Sailor Moon and High Fashion: The Power of Feminine Aesthetics

Naoko Takeuchi, the creator of Sailor Moon, is renowned not only for her captivating storytelling but also for her deep connection to high fashion. Takeuchi’s affection for couture is evident in her meticulous design of the Sailor Moon universe, where high fashion and fantasy intertwine seamlessly. The anime is rich in sartorial choices that reflect both the personalities and symbolic roles of each character, drawing inspiration from some of the most iconic fashion houses of the late 20th century.

The Moon Kingdom: A Matriarchal Society with Couture Roots

Ethereal gowns as a symbol of wisdom

The Moon Kingdom’s royalty, Queen Serenity and Princess Serenity, embody grace and elegance through their ethereal gowns. Takeuchi’s designs for these characters reflect the opulence of couture, notably drawing influence from Christian Dior’s 1992 Palladium Dress, with its Grecian, empire-waisted silhouette adorned with golden embellishments. This dress not only symbolizes the Moon Kingdom’s wisdom and progress but also connects to the Greco-Roman ideals of intellect and refinement.

As Usagi matures into Neo-Queen Serenity, her dress evolves into a luxurious, celestial vision reminiscent of Roberto Capucci’s Angel of Gold Dress, emphasizing her divine protector role. These designs elevate Usagi’s femininity, symbolizing her growth into a leader and a protector.

The Guardians and Their Personal Aesthetics

The Sailor Guardians each possess a unique style that mirrors their individual personalities, with each outfit drawing inspiration from high fashion. 

Sailor Pluto, the enigmatic guardian of Space and Time, has a wardrobe that matches her mysterious presence. Her most iconic look? A baroque chain-covered Chanel inspired gown that exudes both elegance and power—perfect for a guardian who is as untouchable as she is graceful.

Sailor Saturn’s dark powers are reflected in her Thierry Mugler-inspired outfits. With their extreme silhouettes and jewel-encrusted details, Mugler’s designs mirror Saturn’s dangerous potential. Her clothes hint at the villainous path she could walk if ever swayed by her destructive abilities.

Sailor Uranus and Neptune’s Sailor Moon Crystal looks come from Versace, channeling romance and strength. Neptune’s dramatic neckline and simple black dress capture her refined nature, while Uranus’ velvet and linen design adds layers of complexity, echoing their passionate love story.

Sailor Venus rocks Chanel’s playful side with a skirt and crop top combo, perfectly matching her youthful energy. The chain around her waist mirrors her Venus Chain, a subtle nod to the goddess’s influence on her fiery persona.

The original Sailor Moon anime and manga celebrated these characters through distinctive, couture-inspired outfits that emphasized individuality. In contrast, later adaptations like Sailor Moon Crystal and Sailor Moon Eternal simplified the designs, favoring color-coded uniforms over the rich diversity of styles, which diminished the unique sartorial identity of each Guardian.

Villains fashion: The Dark Side of the Runway

Fashion forward Mugler aesthetic

The antagonists in Sailor Moon are as fashion-forward as they are sinister, with Takeuchi turning to the works of Thierry Mugler and other designers to outfit them in high-fashion, sometimes gothic, ensembles.

Koan, a member of the Black Moon Clan and the evil counterpart to Sailor Mars, wears an outfit directly inspired by Thierry Mugler’s Fall 1992 collection. The dark, pinstriped bodysuit and feathery black tutu evoke Mugler’s dramatic designs, with Koan’s conical odango hairstyle completing the feline-inspired look. While Mugler’s original creation was rendered in shades of black and gray, Koan’s bodysuit incorporates muted pinks to fit the Sailor Moon color palette, aligning with her fiery yet tragic nature.

The Shitennou, Queen Beryl’s generals in the Dark Kingdom, wear military-inspired uniforms that are direct references to Mugler’s 1986 Fall/Winter collection. The gray wool coats and tailored trousers, adorned with structured shoulders and buttons, reflect Mugler’s “Les Milteuses” designs, combining military precision with fashion-forward aesthetics. These outfits convey their status as both loyal knights and menacing foes.

Queen Beryl, the ultimate antagonist, wears a gown that evokes a sense of dark opulence. The color of her dress shifts from black to deep amethyst, depending on the lighting, giving her an air of mystery and regal menace. The design closely mirrors Mugler’s 1992s bodycon evening gowns, with a dramatic keyhole cutout in the bodice that accentuates her curves.

Dark Elegance and Power

Calaveras, another member of the Black Moon Clan, dons a version of Christian Lacroix’s ultra-structured sleeveless dress from the Fall/Winter 1992 collection. Lacroix’s dress features a boned, metallic-gold bodice that mirrors Calaveras’ own outfit, which is similarly made of intricate stitching and boning, giving it a rigid, almost metallic appearance. Both the Lacroix dress and Calaveras’ attire feature a playful bow, though Calaveras wears hers in her hair. This design highlights her fierce beauty, creating a sense of both strength and elegance.

Wicked Lady, the dark version of Chibiusa, wears an outfit derived from an Yves Saint Laurent perfume campaign. Her attire is the antithesis of the princess gown worn by her younger self, drawing a stark contrast between innocence and the darker path she is set to follow. The sleek, sultry design speaks to a darker, more opulent version of femininity, much like a queenly figure poised to strike, with sharp, sophisticated lines.

Sailor Moon’s Lasting Influence on Fashion and Feminine Identity

Sailor Moon redefined the relationship between fashion and femininity, creating a vibrant, diverse spectrum of self-expression. Each character’s wardrobe told a purposeful story—one where femininity was seen as a source of power, strength, and individuality. Naoko Takeuchi’s love for high fashion played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic of the show, which continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts today. Sailor Moon alongside other famous mangas, proved that fashion is not only a form of artistic expression but also a powerful vehicle for storytelling, showcasing how clothing can reflect both inner strength and the transformative journey of each character.