Step into the fabulous world of fashion with the unique lens of anime, where intricate design, bold style, and intense passion meet imaginative storytelling.
Anime about fashion isn’t just about glamorous outfits and trendy designs; it weaves narratives around character growth, creative struggles, and the relentless pursuit of artistic dreams.
With a range of themes from haute couture to street fashion, these anime series captivate viewers with their rich plotlines and visually stunning illustrations. Get ready to embark on a sartorial journey, uncovering the fascinating intersection between style and animation in our compilation of 18 must-watch series.
Best Anime About Fashion
In this section, we dive deeper into the enchanting realm of fashion anime. These series bring fashion to life, demonstrating the glamour and creativity involved and the grit and dedication required to thrive in this industry. There’s a fashion anime for everyone, from high-fashion dramas to lighthearted slice-of-life stories.
1. The Garden of Words
Dive into the beautiful visuals of “The Garden of Words”, an anime movie that masterfully intertwines fashion and emotion. The story follows Takao Akizuki, a high school student passionate about designing shoes. While secretly practicing his craft in a serene Japanese garden, he encounters Yukari Yukino, a mysterious woman dealing with personal struggles.
The intricate detailing of the footwear in the anime is a testament to the research and care put into showcasing the artistry of shoe-making. Despite its concise 46-minute runtime, this anime offers an emotional depth that resonates long after the film ends. The characters, the ambiance, and the lovingly rendered designs make it a compelling watch for fashion and anime enthusiasts alike.
2. Urahara
Fashion meets sci-fi in “Urahara,” a series set in the vibrant Harajuku district of Tokyo. It’s a tale of friendship, creativity, and courage featuring three girls who run a small fashion shop. When aliens invade Earth to steal culture and art, these girls stand up to protect their home, their creations, and, ultimately, their identity.
The anime vividly represents Harajuku’s unique fashion culture, with characters donning eccentric, colorful outfits that capture the area’s flamboyant street style. “Urahara” is a visual treat and a homage to the artistic spirit that drives the fashion industry.
3. Flavors of Youth
“Flavors of Youth” is an anthology of three stories that tastefully blend elements of fashion, nostalgia, and human relationships. One of the tales, ‘A Small Fashion Show’, centers around a model struggling with the pressures of the fashion industry while reconciling with her sister.
This anime offers a realistic and empathetic look at the fashion world, highlighting both its glamour and challenges. The attention to detail, from the runway outfits to the depiction of daily life, adds to the movie’s authenticity. “Flavors of Youth” is a poignant exploration of life’s sweet and sour moments wrapped in a stylish narrative.
4. Smile at the Runway
“Smile at the Runway,” tells an inspiring story about pursuing fashion dreams against all odds. Chiyuki, a short girl aspiring to be a runway model, and Ikuto, a poor boy who wants to become a fashion designer, both defy societal expectations to chase their dreams.
The anime is a heartfelt portrayal of the fashion industry’s highs and lows, from intense runway shows to the detailed design creation process. It’s about fashion, resilience, friendship, and the courage to follow one’s dreams.
5. Paradise Kiss
“Paradise Kiss” is a journey into the world of high fashion and self-discovery. It revolves around Yukari, a high school student, who stumbles upon a group of fashion design students known as ‘Paradise Kiss’. They recruit her as a model for their final project.
The series beautifully illustrates the world of haute couture, showcasing various designs, patterns, and styles that reflect the characters’ creativity. Amidst the glitz and glamour, it delves into personal growth, love, and the complexities of adult life. With well-drawn characters and an engaging narrative, “Paradise Kiss” offers a nuanced portrayal of the fashion world.
6. Princess Jellyfish
“Princess Jellyfish” is a heartfelt anime that combines fashion and social commentary masterfully. The plot revolves around Tsukimi Kurashita, a socially awkward girl with an intense love for jellyfish, living in a house filled with female otaku. Her life turns when she encounters Kuranosuke Koibuchi, a cross-dressing fashionista, who transforms her into a stylish lady.
The anime brings to life the stark contrasts between the high-stakes world of fashion and women’s comfortable, albeit unconventional, lives. Through its vibrant characters and engaging narrative, it explores themes of identity, self-confidence, and the transformative power of fashion.
7. Pretty Rhythm
“Pretty Rhythm” is a vibrant mix of music, dance, and fashion, primarily aimed at a younger audience. The series follows Aira Harune, a girl who becomes a Prism Star – a performer who uses Prism Stones to coordinate outfits and perform ice skate routines.
With an array of stunning costumes and rhythmic dance sequences, “Pretty Rhythm” is a visual spectacle that inspires creativity and boosts the imagination. Moreover, it highlights the value of friendship, determination, and self-expression, making it more than just a fashion-oriented anime.
8. Buriki no Kanzume
This obscure gem, “Buriki no Kanzume,” offers a unique look at fashion through the lens of mecha anime. Set in a world where clothing can transform into powerful robotic suits, the series combines fantastical elements with high-stakes fashion.
The plot revolves around a group of fashion designers who use their creations to battle against evil forces threatening their city. While the idea of weaponized fashion might seem eccentric, the series presents it with a perfect blend of humor, action, and style, providing an unconventional yet exciting take on the genre of fashion anime.
9. Knitter’s High
“Knitter’s High” is a slice-of-life anime that explores fashion through the art of knitting. It follows the life of protagonist Naho, a high school student who discovers her passion for knitting and joins a local club. The series showcases the therapeutic and rewarding aspects of knitting, featuring intricate patterns and designs that captivate the audience.
“Knitter’s High” emphasizes the communal spirit often found in fashion circles, portraying the characters’ growth as they learn from one another and strive to improve their skills. It’s a cozy and relaxing watch that perfectly encapsulates the warmth of handmade clothing.
10. HeartCatch PreCure!
Part of the long-running PreCure franchise, “HeartCatch PreCure!” injects a dose of fashion into its magical girl formula. The series follows Tsubomi Hanasaki, a shy girl who becomes Cure Blossom, a warrior tasked with protecting the Tree of Hearts. Along with her fashion-conscious partner Erika, they take on the Desert Apostles using their style-infused powers.
Their magical transformations involve an array of stunning outfits, lending a distinctive fashion flair to their heroic exploits. Beyond the flashy aesthetics, the series explores friendship, courage, and self-confidence themes, making it a visually delightful and emotionally enriching watch.
11. Gokinjo Monogatari
“Gokinjo Monogatari,” also known as “Neighborhood Story,” is a classic shoujo anime revolving around the life of Mikako Kouda, an aspiring fashion designer, and her childhood friend Tsutomu Yamaguchi. Set in a Tokyo fashion school, the series navigates through the world of budding designers, their dreams, struggles, and romances.
The fashion elements are captivating, with detailed illustrations of Mikako’s creations reflecting her evolution as a designer. The series beautifully weaves fashion into its narrative, showcasing the hard work and creativity of designing clothes. Coupled with relatable characters and engaging storytelling, “Gokinjo Monogatari” offers a well-rounded fashion experience in the anime medium.
12. Prince of Sewing
“Prince of Sewing” follows the story of Shou, a young boy with a knack for sewing, as he pursues his dream of becoming a fashion designer. Despite societal norms and expectations, Shou challenges gender stereotypes by showcasing his unique designs in a local fashion competition.
The series is a poignant representation of an underdog’s journey in the fashion industry. Its fashion elements are particularly noteworthy, offering viewers a deep dive into the intricacies of sewing and garment creation. “Prince of Sewing” is an anime that inspires creativity, encourages breaking the norms, and offers a fresh perspective on fashion.
13. Kaleido Star
“Kaleido Star” isn’t a fashion anime in the traditional sense, but the elements of costume design are integral to its plot. The series follows Sora Naegino, a young girl who joins the renowned Kaleido Stage, a circus troupe. Sora’s journey is filled with impressive acrobatic performances, each requiring a unique and mesmerizing costume.
The detailed costume designs, ranging from whimsical to elegant, add a layer of visual appeal and authenticity to the performances. Although the main focus of “Kaleido Star” is on acrobatics and character development, the emphasis on costume design makes it a notable pick for those interested in the fashion aspect of performance arts.
14. Otomen
“Otomen” centers around Asuka Masamune, a high school boy who loves traditionally feminine activities, including sewing and fashion. Behind his masculine façade, Asuka designs and sews adorable plushies and stylish clothes. This romantic comedy takes a lighthearted approach to gender norms and identity, with fashion serving as a medium of self-expression for the protagonist.
The series explores fashion broadly, highlighting how it’s not limited by gender. “Otomen” is a charming anime that offers a humorous yet meaningful commentary on gender stereotypes in the context of fashion.
15. Nana
“Nana” is a mature, heartfelt anime series that explores friendship, love, music, and fashion through the lives of two women named Nana. While Nana Osaki is a punk rock vocalist with a unique gothic fashion sense, Nana Komatsu, or “Hachi,” evolves from being fashion clueless to developing a trendy style.
The series showcases Tokyo’s diverse fashion scene, with the characters’ outfits reflecting their personalities and growth throughout the series. Despite its serious themes, “Nana” presents a stylish visual palette, making it a must-watch for fashion enthusiasts looking for a deeper, more emotional narrative.
16. V.B. Rose
“V.B. Rose,” or “Velvet Blue Rose,” is an anime adaptation of the manga series focused on the world of wedding dress design. The story follows Ageha Shiroi, a high school girl who works at a boutique specializing in wedding dresses after her older sister gets engaged. The series presents a unique perspective on the fashion industry, diving into the craftsmanship and attention to detail of creating bridal gowns.
Moreover, it explores Ageha’s journey of growth and self-discovery as she navigates through the highs and lows of working in a competitive industry. With its mix of comedy, romance, and drama, “V.B. Rose” is a charming tale of fashion, passion, and dreams.
17. Shugo Chara!
“Shugo Chara!” is a magical girl anime with a significant emphasis on fashion. The protagonist, Amu Hinamori, is a student known for her “cool and spicy” fashion sense. However, her exterior is a façade to fit in, and she wishes to show her true self. After finding three eggs in her bed, these hatch into Guardian Characters, reflecting Amu’s true desires.
Each character comes with a unique outfit, signifying different aspects of Amu’s personality. The fashion elements in “Shugo Chara!” are vibrant and varied, offering a range of styles that cater to different tastes. The series underscores the importance of self-expression and individuality, making it a delightful watch for fashion enthusiasts.
18. My Dress-Up Darling
“My Dress-Up Darling” follows the unlikely friendship between Wakana Gojo, a high school student who aspires to become a hina doll craftsman, and Marin Kitagawa, a popular girl with a passion for cosplay. Marin convinces Gojo to use his skills to create intricate costumes for her cosplay events, leading to an engaging exploration of costume design and craftsmanship.
This anime showcases the often-overlooked world of cosplay fashion, emphasizing the dedication, creativity, and craftsmanship that goes into each costume. It provides an insightful look at the intersection of traditional craft and modern fashion trends, wrapped in a heartwarming and humorous narrative.
Final Thoughts
From the intricate art of shoe-making in “The Garden of Words” to the vibrant cosplay world of “My Dress-Up Darling,” the realm of anime offers many perspectives on fashion.
This series explores design’s visual spectacle and the hard work, creativity, and passion that fuels this industry. Through varied narratives, they touch on societal norms, personal growth, and the transformative power of fashion.
As you delve into these 18 must-watch anime about fashion, you’ll embark on a unique sartorial journey, discovering the fascinating convergence of style, emotion, and imagination in the world of anime.
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