The cartoons that dominated the screens in the late 80’s, 90’s and 2001 are now the protagonists of the collections of Balmain, Loewe and Fila for this spring 2022.
The cartoons are coming out of the screens and into our wardrobes. Increasingly, brands are choosing to collaborate with other firms. On this occasion, they are opting for animation to create colourful and fun collections.
Balmain x Barbie
With a colour palette full of different shades of pink, Balmain has created a collection in collaboration with the Barbie brand. Balmain’s creative director, Olivier Rousteing, and his team have been inspired by the world of Barbie to create this limited edition collection.
It is based on the graphic treatment of the Barbie world. It gives special importance to the badges, T-shirts and sweatshirts. Furthermore, to create the accessories, the Balmain bags and Barbie packaging were hybrids. In this way, the Maison’s familiar garments are given a twist, such as the iconic marinière and its Labyrinth pattern.
Pink short denim jacket, pink boyfriend jeans, Petra Ranger monogram print canvas ankle boots and 1945 tote bag in pink calfskin. – Monogram print knit cardigan and monogram print knit leggings. – Pink short t-shirt with Bardot neckline and pink mini card holder in calfskin.
The collection continues the French style that Balmain has adopted in its latest launches and is almost 100% unisex. Rousteing has stated that it is a “multicultural adventure, inclusive and always full of joy“.
Multicoloured oversize cotton T-shirt. – White cotton T-shirt, pink and white nylon jacket, pink and white nylon tracksuit bottoms and pink B-Court laceless trainers with monogram print. – Multicoloured cotton sweatshirt and white denim dungarees.
Loewe x Studio Ghibli
The Studio Ghibli animation studio has teamed up with Loewe to create a collection dedicated to one of the most famous anime films in history: Spirited Away. The feature, which won the Oscar for best animated film at the 75th annual awards ceremony, is an ode to loyalty, friendship and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Zeniba cotton T-shirt, Kaonashi bracelet-shaped pouch in pleated nappa leather and small Yubaba anagram tote bag in calfskin and multicoloured fabric. – Kaonashi oversize T-shirt in cotton, Susuwatari cardigan in wool, Yubaba anagram tote bag in calfskin and multicoloured fabric. – Chihiro shirt in cotton, Susuwatari charm in calfskin and Susuwatari puzzle mini bag in classic calfskin.
The Spirited Away collection by Loewe is made up of prêt-à-porter garments. It features the most emblematic characters from the film, such as Chihiro, the young protagonist, Haku and the sorceress Yubaba. The collection offers T-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts and shoes. Also accessories such as scarves, blankets and classic Loewe bags like the Amazona, the Puzzle, the Hammock and the Flamenco.
Kaonashi cardigan in wool with zip, Susuwatari Flow Runner slippers in calfskin, Susuwatari bag in classic calfskin and Yu-Bird scarf in wool. – Haku long sleeve T-shirt in cotton, Haku shorts in jacquard fleece, Susuwatari anagram tote bag in jacquard and calfskin and Kaonashi fisherman’s hat in jacquard and calfskin. – Kaonashi long sleeve T-shirt in cotton, small puzzle bag with Bô mouse in classic calfskin with Susuwatari thin shoulder strap in classic calfskin.
The garments are made with jacquard, prints, appliqués and patches, leather marquetry and embroidery. There are also pieces made using the Japanese “boro” technique. It consists of joining patched and indigo-dyed scraps, creating an intarsia of Kasuri fabrics and Anagram jacquard canvas in both garments and bags.
Fila x Radio Eva (Evangelion)
The Evangelion anime franchise is teaming up with FILA to create a collection inspired by Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (シン・エヴァンゲリオン劇場版). It is the fourth and final film in the Rebuild of Evangelion series, based on the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. The feature film is a science fiction anime and was released in 2021. It was written and co-directed by Hideaki Anno and produced by Studio Khara.
Fila Heritage nylon jacket in white and purple, T-shirt with logo change and sports trousers with side straps. – Fila Heritage nylon jacket in grey and red. – Graphic T-shirt in black and red, Fila Barricade XT 97 trainers and basic cap with logo in red and blue.
The collection features different types of garments, from graphic tees to hats and shoulder bags. In streetwear style, the pieces are inspired by the main characters of the saga as well as other supporting characters to suit all Evangelion fans. In addition, they have also released wireless headphones, a body pillow and even emergency food rations themed like those eaten in the series.
Cartoons and the world of fashion
With these collections, fashion brands manage to transfer cartoons from the screen to the real world. brands are no strangers to these collaborations, as we saw last year. In 2022, several houses are once again betting on this fun option in which the animation takes all the limelight.
Images provided by the aforementioned brands.
