Nana Vivienne Westwood: Why Is This Collab Important? 

Have you ever watched an anime and thought, “Wow, these outfits are cooler than half my closet”? Well, you’re not alone. One anime that is frequently mentioned for its fashion impact is Nana. Pair that with one of the most rebellious designers in fashion history, Vivienne Westwood, and you get a collaboration that feels iconic.

Discover why the Nana and Vivienne Westwood collaboration is such a big deal, how fans reacted, and whether you’d actually want to wear the collection myself!

What is Nana, and why do people love it?

Nana is an anime and manga created by Ai Yazawa. It follows two young women who share the same name, Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu, but have entirely different personalities and dreams. One wants to become a famous punk rock singer. The other is searching for love, stability, and a sense of belonging.

What makes Nana stand out isn’t flashy fights or fantasy worlds. It feels real. The characters struggle with relationships, careers, jealousy, and identity—issues that many teens and young adults can relate to. Even if you’re watching it years after it first aired, the emotions still hit.

And then there’s the fashion. Nana Osaki’s punk style—featuring leather jackets, plaid skirts, and bold accessories—became instantly recognizable. Her outfits weren’t just clothes. They were part of her personality.

Who was Vivienne Westwood?

Vivienne Westwood was a British fashion designer known as the queen of punk fashion. She helped shape the punk movement in the 1970s with bold designs, political messages, and a strong “do your own thing” attitude. Her brand seamlessly blends rebellion, history, and high fashion in a way that remains fresh.

Westwood’s designs often feature tartan prints, safety pins, corsets, chunky jewelry, and her famous orb logo. The clothes don’t try to blend in. They stand out, sometimes on purpose, sometimes to make people uncomfortable. That energy is a perfect match for Nana.

How Nana and Vivienne Westwood Came Together

Fans finally got something they’d been dreaming about for years: an official Nana Vivienne Westwood Collaboration! Just last month, in November 2025, the fashion house released an exclusive collection to honor the story’s 25th anniversary. It celebrated Nana’s legacy and Vivienne Westwood’s punk roots. 

What makes this collection special? The connection between the story and the fashion house. When Ai Yazawa created Nana, she openly referenced Vivienne Westwood’s designs in both the manga and the anime. Nana Osaki’s jewelry, outfits, and overall style were modeled after authentic Westwood pieces, particularly the brand’s signature punk accessories and bold silhouettes.  Fans noticed this immediately, even before collaborations became an official thing.

The collection brought iconic elements from the series into real-world fashion. With items like the “Armour Ring”, “Giant Orb Lighter”, and apparel in Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki’s respective styles, the designs truly felt like they stepped straight out of the manga. For longtime fans, it must feel like a full-circle moment: the fashion that inspired Nana was now honoring Nana in return.

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Loved by Some, Questions by Others 

When the collection dropped, things got intense real fast—many of the pieces sold out within minutes, which speaks volumes about the excitement of the fans. However, the internet also had thoughts–and plenty of them.

Some fans felt the collection leaned too heavily toward Vivienne Westwood’s current brand identity and not enough toward Nana itself. While the items were cute, they fell short in emulating the vibes that Yazawa’s characters had. For instance, a lot of fans noticed that Shin’s lighter was released in gold, even though it’s silver in the manga. For longtime fans who know these details by heart, that change felt unnecessary and a little disappointing.

Pricing and materials also raised eyebrows. Some people questioned why jewelry made with brass came with such a high price tag, especially when even famous pieces like the Armour Ring weren’t made from sterling silver. And then there’s the heart blazer–fans were confused that it didn’t make a comeback in this collection! Vivienne Westwood herself wore the same blazer back in 1987, and many people felt that bringing it back would’ve perfectly honored both the anime and the designer’s history.

So while the hype was real, the reactions weren’t universally positive. For many fans, the collection was exciting, but it also sparked conversations about authenticity, attention to detail, and what a true Nana collaboration should look like.

Would I wear the Nana Vivienne Westwood Collection?

Honestly? I would if I had the chance, but only for select items. Some items are very bold and need confidence to pull off, after all! That said, accessories like necklaces, rings, or a statement top are easier to style with everyday clothes.

Personally, the red puppy corset looks good, especially when paired with a white button-up shirt underneath. I’d also love to trot around the streets of Harajuku with the black charm frame purse and the orb bracelet to match! Perhaps I can also try wearing pieces the same way Nana Osaki would: as a reflection of mood and attitude. 

For students in middle or high school, you don’t need the real thing to be inspired. Thrifted plaid skirts, chunky boots, and DIY accessories can capture the same vibe. Fashion is about creativity and self-expression, after all!

Final Thoughts on Nana Vivienne Westwood

The Nana Vivienne Westwood collaboration is more than just a fashion drop. While the reactions were split, it also demonstrates how Nana is a story that means so much to so many people. What makes it special is that clothes were never just outfits; they were a reflection of one’s identity. 

Fashion played a significant role in telling each character’s story and how they struggled to find themselves, even when life became messy. If you love anime, manga, fashion, or all of the above, this collaboration is definitely worth knowing about. It shows how art can cross boundaries in meaningful ways. And if you ever feel like expressing who you are through what you wear, Nana Osaki would probably tell you to go for it.

After all, being yourself is always in style! Have you seen the Nana x Vivienne Westwood collaboration? What did you think about it? Let us know in the comments!