The Second Koming of Kitty: Our Sanrio Obsession is back
Usually, we associate the term “icon” with some of the most influential people on the planet. Countless familiar faces come to mind. For some, maybe Beyonce, others Riri, but often we fail to remember that icons can also be two-dimensional or a fictional cat. Hello Kitty, a character created by Yuko Shimizu and owned by the Infamous Japanese company Sanrio has proved herself eternal by outlasting our childhood cartoon obsessions as the brand’s popularity explodes in the fashion industry again. But according to an article released earlier this week from Teen Vogue, KittyKore is projected to become the most significant trend of spring/summer 2023, and I will be participating.
You would only need to scroll down on your feed once on any app and see your fav it girl repping the fiercest feline and friends on a bag, printed shirt, or jewelry. Last week, Miss Kim Kardashian shared photos from a recent Japan vacation showcasing a vast amount of Kitty content: nails, cafes, and I cannot forget North West, who is slowly becoming a fashion icon herself as she rocked the cutest Hello Kitty coin purse and accessories for most of the trip. It seems like Ms. Kitty is back on everyone’s mood boards this spring/summer season like she never left, and I am not complaining.
Hello Kitty has collaborated with many fashion houses across the industry for years, both on the high-end and low-end spectrum. From the luxury brands like Blumarine to everyday wear like Nike, she has consistently been a staple piece in all areas of fashion. This famous cat has greatly influenced street style and the media for eons. But what is it about this cat that still keeps the world in an utter chokehold? Hello Kitty and the Sanrio brand have been able to stay relevant for decades across the globe simply by creating such a recognizable and adorable cartoon. But it all started as a widespread local phenomenon in Japan.
Hello Kitty first started appearing on children’s coin purses in 1975. The design incorporates the “sweet and feminine” nature of Japan’s Kawaii (cute) culture. It expanded in popularity locally and eventually internationally during the 80s and 90s. By the decade's end, Hello Kitty was Japan’s top-grossing character. She was then introduced to American pop culture through celebrities like Mariah Carey, who would continuously associate Hello Kitty with her aesthetic.
But there are only a few cartoons that adults have been able to enjoy past childhood, and Hello Kitty is one of them. The question is, how does Kitty keep us coming back? There is only one word: design! Hello Kitty and the other characters created by the Sanrio brand are illustrated in an aesthetically pleasing way. While being relatively simple in design, they are unforgettable because they are basic and highly recognizable. According to Yahoo News, Yuko Yamaguchi, Hello Kitty’s third designer, who eventually became the character’s leading designer, explained in an interview with TIME magazine that Hello Kitty has no mouth, so “people who look at her can project their own feelings onto her face.” This can explain why most of us, including myself, can’t help but repost hello kitty pics on Instagram, associating our moods and feelings with them. Don’t even get me started on Hello Kitty lore; according to Yamaguchi, Kitty was born in Britain, is a third grader, a Scorpio, and has a boyfriend, Dear Daniel.
So lie and tell me that it isn’t the cutest as hell. Of course, we will be obsessed when we learn that Hello Kitty has a whole Wikipedia page dedicated to her “life” story. Nonetheless, her influence and likability can be seen through thousands of products, which is not new. Whether in fashion, toys, or home appliances, Kitty Core has yet to fade. If anything, it has been revamped through social media. It is safe to say that Hello Kitty, the Scorpio, and British third-grader, will always be famous.
Strike out,
Gael-Lynn Laguerre
Boca Raton
Gael Laguerre is the baddest writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She’s a textbook Aquarius: super hyper-independent but also super hot. In her free time, she enjoys music festivals, writing sad poetry, and oversharing on twitter. You can reach her by lgaellynn@gmail.com or Instagram @gael.lynn
