LOS ANGELES, Apr 11, 2009 / FW/ — What does Hello Kitty, Victoria Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio and Penelope Cruz share in common? All of them came into this world in 1974.
While Victoria Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio and Penelope Cruz came as bundles of joys to their parents; Hello Kitty was introduced in Japan by Sanrio via a coin purse that blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Sanrio scheduled a full slate of activities, festivities and even more product launches. With the theme “Hello Kitty Colors”, iconic Hello Kitty bow will be shown in RED for friendship; PINK for cute; YELLO for heartfelt; GREEN for wish and LAVENDER for sweet.
“Hello Kitty colors the world and captures the hearts and imaginations of so many people,” said Janet Hsu, President of Sanrio Global Consumer Products. “The theme of Hello Kitty’s Anniversary is inspired by her legacy and the loving qualities that have resonated with fans from around the world for the past 35 years.”
The celebration is indeed a global endeavor, reflecting the brand’s universal appeal. Stores around the world, from France to China, will carry her 35th anniversary-themed merchandise beginning in September – and continue with celebrations in select stores throughout the end of the year.
Hello Kitty enthusiasts worldwide can visit the official website, hosted by Sanrio Japan, for the global Hello Kitty 35th anniversary celebration at www.kitty35.com. A U.S. website for the 35th anniversary will be introduced in June 2009 and will provide up-to-date information on product launches, activities and events.
For the past 35 years, Hello Kitty has become part of the world’s pop culture, even the fashion industry. Sanrio has collaborated with Christian Dior and Heatherette to Anna Sui, Swarovski, tokidoki and Fender for special edition Hello Kitty merchandise.
Already this year, Hello Kitty has partnered with McDonald’s for a Happy Meal promotion and M*A*C Cosmetics – with both collaborations inspiring their own legions of fans to line up to be the first to snap up (and sell out) of the collectible product lines!
Hello Kitty has also partnered with Kimora Lee Simmons for a line of luxe jewelry, and a celebrity following from notables including Heidi Klum, Drew Barrymore, Katy Perry, Perez Hilton, Lourdes Leon, Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus, among others.
Closer to the exact anniversary date of November 1, SANRIO Inc. will host a bi-coastal gallery exhibition, featuring Hello Kitty products of the past, present and future, along with artist interpretations of the icon. Plans are also in the works to tie in the celebrations with national and local charities to support SANRIO’s philosophy of “Small Gift, Big Smile.”
