Ai Yazawa represents and inspires a generation with amazing fashion and storylines. Ai Yazawa’s fashion often pays tribute to the punk rock style, which is why it fits so well in Nana. Much of the fashion is inspired by Vivienne Westwood’s work and other fashion icons. Her work is often highlighted for its focus on Japanese alternative fashion.

Most of Ai Yazawa’s works are celebrated as fashionable mangas, with Nana taking the number one spot. Nana prominently features a lot of Vivienne Westwood designs as well as Yazawa’s own collections.

Who Is Ai Yazawa?

Ai Yazawa is a Japanese manga artist. Yazawa’s most famous manga include Tenshi Nanka ja Nai, Neighbourhood Story, Paradise Kiss, and especially Nana, the latter being one of the best-selling manga series (Wikipedia).

Nana (2000)

In Nana, the style is punk rock, featuring fishnets and big boots. Most of the characters, especially Nana Osaki, wear outfits that embody the rock star aesthetic. Nana goes through many different outfits in the manga/anime, but her trademarks remain: her black signature choker with spikes and her short bobbed hairstyle. Nana specifically helped boost Japanese alternative fashion at a time when it wasn’t very popular.

The fashion in Nana emphasizes subtle layering and using leopard prints with other colors that might not traditionally go together. Japanese fashion has a talent for layering, which has even inspired me in colder seasons.

Paradise Kiss (1999)

Paradise Kiss places fashion at its center, showcasing vibrant colors and bold designs. The aesthetic of Paradise Kiss fits into the “gyaru” style, featuring big poofy skirts and laced boots. The fashion in Paradise Kiss is eye-catching and anything but simplistic.

Yukari, even before meeting the group, demonstrates an ability to style outfits creatively. For instance, she pairs a cute bag with her school uniform and makes it work effortlessly. Paradise Kiss stands out for its innovative approach to fashion and its use of diverse fabrics, encouraging me to think outside the box when experimenting with style.