Hello Kitty

There’s a new trend that may be here to stay. Celebrities and 20 and 30-somethings alike are following the nostalgia and tracing memories by wearing or using childhood or kid-friendly brands. Cameron Diaz wore a Hello Kitty Pink Head necklace to a movie premiere, Mariah Carey makes toast with her Hello Kitty toaster and Mandy Moore loves little beaded Hello Kitty cocktail purse.

Is Generation X grabbing onto much wanted youth or are we all girls at heart? “Hello Kitty's adult fans share an appreciation for "cute" which is Hello Kitty's essence. They often speak of Hello Kitty in a way that suggests a strong emotional attachment which they've felt for a long time,” says Sanrio’s Marketing Director Bill Hensley. It’s not just about being a little girl at heart, it’s about never outgrowing that admiration for something (a character) that you grew up with – something you know and love. “Women customers often tell us about the love they felt for Hello Kitty as a young girl or tween. But, the items they currently buy and use are those that have an appropriate place in their lifestyles today,” adds Hensley.

Sanrio, the brand that creates Hello Kitty, is introducing two collections collaborating with designers. One collection, Samantha Chang for Hello Kitty, introduces a line of flirty & feminine lingerie -bralettes, thong and bikini underwear, daywear -camisoles and tank tops and sleepwear -robes, pajama bottoms and boy shorts. With a color palette to boot, this fun collection includes bright colors like lime green, fuchsia and turquoise and, of course, offers the signature colors from pale pink to pale blue and lilac. “I believe this collection gives women from my generation -- Gen X -- as well as the original Hello Kitty fans from the 70’s, a great opportunity to wear Hello Kitty in a fun and sexy way,” says Ms. Chang.

With next collection, Sanrio collaborates with jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino creating jewelry with a mixture of innocence, trendiness, sparkle and shine. If you’re looking for a little glamour in your ensemble, try this new “Pink Head” collection. “Tarina creates whimsical accessories that are both hip and ultra feminine -- a perfect match for Hello Kitty,” says Caroline Wong, Director of Licensing, Soft Lines at SANRIO.

When asked to design the Pink Head collection for Sanrio, Tarantino was so excited, but also extremely challenged by the fact that Sanrio had already produced every type of Hello Kitty jewelry imaginable. “I really wanted to re-style Hello Kitty in my way, and put her on pieces of jewelry that she would wear. It was very important to create something that would appeal to the Hello Kitty collector,” reveals Tarantino.

And, it doesn’t stop at jewelry and lingerie – you can cook with the kitty! Try out the Hello Kitty toaster or coffee machine as you get ready to head out to the office. Hello Kitty is a brand that can take you from morning to night, from breakfast, to work, school, a cocktail party and now to bed! Be sure to visit www.sanrio.com and re-work nostalgia in your life.