LEVI’S® X STUDIO GHIBLI: ENCHANTING PRINCESS MONONOKE COLLECTION
When Studio Ghibli released Princess Mononoke in 1997, this historical fantasy anime film captivated the Japanese audience and broke box office records. Today, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film is considered a true masterpiece, adored worldwide for its breathtaking animation and timeless ecological themes.
Both Levi’s® and Studio Ghibli are cultural icons known for their attention to detail and passion for craftsmanship. Combining the legendary status of the clothing brand with the enchanting beauty of the film, they have crafted an artistic collection where poetry is woven into every piece.
Princess Mononoke offers a nuanced perspective on the conflict between humanity and nature, without providing simple answers. Nature plays as crucial a role as humans and animals, with some characters embodying the living soul of the natural world. Inspired by the film’s landscapes and mystical characters, the Levi’s® x Princess Mononoke collection brilliantly captures the ecological tale and profound enchantment of this cinematic masterpiece.
Each item exudes the essence of the forest and the beauty of deeply intertwined ecosystems. From the San & Wolf trucker jacket, Ashitaka 501® ’93 jeans, to the San & Moro 501® shorts, cinematic forest images and the sun seamlessly adorn atmospheric denim. The Nightwalker denim kimono jacket and Kodama overall draw from the brand’s darker indigo pieces, evoking the atmosphere of the characters’ surroundings. The printed T-shirts and hoodie focus on the characters themselves, conveying their identity and ideas using the film’s unique language. The connection between denim items and printed T-shirts (leaning more towards streetwear than denim) mirrors the rhythmic contrast in the film, where serene moments alternate with intense action scenes.
The collection also includes a range of accessories inspired by Princess Mononoke. Sans mystical red battle mask appears on a classic Western American Levi’s® bandana, while the Ancient Forest hat adds the final touch to a complete look. The San & Ashitaka tote bag depicts San on one side and Ashitaka on the other. The collection’s highlight is two coin bags: one with San’s mask and the other featuring a Kodama face. These bags can be worn around the neck, attached to a belt loop, or added to a tote bag. The stunning, lush nature of the animated film and the power of its unique characters come to life on Levi’s® iconic denim items, T-shirts, hoodie, and accessories.
“More than a quarter-century after the release of Princess Mononoke, this iconic animated film continues to resonate with people worldwide,” says Karyn Hillman, Chief Product Officer at Levi Strauss & Co. “It was fantastic to collaborate with Studio Ghibli and create a beautiful collection as a tribute to this breathtaking artistic masterpiece.”