By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
LOEWE has partnered with Studio Ghibli for a licensed apparel and accessories collection featuring the animated film, Howl’s Moving Castle.
Initially founded in Spain in 1846, LOEWE is a luxury fashion brand that specializes in finely-crafted clothing, leather goods, and accessories.
LOEWE and Studio Ghibli previously released two other co-branded collections based on the animated films Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. All three of the films were created for Studio Ghibli by the renowned Japanese director, Hayao Miyazaki.
Released in 2004, Studio Ghibli’s animated fantasy film Howl’s Moving Castle explores the themes of war, compassion, and loyalty in a world that blends both magic and technology.
“The world we are living in needs a counteract not as an escape, but as a different outlook,” said LOEWE’s creative director, Jonathan Anderson. “This, to me, is what Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films for Studio Ghibli are about: a commentary on the moment and an alternative to it, always heartfelt, fulfilling, full of fantasy and sentiment. This is also the reason why the final installment of our collaboration with Studio Ghibli feels more timely than ever.”
LOEWE’s Howl’s Moving Castle product collection features designs of key characters from the film such as Sophie, Howl and Calcifer.
The product collection includes bags, leather goods, jackets, sweaters and shirts. The character designs featured in the collection are created using leather or shearling intarsia, embroidery, or stud and crystal inlays depending on the product. Many of the items also feature additional decorative details such as appliqué, raffia or feathers.
“Blending hand-drawn and digital animation, Howl’s Moving Castle is technically innovative, exemplifying the power of craft as a bridge between the old and new—a creative approach that LOEWE is proud to share,” said Anderson.
The LOEWE x Howl’s Moving Castle capsule collection officially launched in select stores worldwide on Feb. 2, 2023.