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EXCLUSIVE:

LOEWE x MY
NEIGHBOR TOTORO

Words: George Walker, Imagery: Gray Sorrenti, Art Direction: Jonathan Anderson and M/M Paris, Styling: Benjamin Bruno

Find out how Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson was inspired by the work of revered animation house Studio Ghibli to create this unique, exclusive-to-Selfridges collection. Read on to explore the timely themes of environmentalism, escapism and artisanal craft that unite Loewe and Studio Ghibli, explore our highlights from the collection and come join in the story…

Shop now

EXCLUSIVE:

LOEWE X MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO


Words: George Walker, Imagery: Gray Sorrenti, Art Direction: Jonathan Anderson and M/M Paris, Styling: Benjamin Bruno

Find out how Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson was inspired by the work of revered animation house Studio Ghibli to create this unique, exclusive-to-Selfridges collection. Read on to explore the timely themes of environmentalism, escapism and artisanal craft that unite Loewe and Studio Ghibli, explore our highlights from the collection and come join in the story…

Shop now

Last chance to shop

Totoro and his friends have proved exceptionally popular – don't miss your chance to shop the final pieces here.

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The story begins... 

 

In 1988, the cinema reels first turned on Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece My Neighbor Totoro – projecting an enduring message about the preciousness of nature, friendship and the imagination. This film, which tells the story of Totoro and his fellow forest spirits who help to protect both their habitat and two girls whose mother falls seriously ill, remains one of Studio Ghibli’s (the Japanese animation house) most celebrated works. And now, at a time when themes of escapism and environmentalism feel more important than ever, this magical story is coming to life here on selfridges.com with Loewe’s exclusive Totoro collaboration…



The message is one of dreamy serenity and hands-on creativity, of being at one with nature and with one’s own inner child, which is especially important right now.
 

– Jonathan Anderson

Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro – mini Heel Pouch in green, small Heel Pouch in yellow and Heel Pouch in blue
Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro – small Heel Pouch in yellow
Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro – landscape long-sleeved T-shirt in cotton / Mini Puzzle bag in yellow (coming soon) 

A story of craft and creativity


With his stout, furry silhouette and let’s face it, pretty clumsy manner, the beloved Totoro may seem like an unlikely fashion muse – so what was it that caught the imagination of Loewe Creative Director Jonathan Anderson to create the collection of characterful leather accessories, hoodies and knitwear? And why now?

 

The answer lies in the shared values between Loewe, Studio Ghibli and indeed Selfridges; a desire to protect and reconnect with nature and re-establish the value and importance of craft and creativity. Jonathan Anderson underlines the fact that there is a ‘mutual love of craft’ shown in the work of Studio Ghibli’s illustrators and that of Loewe’s leather artisans, which is celebrated across the collection of fashion pieces and playful takes on Loewe’s signature accessories such as the Puzzle bag. 

Watch Loewe’s artisans in action

 

The connection between Loewe and Studio Ghibli is this mutual love of craft and artisanal techniques…The connection between Loewe and My Neighbor Totoro, on the other hand, is the mutual connection with nature.
 

– Jonathan Anderson

Sketches of the Dust Bunnies Puzzle bag and Totoro Hammock Drawstring bag designs
Sketch of the Dust Bunnies Puzzle bag
Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro – Dust Bunnies Balloon bag in canvas and leather
Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro – cotton T-shirt in green
Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro – Small Hammock Drawstring bag in leather and linen

A timely tale


The story of Totoro is over three decades old, so what made this collaboration come about now? “There is a natural longing for heart-warming feelings right now,” explains Jonathan Anderson. “We are all worn out and in need of something sweet and fulfilling. When I think of a movie that affords me that kind of solace, speaking just as directly to a child as it does an adult, that movie is My Neighbor Totoro.” And it seems to be a sentiment that many of us share – as the first lockdown hit last year, Studio Ghibli films were made available to stream here in the UK and saw a huge resurgence in popularity. The key themes that are so fundamental to Studio Ghibli’s films (the preciousness of nature, the importance of friendship and the power of the imagination) were brought into stark focus, as people sought moments of escapism, fun and a positive outlook for the future. And what better mascot for a brighter year ahead than Totoro?



There is a natural longing for heart-warming feelings right now...When I think of a movie that affords me that kind of solace, speaking directly to a child as it does an adult, that movie is My Neighbor Totoro.
 

– Jonathan Anderson

Left: printed hoody in pink, Dust Bunnies Amazona 28 bag in leather (coming soon) / Right: printed T-shirt in pink, Totoro mini Puzzle bag (coming soon)

Made with the Earth in mind


From the use of organic cotton to create the character-print hoodies, to the sourcing of responsibly made leather for the accessories, the collection stays true to the themes of sustainability in Studio Ghibli’s work, Loewe’s focus on conscious craftsmanship and our own commitments as part of Project Earth – something we’re sure would please Totoro and his forest-dwelling friends…



The importance of nature to humankind is on everybody’s mind in these difficult times. Finding ways to live in harmony with the environment is a shared quest.
 

– Jonathan Anderson

Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro –Gate Pocket bag in yellow
Left: landscape-print cotton top, Heel bag in blue, Dust Bunnies slippers  / Right: Crafty Tree jumper, Printed Hammock Drawstring bag. Printed tote bag (all by Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro)

Looking for more? Shop the final pieces from the collection here.

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Join our Loewe x My Neighbor Totoro events on Instagram

Learn to make an origami Totoro

Download the origami templates using the links below, print out and join us on <details> to learn how to create your very own Totoro companion at home.

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Totoro book reading with <name>

Rediscover the story of My Neighbour Totoro in a whole new way as we invite you to enjoy an exclusive reading of the Studio Ghibli book by <name> on our Instagram @TheOfficialSelfridges at <details>.

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