February 6, 2023 |
Femininity and female power lay at the very heart of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, the mould-breaking, cult classic manga phenomenon written and illustrated by Japanese artist Naoko Takeuchi. Characterised from its inception as shōjo manga – meaning ‘girl’s comics’ – it’s inherently imbued with liberating visuals and themes of fierce transformation. Now, in celebration of its 30th anniversary, Jimmy Choo has teamed up with the comic for an energetic fusion of bold individuality, zeitgeist-defining imagery and female empowerment: the unified visions of two exceptional female-led creatives.
Jimmy Choo first tapped Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon last year, with a limited edition, made-to-order Sailor Moon boot displayed at the Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Museum at the Roppongi Museum, Tokyo. It featured a signature Jimmy Choo kick heel, crescent moon jewel and in a vibrant hot pink, was completely covered in sparkling Swarovski crystal embellishments.
Now, the mystical footwear on offer is themed around the key characters – the ‘Sailor Guardians’ – of this animé paragon. With seductively lacquered Sailor Moon boots, Mercury ankle boots, Mars patent pumps, Jupiter boots and Venus platform pumps, each show is rendered in the immediately identifiable colours of each Sailor Guardian with their unique personae and individual traits. Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, their mentor cat Luna and of course Sailor Moon herself are all represented – superheroines envisaged by Takeuchi and styled by Jimmy Choo. “The notion of transformation via fashion is central to Naoko Takeuchi, and clothes play a vital role in the identity of her superheroines, especially their shoes, the most powerful transformer you can step into,” says Sandra Choi, creative director of Jimmy Choo.
Complimenting the creations, the shoe brand has also collaborated with Honey Dijon to compose two original tracks inspired by the manga cult classic. Takeuchi’s enigmatic artworks will also permeate the façades of key Jimmy Choo flagship stores across the globe.
From Valentine’s Day, the collection will be available exclusively online at Jimmychoo.com and in Europe at Selfridges, where a dazzling pop-up installation will be on view. Created entirely from responsibly sourced materials that will be recycled after use, it’s set to featured iridescent fixtures inspired by Pretty Guardian’s iconic transformations and will be complemented with bespoke moon-shaped ottomans and life-sized Luna cats. Situated on the ground floor atrium within the Selfridges accessories hall, it will run until March 12. Sign up to be the first to shop the collaboration here.
Photography courtesy of Jimmy Choo.
