When iconic worlds collide, culture takes note. The 25th anniversary of the legendary manga NANA brings with it a collaboration that bridges high fashion and graphic storytelling in a way that is both unexpected and inevitable. Cosmopolitan’s exclusive reveal of the NANA 25th Anniversary Edition, Vol. 1: Vivienne Westwood Edition marks a watershed moment—not only for manga aficionados but for the fashion cognoscenti who have long admired the punk-infused aesthetic of Ai Yazawa’s celebrated work. With a brand-new cover designed by Yazawa herself, featuring the manga’s dual protagonists swathed in unmistakable Westwood creations, the edition becomes more than a book: it’s an artifact of cultural synergy, a collectible destined to become a focal point in both fashion and manga history.
A Collaboration Decades in the Making
The intertwining of NANA and Vivienne Westwood is no mere marketing ploy—it is a full-circle celebration of mutual influence. Ai Yazawa’s manga, first serialized in 1999, is revered for its complex heroines and a visual language steeped in punk-rock rebellion. Vivienne Westwood, the British designer who revolutionized street style and haute couture alike, has been a silent muse throughout NANA’s run. Fans have long pored over panels, identifying Westwood-inspired accessories and garments woven seamlessly into the wardrobes of Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki—the series’ protagonists whose sartorial choices are as central to their characterization as their inner lives.
This official collaboration, revealed in time for the 25th anniversary, is more than a nod; it is an embrace of the deep, symbiotic relationship between the worlds of manga and fashion. The new cover channels Westwood’s aesthetic, with Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki depicted in some of the designer’s most iconic pieces—an image that crystallizes decades of fan speculation and admiration.
The Cover as Cultural Artifact
What sets the NANA 25th Anniversary Edition apart is its role as a collectible object, meticulously designed for connoisseurs. The cover itself is not merely illustrative—it is a piece of fashion history rendered in ink and paper. The protagonists’ attire, selected from Westwood’s archives, is instantly recognizable to anyone versed in her signature motifs: tartan patterns, bold silhouettes, and rebellious accessories. For those who have traced Westwood’s influence through the manga’s visual lexicon, this cover is a validation—a tangible link between the fictional and the real, the aspirational and the attainable.
Availability is as curated as the design itself:
- In the U.S., the edition will be released exclusively at Books-A-Million on October 21, 2025.
- U.K. readers can acquire the edition from Waterstones starting November 20, 2025.
- Vivienne Westwood boutiques will offer the edition from October 30, 2025.
- Early buyers at New York Comic Con 2025 (VIZ Media booth #2235) can secure copies from October 9–12, while supplies last.
This exclusivity transforms the edition into a collector’s grail—a physical manifestation of fandom, artistry, and style.
Design Details: Plaid Sprayed Edges and Subtle Homages
The collaboration’s attention to detail extends beyond the cover. Each special edition features plaid sprayed edges, a subtle but sophisticated nod to the pattern found on Nana Komatsu’s pants in the manga. This design echo is not merely decorative; it is emblematic of the story’s enduring connection to punk aesthetics and Westwood’s influence. The plaid motif, present in both the Vivienne Westwood Edition and the standard 25th anniversary release, underscores the seamless integration of fashion into the visual and thematic fabric of NANA.
Such details speak to a broader narrative—one in which manga is not only a medium of storytelling but also a canvas for aesthetic exploration. Yazawa’s selection of the plaid pattern is a tribute to the subtle ways in which clothing and identity intertwine, both in fiction and in the lived experiences of fans who have sought to emulate their favorite characters through real-life Westwood pieces.
Why This Collaboration Resonates
The announcement of the Vivienne Westwood Edition has reverberated far beyond manga circles. For longtime readers, it represents a moment of recognition—a celebration of the ways in which NANA has shaped, and been shaped by, the evolving landscape of youth culture and fashion. Westwood’s influence on the manga’s visual language is incontrovertible. From Nana Osaki’s studded accessories to Nana Komatsu’s penchant for tartan, the designer’s spirit animates the series’ most memorable looks.
For fashion enthusiasts, the collaboration serves as a rare instance of cross-pollination between haute couture and graphic art. Westwood’s designs have always embodied a rebellious ethos, challenging conventions and celebrating individuality. In NANA, these same values are refracted through the lens of youth, romance, and self-discovery, making the partnership feel both organic and inevitable.
It is this confluence of narrative and aesthetic that makes the anniversary edition so compelling. The cover is not only a visual delight but a statement—a recognition that fashion and manga are, at their core, acts of storytelling.
The Retail Strategy: Scarcity and Desire
In the world of collectibles, scarcity breeds desire. The decision to limit the edition’s availability to select retailers—Books-A-Million in the U.S., Waterstones in the U.K., Vivienne Westwood boutiques, and the VIZ Media booth at New York Comic Con—ensures that each copy is imbued with a sense of exclusivity. For fans, securing an edition becomes an act of devotion, a testament to their engagement with the series and its wider cultural impact.
This retail strategy is not incidental. By aligning the release with both mainstream and niche outlets, the collaboration acknowledges the diversity of its audience—from manga devotees to fashionistas and collectors. The edition’s presence at New York Comic Con, in particular, signals an understanding of fandom’s grassroots energy, offering early access to those willing to stand in line at one of the world’s largest pop culture conventions.
As the anniversary festivities unfold, one can expect the edition to become both a status symbol and a conversation piece, its scarcity amplifying its desirability.
Full Circle: Fashion’s Enduring Influence on NANA
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the collaboration is its sense of narrative closure. For years, fans have traced the lineage of Westwood’s designs through the pages of NANA, inspired to seek out real-life equivalents and incorporate them into their own wardrobes. The official partnership is, in many ways, a long-awaited affirmation of what readers have always known: that fashion is not only a backdrop but a driving force in the story’s emotional and aesthetic arcs.
The 25th anniversary edition marks the culmination of this interplay. It is a celebration of the ways in which clothing can shape identity, foster connection, and inspire creativity across mediums. The presence of Westwood’s designs on the cover is both a tribute and an invitation—to look deeper, to see fashion not as mere adornment but as a language of resistance, aspiration, and transformation.
Looking Forward: More Surprises on the Horizon
As the anniversary celebrations continue, the excitement surrounding the Vivienne Westwood collaboration is palpable. The edition is widely regarded as a highlight of the festivities, but the sense of anticipation suggests that more surprises may be in store. For fans and fashion observers alike, the partnership sets a precedent—one that invites speculation about future collaborations, limited editions, or perhaps even new stories that further explore the fertile ground between graphic narrative and sartorial innovation.
In a cultural moment defined by cross-disciplinary creativity, the NANA x Vivienne Westwood edition offers a blueprint for what happens when artistic worlds collide. It is a testament to the enduring power of both manga and fashion, and a promise that the story—like style itself—is ever-evolving.
Conclusion: When Stories and Style Converge
The NANA 25th Anniversary Edition, Vol. 1: Vivienne Westwood Edition is far more than a commemorative release—it is a celebration of the dynamic interplay between fashion and storytelling. Ai Yazawa’s visionary manga, coupled with Westwood’s indelible designs, transforms a simple anniversary into a cultural event, one that resonates across continents and disciplines. As readers anticipate its arrival at select retailers, the edition stands as both a tribute to the past and a harbinger of what’s possible when creative visionaries join forces. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer drawn by the allure of Westwood’s legacy, this collaboration invites you to see manga—and fashion—in a new, exhilarating light.
