From Casio to Uniqlo to Crocs – Brands Cash in on Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary

Various brands are celebrating Hello Kitty turning 50 with collectibles to honor the iconic character. Hello Kitty has inspired generations. Her message of friendship, kindness, and inclusivity transcends cultures and continues to resonate with fans of all ages.

Japanese merchandising company Sanrio created Hello Kitty in 1974 and is now set to celebrate its 50^th anniversary in the digital and physical space. Other renowned brands are also celebrating Hello Kitty’s 50^th birthday:

Casio x Hello Kitty

Casio will feature the popular character on its new BGD-565KT. This watch marks the 50^th anniversary of Hello Kitty and the 30^th anniversary of BABY-G. It inherits the design of the first BABY-G model. Casio says the new watch is given the white, red, and blue color scheme of Hello Kitty’s debut designs from 1974. The red and blue band rings accent the design’s base tone of white. The band is made with bio-based resin.

It’s covered in printed faces of the charming animated character from the 1970s – Hello Kitty laughing, winking, and looking surprised. When the watch’s backlight is on, her eyes, nose, and whiskers appear on the LCD and are topped with the ribbon design on the dial to complete the Hello Kitty face.

Uniqlo Celebrates Love and Peace with Hello Kitty

Japanese casual wear brand Uniqlo is celebrating Hello Kitty on soft t-shirts and pajama pants printed with tie-dye text and summery patterns. It’s a cute collection – bottoms are drawstring pajama-style pants in varying pinstriped or checkered patterns.

There’s a blue cloudlike motif with Hello Kitty heads floating all over them.

Hello Kitty Crocs Collection

This is touted as one of the cutest collaborations ever. It features a signature design with subtle Hello Kitty decals. The limited edition Hello Kitty and Friends Classic Clog has a Hello Kitty and Friends logo Jibbitz charm on the backstrap and includes Hello Kitty, My Melody, Badtz-maru, Kuromi, Chococat, Keroppi, and Pompomurin Jibbitz charms. It’s water-friendly and buoyant, incredibly light, and fun to wear.

Furthermore, Sanrio will introduce new digital tools including an AR app, short animations on TikTok, monthly promotions in My Hello Kitty Café on Roblox, and a presence in the digital world of Zepeto.

Also Read: Craze For Barbie Merchandise Intensifies As ‘Barbie’ Movie Becomes Cultural Sensation

Nandika Chand

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