Many of us think of toys or children’s items when we think about Hello Kitty but the fact is that the iconic kitten icon is a popular fashion symbol for women across the world. Hello Kitty epitomizes cuteness with her big eyes, chubby cheeks and hair bow.
With frequent collaborations with top brands and designers like Vans, Kimora Lee Simmons and Ju-Ju-Be, Hello Kitty can be found on a large variety of products for adults including women’s shoes, fine jewelry and even household and kitchen appliances.
According to We Love Kitty, a Hello Kitty fan site, Sanrio frequently releases rare, limited-edition Hello Kitty items only available in Japan or select retailers. One example is the recent release of OPI Hello Kitty nail polish collection which sold out in the U.S in weeks. As a result, Hello Kitty has become a very popular collector’s item with fans clamoring for the latest items on Ebay.
So what exactly makes Hello Kitty so popular with adults? For women who grew up buying Hello Kitty items as a child it reminds them of carefree and happy days. The brand also enjoys extreme popularity in Japan where extreme cuteness is appreciated by young and old alike.
One of Hello Kitty’s main selling points is the fact that she doesn’t have a mouth. This allows fans to project their own feelings on her; we can perceive her as happy, sad or any emotion we like. This versatility along with the cuteness factor has made Hello Kitty one of the most popular cartoon icons of all time.