A giant red bow, a flowy navy frock and a trusty brown satchel. Don’t forget your flying broomstick and a wide-eyed black cat for good measure. Only real ones would know…we’re painting a distinctive mirage of Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service, one of the most reputable films out of Studio Ghibli’s spanning filmography. But it’s not the only universe borne by the animation powerhouse that we’ll soon be falling into. Over the next few months, an encapsulating retrospective featuring larger-than-life theatrical sets of the various filmscapes from the Japanese animation studio will unfurl at ArtScience Museum. Enter The World of Studio Ghibli: where one can relive the vibrant escapades of cult-favourite films like My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle.
Over the years, the magic of Studio Ghibli has been clear as day. The works of Hayao Miyazaki and the late Isao Takahata have garnered indisputable acclaim, capturing the hearts of animation lovers and film buffs alike—its Oscar win for The Boy and the Heron earlier this year iron-clad proof enough. The studio has even had its foray into the fashion realm, what with its buzzy collaborative collections with Loewe being instant shelf hits over the past few years.
Considering its multitude of fantastical worlds, heartfelt narratives and beautiful art, there’s no surprise that each film has always managed to find an audience of its own. But what’s a good storyline without its beloved characters to tell its tale? Ask any Spirited Away fan, and that capture of Haku and Chihiro against a blue sky is one they can’t forget. Or maybe it’s No-Face on The Sea Railway. Howl and Sophie on the other hand, will remain on the forever moodboards of any romance enthusiast. But if they appreciated the deeper nuances of Studio Ghibli’s films? Then perhaps Princess Mononoke or San was instrumental in teaching them that there’s no such thing in the world as black or white, only shades of grey.
Indeed, at the heart of the studio’s appeal, are its legion of animated characters who front the various films. And who continue to inspire the masses, both young and old. Amid the recent opening of The World of Studio Ghibli at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore, we’re fairly certain that your visit won’t be complete without a Ghibli-inspired outfit. From the wizard Howl and Sophie Hatter to Kiki and San, here’s how to emulate your favourite characters from the spellbinding world of Studio Ghibli.
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Kiki from 'Kiki's Delivery Service'
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Sophie Hatter from 'Howl's Moving Castle'
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Brunello Cucinelli embellished cotton-blend poplin shirt, $2,162
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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Sheeta from 'Castle in the Sky'
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Chihiro Ogeno from 'Spirited Away'
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Princess Mononoke or San from 'Princess Mononoke'
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The Attico cropped shearling coat, $6,238
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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Howl Jenkins Pendragon from 'Howl's Moving Castle'
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Kiko Kostadinov embroidered poplin shirt, $1,249
Available at Farfetch.
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Nausicaä from 'Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind'
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Aspinal of London cashmere-lined leather gloves, $205
Available at Aspinal of London.
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Shizuku Tsukishima from 'Whisper of the Heart'
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Dolce&Gabbana leather shoulder bag, $3,384
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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