Ai Yazawa’s Nana isn’t just a story about love, heartbreak, and friendship—it’s a visual feast of early 2000s Japanese fashion. From edgy punk-rock aesthetics to soft romantic styles, Nana became a fashion icon in its own right. Even today, the show’s influence is visible in everything from streetwear to online fashion communities. Whether you’re into Vivienne Westwood-inspired punk or dreamy girly looks, Nana had it all—and wore it with purpose.
Let’s dive into how Nana defined an era through its fashion and why it still matters in 2025.
- Punk Rock Realness: Nana Osaki’s Signature Style
Nana Osaki is the face of punk fashion in Nana. As the vocalist of the band Black Stones, her look is bold, unapologetic, and rooted in classic British punk—heavily influenced by Vivienne Westwood and Sex Pistols-era rebellion. Leather jackets, plaid skirts, platform boots, fishnets, and spiked accessories are all staples of her wardrobe.
But it’s more than just aesthetic. Her fashion reflects her personality—tough, independent, and emotionally guarded. Every outfit speaks to her identity and defiance of societal expectations. She’s not just dressing punk; she lives it.
Even now, fans emulate her style through cosplay, street fashion, and Instagram-worthy recreations of her iconic outfits. Nana Osaki’s punk is timeless because it’s personal. It’s a rebellion with heart.
- Romantic Girl Chic: Nana Komatsu (Hachi)’s Feminine Touch
In contrast, Nana Komatsu—aka Hachi—embodies a softer, more romantic style. Her outfits are often flowy, delicate, and ultra-feminine. Think floral prints, cute handbags, ballet flats, pastel tones, ruffles, and layered accessories. It’s a classic take on what many fans recognize as Shibuya-kei or early Larme-kei style.
Her fashion choices mirror her personality: warm, emotional, and deeply romantic. While Osaki’s outfits scream “don’t mess with me,” Hachi’s wardrobe invites affection and comfort.
What’s interesting is how Hachi’s fashion evolves throughout the story. As she matures and faces serious life decisions, her style becomes more toned down and sophisticated—reflecting her journey toward emotional independence.
- Early 2000s Vibes: The Realism of Street Fashion
Nana is set in the early 2000s, and it doesn’t shy away from reflecting the actual fashion trends of that era. Low-rise jeans, chunky belts, studded wristbands, cropped jackets, chokers, flared pants, and mini skirts—all make appearances throughout the series.
But rather than making it look outdated, Nana blends these elements into character-driven design. The clothes fit the world, the personalities, and the urban Tokyo backdrop.
The series also helped elevate casual fashion into something aspirational. Everyday streetwear wasn’t just a background detail—it helped tell the story. Whether the characters were shopping in Shibuya, performing at a gig, or lounging at home, their outfits always added something meaningful to the scene.
- Ai Yazawa: The Fashion Genius Behind It All
Ai Yazawa, the creator of Nana, is known for her deep passion for fashion—and it shows. Before Nana, she created Paradise Kiss, another fashion-forward manga that explored the world of design and modeling.
Her illustrations are intricate, stylish, and deeply informed by real fashion history. Many of the outfits in Nana could be seen on a Tokyo runway or in a vintage fashion magazine. It’s no surprise that fans still analyze her fashion pages like editorial spreads.
In a way, Ai Yazawa became a fashion influencer long before that was even a thing.
- Legacy and Influence Today
Nearly two decades after its release, Nana still holds a place in fashion culture. You can see it in TikTok aesthetics, Pinterest boards, and alt-girl fashion blogs. Osaki’s look is constantly referenced in punk and goth fashion communities, while Hachi’s soft, dreamy style inspires vintage and coquette aesthetics.
Even major brands have dropped collections that feel inspired by the world of Nana—from plaid skirts and leather chokers to flirty blouses and chunky platforms.
In 2025, fashion has gone full circle, and Nana feels more relevant than ever.
Final Thoughts: Fashion as a Form of Expression
The beauty of Nana’s fashion isn’t just in the clothes—it’s in how those clothes reflect emotion, identity, and change. Every outfit is part of the story, adding texture to the characters and the world they live in.
Whether you’re drawn to punk rebellion or romantic softness, Nana proves that fashion can be both personal and powerful. And in a world that’s constantly redefining style, Nana remains a timeless blueprint for dressing with soul.