Have you ever dreamt of stepping into the magical world of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films for Studio Ghibli? Well, it seems that LOEWE’s latest collection will make your dreams come true. With a design entirely inspired by the universe of the 2004 fantasy epic Howl’s Moving Castle, LOEWE’s artistic director Jonathan Anderson invites you to surrender to the heartfelt and fulfilling tale of Sophie and Howl.

The movie, based on a 1986 novel of the same title by Diana Wynne Jones, tells a story of loyalty and compassion against a backdrop of magic. LOEWE brings these feelings to the fabric, almost creating a handcrafted virtual reality in wearable form. The film’s key characters–Sophie, Howl, fire demon Calcifer, as well as Markl, Heen, Turnip Head, and the Witch of the Waste–become inhabitants of our closets, letting us (wearers) turn into Miyazaki’s characters ourselves.

Scenes from the movie are seen printed on both clothing and accessories. A blouson with an image of Sophie and fire demon Calcifer, t-shirts and shirts showing Howl and the Witch of the Waste, bags and wallets dedicated to Turnip Head: each piece honors Miyazaki’s imagination.

And yet, Anderson’s tribute to this fictional kingdom goes further. LOEWE seems to have found the secret ingredient needed to generate a real metamorphosis. Howl’s bird-like appearance translates into a dark cardigan, covered in feathers in hues of black and emerald green that create a magical fluttering; while his first encounter with magic is depicted in a night blue cape, with embroidery and gems bringing a young version of Howl alive. Finally, errand dog Heen becomes a soft barrel bag, and Keen’s disguise as an elderly man is the inspiration behind the light blue fringe leather bag.

The truth is that there seems to be a deeper message behind LOEWE’s latest collection. Howl’s Moving Castle depicts a world that is fighting against an imposing technology and the destructive effects of war–a description that resonates with our current times. Never more than today, we are asked to rewrite our definition of home, redefining the meaning of hospitality. Howl’s moving house, captured by LOEWE with a fun bucket bag and an embellished tweed coat, reminds us of the ever-changing significance of belonging.

The recollection of the story inevitably comes with a bit of nostalgia. Howl and Sophie’s adventures shed light on growing old, a metaphor for times changing. We (watchers) find ourselves longing for both the fantasy and sentiment, proper of childhood–a harmless desire that gives us a counteract to our lives. Perhaps this is what Calcifer’s big eyes represent: the surprised look we have when we find ourselves in front of wonder and decide to never look back.

The LOEWE x Howl’s Moving Castle collection launches in selected stores worldwide on February 2nd, alongside pop-ups in key locations around the world. A pre-sale on loewe.com opens on February 1st.

In the USA, the LOEWE x Howl’s Moving Castle collection will be exclusively available on the First Floor of the Saks Fifth Avenue pop-up from February 2nd to 8th, from 11 am until 7 pm.