WHY JONATHAN ANDERSON DEDICATES A COLLECTION TO A 80S JAPANESE ANIME MOVIE? LOEWE X MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO IS TODAY’S MAGICAL JOURNEY THROUGH NATURE
Text by Fiammetta Cesana
In 1988 the Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki released what would become one of the most cult anime of 20th century, “My Neighbor Totoro”. Produced by Studio Ghibli, which counted among its cartoon masterpieces “Spirited Away”, “Princess Mononoke” and “Howl’s moving castle”, Totoro, a giant fantastic rodent, ended up being the logo of the Tokyo-based house. Awarded with Animage Anime Grand Prix, the story is that of two little sisters who moved with their father to another town to stay closer to their ill mom. There, the two girls met Totoro and thanks to him and his friends, visible only through children’s eyes, they found deep connection with nature.
The sickness, the life-changing sacrifice, the encounter with a new enchanting world and companions, the discovery of nature’s beauty… these seem to be the unexpected contingencies and profound values that made Jonathan Anderson see how perfectly contemporary Totoro’s tale is.
In collaboration with Studio Ghibli itself, the creative director of the Spanish maison Loewe decided to create a capsule collection dedicated to the magical world of “My Neighbor Totoro”. With the anime’s 80s characters taking over all the pieces – from garments to leather inlaid bags and other accessories – the capsule turns like a wearable storytelling of today’s search for fantasy and wonder.
“The message is that of a dreamlike serenity and lively creativity, which makes us one with nature and with our inner child. I think this is very important not only in this period, but also in the future.” – Jonathan Anderson
Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro has been photographed by Gray Sorrenti who, through a series of surrealist collages, is able to capture the extraordinary presence of Totoro in the woods, whose ephemeral appearances can be caught only by who looks at nature with pure eyes and heart.
The hope of Anderson seems just like employing the lightness of cultural imagery to bring us re-appreciating tangible realm, as the refinement of artisanal work. Entering this journey with a 2020s Totoro may give you different inspiring perspectives on contemporary struggles and find new ways to reconcile with nature.
Choose your favorite Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro’s creation at Loewe.com