Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood
You are wondering why I am dedicating a post to this great artist and stylist and why does it connect with my project?
We assume that Nana, the manga, is based on the punk style and above all on punk music. The history of Punk is very complex, its great extension has allowed this genre to influence numerous forms of art and cultural aspects. From music to literature, from visual arts to fashion, through comics. And it is precisely an oriental comic, a manga, to have warmly embraced this style. As already mentioned in previous posts Nana is the story of two girls, diametrically opposed, who meet by pure chance in the great Japanese capital, Tokyo. They end up sharing the apartment, but that's not all. Their lives will forever remain intertwined, whether they like it or not. A plot apparently in the norm, which hides some not inconsiderable quotes.
Now I will give you my analysis on some details of Nana's clothing since the writer is clearly inspired by Vivienne's outfits:
The first character that catches the eye, to the detriment of the two protagonists, is certainly Ren Honjo.
He plays the bass, dressed in leather, like a real punk, a chain closed by a lock with an R around the neck. The character was openly inspired by the figure of Sid Vicious, he is part of the Sex Pistols Punk band. Turning to his girlfriend, Nana Osaki, one thing cannot fail to be noted: there is no cartoon or frame, in which there are no creations by Vivienne Westwood. Necklaces and earrings have the ubiquitous orb.
The symbol, used by the designer, is inspired by the "Sovereigns Orb" one of the English crown jewels, created for the coronation of King Charles II. The designer has never stopped using it, today it is the symbol with which the brand is present in the minds of the whole world. Bags, dresses, suits, accessories, in every part of each collection, over the years, the strange sphere that so remembers Saturn, has remained the central point of the brand. From necklaces to lighters, from earrings to brooches, the orb becomes a real trademark of the protagonist in the manga, even featuring the two rival bands, the Black Stones and the Trapnest. Without stopping at the accessories, the creator and mangaka Ai Yazawa freely take inspiration also from the clothes: not only tartan suits but also what is now a real symbol for all lovers of comics.
The red heart jacket, in fact, makes its appearance from the very first pages, reminding us how Westwood is able to create provocative clothes, accessories at the limit of common sense, up to levels of class and elegance, decidedly contrasting. The sweetness of the garment, a jacket belonging to the Red Label collection in velvet, with a double-breasted cut, accentuates the wearer's waist and brings us back to a delicacy far from the punk imagination, thanks to the heart that forms on her chest, closing it. Another world-admired piece by the English designer, however, would be noticed by any fashion enthusiast.
On display in Milan from 12 March to 14 April 2019, the Rocking Horseshoe is a constant presence at the feet of the protagonists. Presented during the Mini Crini fashion show in 1985, thanks to this bizarre shoe with an oriental taste, Vivienne Westwood wanted to obtain a particular pose, giving height and allowing movement as much as possible, thus the famous shoe was born.(Vogue)
Bags also appear between the pages of the manga, including the famous Ebury Bag and a ring, from which the protagonist is inseparable. Still available on store shelves, the armor ring, she gives that touch of aggression to the wearer. Armoring the fingers of the brave who buy it, he is the faithful companion in the adventure of many fans of history, as well as of the protagonist.
References:
KESSLER, A., 2021. Buon compleanno! Vivienne Westwood compie 80 anni. [online] Vogue Italia. Available at: <https://www.vogue.it/moda/article/vivienne-westwood-compleanno-80-anni-momenti-storia-moda> [Accessed 30 May 2021].
Cavallo, T., 2021. Vivienne Westwood Rocking Horse Shoes. [online] Tacchiacavallo.com. Available at: <https://www.tacchiacavallo.com/2016/04/vivienne-westwood-rocking-horse-shoes.html?m=1> [Accessed 30 May 2021].
Westwood, V., 2021. Knuckleduster Gunmetal Tone | Women's Rings | Vivienne Westwood. [online] WWW.VIVIENNEWESTWOOD.COM. Available at: <https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en/women/jewellery/rings/knuckleduster-ring-gunmetal-tone-gunmetal-tone-SR4552STSIL2GMT.html> [Accessed 30 May 2021].
Cantarini, G., 2021. L'icona punk Vivienne Westwood compie 80 anni!. [online] Lofficielitalia.com. Available at: <https://www.lofficielitalia.com/pop-culture/vivienne-westwood-compie-80-anni-vita-privata-stile-immagini> [Accessed 30 May 2021].
TAYLOR, E., 2015. Vivienne Westwood Frilly Snake Bag. [online] POPSUGAR Fashion UK. Available at: <https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fashion/photo-gallery/39578001/image/39578004/Vivienne-Westwood-Frilly-Snake-Bag> [Accessed 30 May 2021].
Sayara, S., 2009. Nana,these five together? by Sayara on DeviantArt. [online] Deviantart.com. Available at: <https://www.deviantart.com/sayara/art/Nana-these-five-together-83424622> [Accessed 30 May 2021].
Westwood, V., 2014. Vivienne Westwood Fall 2014 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show. [online] Vogue. Available at: <https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2014-ready-to-wear/vivienne-westwood/slideshow/collection?utm_medium=internal&utm_source=vogue.co.uk#8> [Accessed 30 May 2021].
You made some really good connections here.
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