Jorge Gutierrez and Guillermo del Toro, the creators of the animated film "The Book of Life" from 20th Century Fox and Reel FX Animation Studios, are entering the fashion industry. Gutierrez's compelling "Day of the Dead" illustrations have inspired a limited edition fashion line at Hot Topic.  

Last week, Hot Topic, in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, unveiled a graphically-stunning limited-edition collection of fashion apparel inspired by the fantasy-adventure film"The Book of Life," which hits theaters Oct. 17.

"In June of 2013, Fox shared imagery from 'The Book of Life' film with Hot Topic, and we were instantly inspired by the striking Día de los Muertos art, and two main characters -- Maria and La Muerte -- who have a rockabilly vibe," Cindy Levitt, SVP, Merchandising and Marketing at Hot Topic told Latin Post. "We quickly suggested creating this collection because we felt we could create a unique look our customers would love." 

The collection includes The Land of the Remembered Circle Skirt ($ 32.50), La Muerte Print Dress ($44.50), Ombre Land of the Living Tank Dress ($29.50), Printed Halter Swing Dress ($44.50), Black Sugar Skull Embroidered Button Cardigan ($ 39.50), La Muerte Retro Goddess Dress ($49.50), Evening Skyline Circle Skirt ($32.50) and Maria Embroidered Floral Off-Shoulder Dress ($49.50).

The collection launched in stores and online Wednesday, Sept. 10, and "the reaction to the La Muerte Retro Goddess Dress and the Evening Skyline Circle Skirt has been amazing," Levitt said.  

Levitt also points out that the collection and its Day of the Dead, rockabilly theme resonates with Hot Topic customers, who include "many Latino customers." 

"The collection was designed by the internal Hot Topic design team, and was approved by the studio along the way, to ensure it represented the artistry of the film," Levitt added. "We loved the intricate details and bodies of the characters' costumes in the film -- which you can see in the Maria Embroidered Off-the-Shoulder Dress and La Muerte's sexy Retro Goddess Dress. And we thought the beautiful scenery from the film would be perfect prints for pieces like the Land of the Remembered Circle Skirt and the Evening Skyline Circle Skirt."

"We drew our design inspiration from the film, which we then interpret to trends we see that apply to our customers -- so the costumes and scenery from the film heavily influenced the design of the collection," Levitt explained.  

"Fox brought all of the designs and the entire collection to Director Jorge Gutierrez, and Jorge loved them all. Because the inspiration and art from these pieces were directly from either the film's production art or key characters in the film, the art was directly from the artist Jorge Gutierrez."

This marks the first time that Hot Topic has collaborated with an animated film.

"Yes, this is the first collection we've created in conjunction with an animated film -- and it was very fun to create fashion looks from animated film characters," Levitt added. "But we've also created collections inspired by 'Maleficent' earlier this year, and another for 'The Mortal Instruments -- City of Bones' last year."

Produced by Del Toro and directed by Gutierrez, "The Book of Life" is the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. The film is rich with highly artistic and authentic graphics and characters that honor the colorful nature and tradition of Día de los Muertos.

The fantastical adventure features the voices of actors Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Diego Luna, Ron Perlman, Ice Cube and Danny Trejo, among others. It also has a "fresh take on pop and contemporary music favorites," such as Radiohead, Biz Markie, Mumford & Sons and Us the Duo.

"The beautiful costumes and striking scenery in 'The Book of Life' provided the perfect inspiration for a collection that celebrates Mexican culture -- past and present -- with a bit of rockabilly style our customers will be really excited about," said Levitt.

"'The Book of Life" is going to be nothing short of a spectacular visual feast. Hot Topic captured the same artistic spirit and successfully translated quality graphics and animated costumes into a wearable fashion collection," added Roz Nowicki, executive vice president of global sales and retail at Fox Consumer Products. "This partnership contains something really special to excite and engage fans around the globe who wish to express themselves in such a festive and fashionable way."

Like the rest of us, Levitt has seen the official trailer of the film, and she says she can't wait to see it on the big screen on Oct. 17.

"I have been mesmerized by the stunning colors and scenery, and the La Muerte character just takes my breath away!" Levitt said.

In addition to the new collection, Hot Topic will offer a wide range of "The Book of Life" film tees, jewelry, accessories and fragrances. Vist hottopic.com for more information.