NANA fashion & Vivienne Westwood

Embracing Nana Despite Adversity A long-cherished promise to delve into the manga Nana was put on hold by the weight of its sad reputation and personal health struggles. Early memories of avoiding the story due to its emotional impact gave way to a brave confrontation with its narrative after overcoming a tough period. Completion of the manga marked a turning point that combined personal resilience with long-awaited creative fulfillment.

Nana as a Manifesto of Punk Fashion The world of Nana pulsates with a distinctive punk aesthetic that is heavily infused with the style signatures of Vivienne Westwood. Bold quotes and visual cues, featuring elements like iconic chokers and rebellious motifs, seamlessly merge fashion with punk rock energy. Ai Yazawa’s background in fashion school helps to create a vivid portrayal of characters who embody the raw spirit of punk culture.

Punk Icons Shaping Cultural Legacy Subtle nods to legendary punk figures, including the influence of the Sex Pistols and Sid Vicious, layer the narrative with a rich tapestry of cultural references. Character designs and dramatic interactions echo well-known punk tragedies, reinforcing Nana’s blend of music and style. Even when not wearing direct designer pieces, the characters consistently reflect the enduring impact of iconic punk trends.

Nana’s Definitive Style vs Hachi’s Eclectic Punk Nana Osaki stands out with a stable, iconic look crafted from Vivienne Westwood influences, featuring tartan, leopard prints, and bold red accents on love jackets and tailored suits. Her wardrobe includes well-defined pieces like corsets, fur-trim jackets, and chain-detailed vests that solidify her status as a fashion cornerstone. In contrast, Hachi’s attire blends raw punk energy with new wave drama and horror-punk elements, resulting in a more experimental mix of leather, mini skirts, and fishnet stockings. The contrast between Nana’s clear fashion identity and Hachi’s fluid style emphasizes diverse interpretations of punk aesthetics.

Signature Wardrobe: Westwood’s Legacy in Manga Fashion The design narrative weaves in iconic pieces that mirror Vivienne Westwood’s collections, from corsets and leather jackets to distinctive rocker shoes with daring lacing. Recurring motifs such as tartan, leopard prints, and fur trims merge rebellious punk attitudes with refined tailoring cues. A notable element is the 'god save the queen' shirt, a direct nod to Sex Pistols’ legacy that punctuates the visual storytelling. These carefully curated garments and accessories create a dynamic dialogue between avant-garde fashion and the manga’s bold stylistic vision.

Hachi’s wardrobe mirrors a journey of continuous transformation under the sway of her closest companions. Her constant headscarf contrasts with the shifting trend—from high school charm to artsy, punk inflections, and even conservative looks—each reflecting the lifestyle she aims to embrace. The deliberate evolution in her attire subtly unveils her inner conflict with indecision and the desire to fit into multiple identities.

A clear contrast emerges between the popular gal mix, where girls embrace mainstream trends, and the striking Ganguro style, defined by deep tanning and nearly white makeup. What initially seemed an exaggeration is revealed as a widely adopted fashion phenomenon in Shibuya. The trend’s distinctive elements, featuring heavily tanned skin paired with light eye shadow and lipstick, have permeated modern cultural narratives and found expression in related manga stories.

Jun expresses her desire to experience Shibuya, revealing an evolution in her look from sleek, straight hair to a more natural style that hints at a mixed heritage. Her adoption of a North American art school aesthetic, shared with her partner Kyoske, underscores a deliberate embrace of Western fashion. This transformation and stylistic choice ignite a debate on cultural appropriation, with observations leaning toward it being a form of appropriation.

Sachiko is depicted with a juvenile look and attire reminiscent of a 12-year-old boy, creating an unsettling visual impression. Shōji's attraction to these youthful traits adds to an uneasy dynamic in adult relationships. Hachi’s notably childish demeanor further complicates the portrayal of maturity. The narrative raises concerns over blending youthful appearance with adult interactions, challenging the appropriateness of such presentations.

The character’s wardrobe is inspired by lolita fashion but is transformed into a simplified style that combines casual wearability with classic, old-school elements. The dresses are less intricate, offering an easier, everyday approach without the typical elaborate details found in classic or sweet lolita styles. This refined aesthetic is further enriched by punk influences, evident in accessories like plaid skirts and distinctive shoes, reflecting the show's broader punk-inspired design.

Vivienne Westwood’s early boutique offerings serve as a springboard for reflecting on the evolution from authentic beginnings to global branding. The discussion shifts to a show that is dissected for its layered characters, intricate plot, and distinctive visual style, including drawing techniques and framing choices. Audience members are encouraged to share both passionate and measured opinions, particularly highlighting nuanced insights on side characters. Detailed, specific takes are invited to enrich the ongoing conversation in future episodes.