Loewe to launch line with Studio Ghibli based on cult film 'My Neighbour Totoro'

Releasing on January 8, the collection is based on the anime story of creatures that only children can see

The My Neighbour Totoro X Loewe collection launches on January 8. Courtesy Loewe

The Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe is bringing some much needed comfort into our lives. Teaming up with the Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli, Loewe has created a new collection based on the 1988 film, My Neighbour Totoro.

Launching on Friday, January 8, the Loewe x My Neighbour Totoro collection leans on the charming story of anime creatures, including Totoro, which are invisible to adults and that only children can see. Much-loved for the sense of magic and wonder it conjures, the film has gained an almost cult following since its release.

Now Studio Ghibli’s famous drawings are to be scattered across a high-end collection. As well as Totoro, other characters that could appear include Mei and Satsuki, Chu-Totoro and Chibi-Totoro, and the mischievous soot sprites known as Makkuro-Kurosuke.

The range will include bags, T-shirts, ready-to-wear pieces and accessories, all decorated with the well-loved characters. Speaking with Dazed, Loewe's creative director, Jonathan Anderson described the collection as aiming to "provide a sense of safety and solace", a much-needed commodity after the past 12 months.

Founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli has created films that enraptured a generation. As well as My Neighbour Totoro, it has made Princess Mononoke (1997) and Spirited Away (2001).

By enlisting these much-loved characters for its storied leatherwork, Anderson is clearly hoping to evoke that same child-like wonder, and offer a little respite from the real world.

Anderson surely knows how popular this collaboration, set to launch on Friday, January 8, will be. Pre-registration for the pieces began in mid-December, on what will undoubtedly be completely sold-out collection.