Vivienne Westwood's Nana Collection Debuts to Msixed Reactions

In a pinch-me moment for fans of Ai Yazawa’s Nana, fashion brand Vivienne Westwood released an exclusive capsule collection that pays homage to the legendary manga. Following the release of a brand-new cover design for a special collector’s volume last month, this collaboration intends to honor the manga’s 25th anniversary.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the fashion in Nana is its own character. Protagonist Nana Osaki, in particular, is consistently wearing Vivienne Westwood pieces, and the designer’s punk aesthetic came to define her effortlessly cool style. The series’ other protagonist Nana Komatsu, on the other hand, is known for her hyper-feminine style, often clad in pinks and pearls. In many ways, Vivienne Westwood’s girly-punk ready-to-wear collections perfectly represent the duo’s opposing natures and unexpected friendship.

The new collection draws inspiration from their juxtaposed wardrobes, and includes several reinterpretations of archival garments, accessories and jewelry. Here is everything you need to know about the drop.

Vivienne Westwood x Nana Collection Highlights

Apparel

Some highlights from the drop include the “Stormy Jacket,” which comes in a bold red Lochcarron tartan with a contrasting black velvet lapel, an asymmetric closure and enamel orb-motif button. This piece is derived from the famous Storm Jacket from Westwood’s Fall/Winter 1996 “Storm in A Teacup” collection. Other pieces featuring the traditional tartan include the “Puppy Corset,” tailored “Cigarette Trousers” and the signature “Mini Kilt” skirt.

The collection also re-introduces the “Mini Sunday Dress” in a light pink poplin reminiscent of Nana Komatsu’s outfits. You can also spot the fine-knit “Bea Corset Cardi” in a fluorescent pink, and simple T-shirts in deep navy and hot pink, featuring a “Westwood Galaxy” print.

The “Rocking Horse Ballerina” shoes, returning in a red tartan wool and ribbon ties, are truly iconic. There’s also an Asia-exclusive version in pink metallic crinkle leather. Nana Osaki famously wore a black version of these platformed ballerinas in the manga.

Jewelry and Collectibles

Of course, we can’t forget the jewelry collection, which features House styles from Nana. The standout “Giant Orb Lighter,” worn by the character Shin, is limited to only 250 pieces globally. The “Armour Ring,” also seen regularly in the manga, is another highly-coveted item, as is the “Nana Pearl Necklace.”

There are also several purses in the lineup, including the “Belle Heart Frame” purse, adorned with Nana-specific charms such as safety pins, drop pearls, teddies and strawberry motifs.

courtesy of PR Times

Mixed Reactions From Fans

Although most of the pieces sold out in minutes, there has also been some criticism from fans online, who complained that the collection was not true to Yazawa’s beloved characters.

One TikTok user posted a video wondering, “Is it just me, or is this Nana x Vivienne Westwood collection only giving Vivienne Westwood?” Many left comments in agreement. Several users also questioned the usage of gold for Shin’s lighter, which was silver in the manga.

Others questioned the price point in comparison to the quality, with one user criticizing the use of brass in the jewelry, stating that even the “Armour Ring” is not made of sterling silver. One person even went as far as to say that “[the collection] is a bit disrespectful to Ai Yazawa.”

Love it or hate it, the collection has been selling like crazy, and will no doubt hit the resale market soon. If you get the chance, we recommend seeing the pieces in person for yourself before deciding to make a purchase.

Where To Buy the Vivienne Westwood x Nana Collection

The Vivienne Westwood x Nana capsule collection launched today, and the remaining pieces are available for purchase on the brand’s website and in select stores worldwide. In Japan specifically, you can find the collection in the Vivienne Westwood Aoyama store in Tokyo, and the Vivienne Westwood Shinsaibashi store in Osaka.