virtual and IRL. Australian clothing brand BlackMilk is joining in the fun with a super whimsical Japanese fashion collaboration inspired by the game’s well-known non-playing characters. From the dreamy Timmy And Tommy Sheer Midaxi Dress (AUD119/~USD85.46) to the cute Nook Gingham Short Overalls (AUD109/~USD78.28), the pieces will make you’ll look like you jumped out of the Switch game and started exploring the real world. You can shop them and a whole lot more on the BlackMilk website, where they offer free shipping.
(Cover photo from: @blackmilkclothing)
Looking for style inspo? Meet the Japanese girl group PERFUME, your new music and fashion idols.
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