Commonly known as the “Disney of the East”, the renowned Studio Ghibli have dipped their anime toes into the world of high fashion twice so far, picking Loewe for their collaborator of choice. Having previously brought to life animated classics Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro, it is now time for a Howl's Moving Castle inspired capsule collection, releasing this week.
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The tale follows the adventures of Sophie, who befriends the eponymous Howl and is then trapped by a witch’s spell, from which her new companion must save her. Akin to previous Studio Ghibli x Loewe collabs, the collection translates the vivid illustrations and familiar characters of the story onto Loewe’s luxe knits and leather goods.
Contrasting between light and dark swatches, the pieces feature cameos from Sophie, Howl, fire demon Calcifer, Markl, Heen, Turnip Head and the Witch of the Waste.
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Constructed from fine grain leather, showstoppers like the backpack and bucket bag mimic the titular castle with great detail to create a larger-than-life accessory that’s equally as mystical as the cartoon version.
Elsewhere, mohair beanies and cardigans feature the castle’s residents, with firey Calcifer handbags and Airpod cases to boot.
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One Howl-inspired standout from the collection is the black wool overcoat, decorated with black feathers and lined with a practical storyboard from the film, mimicking the look of the castle’s proprietor himself.
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The full Loewe x Studio Ghibli “Howl’s Moving Castle” collection will be available for presale access from Wednesday 1st February, with general release Thursday 2nd February from Loewe’s online store.
