In recent years, collaborations between anime franchises and various lifestyle brands have surged in popularity. These partnerships often showcase an exciting blend of creativity and fan service. Notable examples include the chic range of character-inspired apparel from Dolce & Gabbana x Jujutsu Kaisen, and the engaging gaming experiences in Fortnite x Dragon Ball Super. Yet, not all collaborations have been well-received, with some failing to resonate with audiences.
While collaborations can be fruitful, not every partnership achieves the perfect synergy between anime culture and brand identity. For instance, the Gucci x Doraemon collaboration left some fans disappointed with its designs, and many regarded the Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon collection as an overpriced venture rather than a genuine homage to the beloved series. Below, we explore standout examples of anime collaborations, both successful and lackluster.
Disclaimer: The following opinions are those of the author. The partnerships listed are not ranked by quality or impact.
Highlighting Successful Anime Collaborations
1) Dolce & Gabbana x Jujutsu Kaisen
The collaboration between Dolce & Gabbana and Jujutsu Kaisen marks a significant milestone in anime partnerships. Launched in April 2024, this exclusive fashion line draws inspiration from Gege Akutami’s popular series and merges anime aesthetics with Japanese street fashion. The collection centers around beloved characters such as Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara, showcasing a creative fusion of styles that fans embrace.
2) Fortnite x Dragon Ball Super
The partnership between Fortnite and Dragon Ball Super has gained immense popularity, adding anime flair to the gaming experience. As part of Fortnite’s well-established trend of collaborations with various franchises, this integration allows players to adopt iconic looks from characters like Goku and Vegeta during their gaming sessions. The positive reception highlights the intricate design details and value of this collaboration.
3) Loewe x Studio Ghibli
Spanish luxury brand Loewe’s collaboration with Studio Ghibli has garnered widespread acclaim for its creativity and thoughtful design. By drawing inspiration from iconic films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, Loewe has crafted a series of capsule collections that appeal to both anime fans and luxury consumers. The feature of scenes from Howl’s Moving Castle in their designs showcases how effectively they merged two aesthetics.
4) One Piece Vegas Sphere Event
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, One Piece made an unforgettable mark by showcasing its visuals on the world’s largest screen at the Vegas Sphere from June 10 to June 16, 2024. The immersive display captivated fans and non-fans alike, with its vivid depictions of memorable characters and scenes from Eiichiro Oda’s iconic series. This celebration provided a breathtaking experience that effectively promoted the franchise.
5) One Piece x Dragon Ball Z x Toriko Crossover
Concluding the list of splendid collaborations is the crossover episode featuring One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, and Toriko. Celebrating Toriko’s 99th episode alongside the 590th episode of One Piece, the special captivated fans with its high-quality animation and coherent storytelling. Despite differing styles, the seamless execution left audiences eagerly anticipating future collaborations.
Disappointing Anime Collaborations
1) Fortnite x Kaiju No. 8
The collaboration between Fortnite and Kaiju No. 8 did not meet expectations following the anime’s successful debut. Players anticipated exciting new skins mirroring the characters from the series, but many expressed disappointment. Feedback highlighted the need for more engaging content and value, with features like transformation emotes seen as missing and the timing of the release criticized.
2) Gucci x Doraemon
Gucci’s venture into anime with Doraemon, aimed to celebrate the anime’s 50th anniversary, was met with mixed reactions. Although the collection featured 50 items, many buyers felt the designs fell short of expectations, criticizing their simplicity. The collaboration lacked the intricate detailing fans desired, leading to a lukewarm reception.
3) Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon
The collaboration between Jimmy Choo and Sailor Moon was intended to commemorate the beloved series’ 30th anniversary. While the designs aimed to capture the essence of the characters, the steep price point deterred many potential buyers. Furthermore, long delivery times were reported, compounding customer frustrations regarding the overall value.
4) One Piece at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
One Piece’s participation in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade resulted in disappointment as Luffy’s balloon suffered deflation during the event. Fans criticized the design for its lack of detail compared to other character balloons. The unfortunate incident marked a dampening highlight in the realm of anime collaborations.
5) Mokobara x Naruto
The collaboration between Indian brand Mokobara and Naruto was intended to celebrate the series’ legendary status. Although backpacks inspired by Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha were released, the response was disappointing. Buyers reported quality issues and questioned the brand’s commitment to delivering authentic designs, especially given the high price points.