For its Spring/Summer 2022 collection Italian streetwear label GCDS has teamed up with Once Piece, the beloved Japanese manga series created by Eiichiro Oda, to launch an exclusive clothing capsule designed by Creative Director Giuliano Calza.
The new collection delivers a wide range of avant-garde pieces all inspired by the show's characters and imagery. Standout styles include graphic-adorned bowling shirts, cargo sweatshirts, maxi t-shirts, full bodysuits, and jersey sweaters. One particularly experimental piece is an oversized pink cardigan that features crystal stones and the famous Doflamingo.
Rounding out the collection is a series of accessories, including a printed hat with a Shirahoshi graphic and extra-wide brim, logo-printed socks, and a shawl featuring the ionic One Piece island.
Anime-Themed High Fashion
GCDS Partners with One Piece to Launch Experimental Clothing Capsule
Trend Themes
1. Anime-inspired Fashion - The trend of incorporating elements of Japanese manga and anime into fashion is growing, offering opportunities for collaborations and new, creative designs in the fashion industry.
2. Streetwear Crossover Collections - The trend of streetwear brands collaborating with franchises in anime, gaming, and other pop culture areas is leading to a new wave of hybrid designs and fan merchandise offerings.
3. Experimental High Fashion - The trend of incorporating unique materials, embellishments, and details into high fashion design is expanding, inspiring designers to push boundaries and create statement pieces.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can take advantage of the growing popularity of anime by incorporating elements of it into fashion designs, leading to fresh new collections and appealing to younger audiences.
2. Entertainment - The collaboration between anime/manga franchises and fashion brands presents opportunities to cross-promote these industries, appealing to fans of both and expanding revenue streams.
3. Art and Design - The trend of experimental high fashion is pushing designers to explore new materials and techniques, leading to new forms of wearable art and opportunities to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.