Loewe announces its latest collaboration with Studio Ghibli, this time inspired by the Japanese animated film “The Walking Castle”.
The Castle wanders… are you ready for adventure? Once again, Loewe and Studio Ghibli join forces to create a capsule collection inspired by a feature film by the animation company. Last year we saw them work together on the launch dedicated to the anime Spirited Away, and this 2023 they arrive with a new collaboration based on Howl’s Moving Castle.
Hayao Miyazaki’s film, which was released in 2004, is one of the most commercially successful Japanese films in history.
LOEWE x Studio Ghibli, the final delivery
“The world we live in needs a counterweight: not as an escape route, but as a different perspective. This is, for me, what Miyazaki’s animated films for Studio Ghibli are: a ccommentary on the moment and an alternative to it, always deep, comforting, full of fantasy and sensitivity. It’s also why the final installment of our collaboration with Studio Ghibli seems more timely than ever,” says Jonathan Anderson, Loewe’s creative director.
Loewe x Studio Ghibli with models Taylor Russell and Rianne Van Rompaey photographed by Juergen Teller
Combining hand-drawn and digital animation, The Walking Castle is technically innovative and is an example of the power of craftsmanship as a bridge between old and new. In the collection, creativity has been pushed with bold pieces to bring the universe of the film to life in a palpable way. The key pieces in the collection embody the iconic characters and settings. It’s almost like a handmade virtual reality that takes the form of a garment.
Loewe x Studio Ghibli “Howl’s Moving Castle” with models Oliver O’Sullivan and Hyunji Shin photographed by Juergen Teller.
The Loewe x Howl’s Moving Castle collection features the main characters from the film animating the clothing and accessories. These appear on the Puzzle, Flamenco, Hammock, Amazona, Luna and Bracelet pouch bags, as well as on small leather goods and ready-to-wear garments such as sweaters or shirts.
Loewe x Studio Ghibli “Howl’s Moving Castle” with models Rianne Van Rompaey and Taylor Russell photographed by Juergen Teller.
El Castillo Ambulante, a magic story
Based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Diana Wynn Jones, The Walking Castle tells a story of loyalty and compassion with magic and awe-inspiring technology. Set in a fictional kingdom at war – a deeply significant theme in our time – it tells the tale of Sophie, a young milliner who becomes an old woman after being cursed by a witch. The metamorphosis turns Sophie into the heroic central figure who, upon encountering a wizard named Howl, engages her in his resistance to fight for the king.
Scene of the movie Howl’s Moving Castle
The Loewe x Howl’s Moving Castle collection will launch on February 2 in select stores, along with pop-ups in key locations around the world. The pre-sale will be available on February 1 at loewe.com, for registered customers.
