Turning the pages back to the 2000s, when Ai Yazawa introduced us to “NANA,” a world filled with punk, fashion, and the raw intensity of early adulthood.
It became clear why this series still holds cultural weight today. The electric push-and-pull of two girls on the brink of womanhood, chasing different dreams, is significant. It became more than a story; it was an inspiration. Ai Yazawa walked us into a journey where fashion became the narrative for this raw and emotional story. The story revolves around two girls navigating life in the bustling city of Tokyo. We learned the art of self-expression through fashion, and not through the judgment of our actions.
Ai Yazawa openly draws inspiration from her fashion background and Westwood’s punk romanticism. By using popular items, her orb jewelry, and iconic corset silhouettes, she creates a gateway to her storytelling. As the manga regained popularity in 2020 through TikTok, NANA attracted a new wave of Gen-Z audiences. These audiences identified with the characters and found themselves drawn to Vivienne Westwood’s artistry.
When Vivienne Westwood finally announced an official NANA collaboration in 2025, it marked a hopeful return after the manga’s decade-long hiatus. Fans immediately jumped at this moment. Two worlds, always spiritually connected through fashion, were at last materially joining forces.
And yet, when the collection dropped, fans were conflicted. Was this really an ode to famous designs we once saw in Yazawa’s iconic art?
Let’s revisit some of the iconic Vivienne Westwood designs in the manga. We can see if the collaboration lived up to the hype, or if it became yet another case of marketing inconsistency.
LOOK #1 – Nana Osaki’s signature punk-rock ensemble
In the manga
This is the Osaki look- that cemented her as the punk-rock inspiration and royalty. We see her with a black leather jacket, fishnet tights layered with a plaid mini skirt, chunky platform boots, and most importantly, heavy Vivienne Westwood jewelry hardware. It’s bold, gritty, and rooted in Vivienne Westwood’s punk-rock design philosophy and inspiration, dating back to the 80s.
(Credit: NANA x Kera Magazine Vol. 58 @keramagazine)
Collaboration counterpart:
We have the iconic Armour ring, but no heavy leather jackets, or the iconic fishnet and mini skirt combo. Fans were disappointed and felt this was a missed opportunity since the manga’s art was right there. But Vivienne Westwood did pay homage with some of the jewelry and the Stormy Jacket.
(Credit: Vivienne Westwood)
(Credit: Vivienne Westwood)
LOOK #2 – Hachi’s soft, romantic aesthetic
In the manga
Hachi’s wardrobe is the opposite of Osaki’s: dreamy, sweet, and soft. Her outfits reflect the innocence and her gentle personality, her desire to grow, and the romanticism that defines her storyline. Shimmering in pink accents and delicate tones, Hachi’s fashion is the epitome of femininity and the infamous “Shoujo Aesthetic.”
(Credit: NANA x Kera Magazine Vol. 58 @keramagazine)
Collaboration counterpart
Although the collaboration had delicate pieces like: Mini Sunday Dress and Belle Heart Frame Purse, fans felt like they weren’t wardrobe essentials in her closet. The pieces felt unrealistic compared to the more mature designs and expressions of femininity seen in Yazawa’s designs in the manga. On a higher note, fans also felt the quality of the pieces did not reflect the expensive prices they were selling for. Therefore, it was not only a let-down but overwhelming.
(Credit: Vivienne Westwood)
(Credit: Vivienne Westwood)
LOOK #3 – Whimsical and Japanese Y2K fashion
In the manga:
We were introduced to the infamous and early Y2K staples of Japan’s fashion scene. NANA was significant in the contribution and display of fashion during this time. It captured many audiences while inspiring Gen-Z years later. We see the iconic Westwood Orb necklace, playful designers, rock-chic aesthetic, and vibrant colors.
(Credit: NANA x Kera Magazine Vol. 58 @keramagazine)
Collaboration counterpart
The collab included the Orb necklace and many whimsical designs, all of which were not really textbook NANA designs.
The designs didn’t reflect the uniqueness of Yazawa’s vision. Nor did they reflect the boldness and integrity of the Orb necklace, leaving fans feeling uninspired.
In the end, the Vivienne Westwood x NANA collection stands as an ode to nostalgia. It demonstrates the delicacy and power that art has on us. With such an emotionally charged story and Ai Yazawa’s artistry and fashion-forward inspiration, fans were hoping to collect pieces that mimic and reflect this power. Even though the collaboration came as a disappointment and with an underwhelming sense of excitement, it’s truly amazing to see the power of fashion and storytelling that transform the way we think and view our style. The collaboration taught us that taking creative risks is worth it rather than letting iconic artistry slip away.
Check out more about the connection between manga and the world of fashion!
