Hello Kitty Archives – CULTURE MIX

Mattel announces licensing deal with Sanrio that includes Hello Kitty and other brands

June 4, 2019

Hello Kitty Store (Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood)

The following is a press release from Mattel:

Mattel, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAT) today announced an international licensing agreement with Sanrio, Inc. Through this new partnership, Mattel will design and develop a wide array of toys, dolls, playsets, games, puzzles, baby gear, plush, vehicles and other products inspired by Hello Kitty & Friends and Hello Kitty Cafe, as well as a range of characters in the Sanrio portfolio – including Hello Kitty, Keroppi, Chococat, Badtz-Maru, Little Twin Stars, Tuxedosam, Pompompurin, My Melody, Hangyodon, and Pochacco, among others. The toy lines and games will available in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand beginning Fall 2020.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190604005409/en/

“We’re excited to bring the Supercute world of Sanrio to life through toys that will allow for fans of all ages to experience Hello Kitty and Sanrio Friends in new ways,” said Janet Hsu, Chief Franchise Management Officer of Mattel. “This relationship is another example of Mattel’s commitment to collaborate with globally-recognized franchises as part of our transformation into an IP-driven, high-performing toy company.”

“Mattel is the perfect partner to align with our mission to evolve the brand and connect with Sanrio fans worldwide,” said Craig Takiguchi, COO of Sanrio. “Their global reach and creative approach to product development and storytelling is like no other. I am confident that together we will transform our toy business in a unique way that will resonate with generations of Sanrio fans.”

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global children’s entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends® and MEGA®, as well as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.

About Sanrio®

Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty®, and home to many other beloved character brands including Chococat™, My Melody™, Badtz-Maru™, Keroppi™, Gudetama™ and Aggretsuko™. Sanrio was founded on the ‘small gift, big smile®’ philosophy – that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio’s legendary breadth of products are available in over 130 countries and in retail locations including department, specialty, national chain retailers and Sanrio boutique stores. To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Sanrio partners with O’Neill for Hello Kitty fashion collection for girls

April 11, 2018

O'Neill x Hello Kitty Summer 2018 Collection (Photo courtesy of Sanrio) — O’Neill x Hello Kitty Summer 2018 Collection (Photo courtesy of Sanrio)

The following is a press release from Sanrio:

Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for beloved Hello Kitty pop icon, has partnered with iconic surf and lifestyle brand O’Neill to create a playful offering of girls swimwear and related apparel & accessories sizes 2T – 6, beginning with Summer 2018. The Summer collection launches April 11, followed by a Fall capsule that will makes its debut in mid-May.

Inspired by vintage aloha, the O’Neill x Hello Kitty collection includes girls swimwear, cover-ups, graphic t-shirts and tank tops and beach accessories, all embellished with adorable Hello Kitty details. Highlights from the initial collection include a one-shoulder maillot with ruffles and an all-over Hello Kitty print, a woven cover-up with pom-pom trim and embroidered cutout design and a tote bag that morphs into a beach towel. The suggested retail prices for the collection range from $18 to $54.

O’Neill x Hello Kitty will be available at Oneill.com, Sanrio.com, select Sanrio stores and independent specialty retailers starting on April 11. The Summer collection will also be available on Nordstrom.com and at select Nordstrom stores starting in early May.

To celebrate the launch, O’Neill and Sanrio will be partnering on launch events throughout the Summer including fun-filled family activities, giveaways and a chance to win a limited-edition O’Neill x Hello Kitty surfboard, as well as appearances & photo opps with Hello Kitty herself.

About Sanrio^®

Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty^®, and home to many beloved characters including Chococat^®, My Melody^®, Badtz-Maru^®, Keroppi^® and Gudetama^®. Sanrio was founded on the ‘small gift, big smile’^® philosophy – that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Hello Kitty’s legendary breadth of products is available in over 130 countries and in retail locations including department, specialty, national chain retailers and Sanrio boutique stores. To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – @sanrio, @hello kitty.

About O’Neill

O’Neill Women’s is dedicated to and inspired by the adventurous and free-spirited young female. Driven by O’Neill’s heritage as the original California surf brand since 1952, O’Neill stays true to its roots, while offering a unique fashion perspective that is modern and fresh. Featuring a range of styles for all seasons both on and off the beach, O’Neill Women’s includes a blend of effortlessly cool prints, dresses, tees, denim, fleece, jackets, accessories, swimwear and wetsuits.

Featured in hundreds of magazines and available in more than 85 countries around the world, O’Neill reflects its personality through innovative collections, signature events, and exceptional athletes. With talented team riders including surfer Honolua Blomfield and Imogen Caldwell, the brand continues to push the envelope of performance and is committed to providing today’s most advanced and authentic youth lifestyle products.

Casio releases BABY-G collaboration model featuring Hello Kitty

March 1, 2018

Casio's BABY-G collection model featuring Hello Kitty (Photo courtesy of Casio) — Casio’s BABY-G collection model featuring Hello Kitty (Photo courtesy of Casio)

Casio America, Inc. has announced the release of the latest addition to the BABY-G line of women’s shock-resistant watches, based on the concept of “Tough and Cool.” The BGA190KT is a collaboration model inspired by a globe-trotting Hello Kitty and will be available in two models.

The base model for the collaboration model is the BGA190, which is popular among avid travelers for Dual Dial World Time that simultaneously shows the time in two cities. Inspired by a globe-trotting Hello Kitty, the watch is designed to appeal to women who enjoy traveling. This is the second BABY-G collaboration timepiece with Hello Kitty.

The minute hand is decorated with Hello Kitty’s trademark red ribbon, and the watch band is covered with Hello Kitty-style illustrations arranged like random passport stamps, to set the mood for travel. The back plate and special packaging feature an originally-designed pilot Hello Kitty to commemorate the collaboration. The BGA190KT is designed to inspire travel, extending to the special packaging that includes a box styled like a suitcase that is essential for every trip.

The special Hello Kitty BABY-G collaboration watch is available in two colorways, white (BGA190KT-7B) and black (BGA190KT-1B), and is equipped with shock- and water-resistance up to 100 meters, world time, daily alarm, stopwatch, and countdown timer capabilities, LED light, and 12/24 hour formats.

The BGA190KT will retail for $150 and will be available at Macy’s, select fashion boutiques, shopcasio.com and at the G-SHOCK Soho Store. For more information about these women’s analog-digital watches, visit http://www.baby-g.com/.

About BABY-G

Casio’s female timepiece brand, BABY-G, was created as a counterpart to its “big brother” G-SHOCK in 1994. The brand exemplifies the meeting of fashion and function for the vibrant, active woman with watches that are stylish, bold, tough and chic. Equipped with the same great functionality that G-SHOCK is known for, BABY-G timepieces are shock and water resistant with multiple daily alarms and stopwatch functions. The brand has partnered with some of the hottest names in music, fashion and pop culture on standout watch collaborations including Ke$ha, Rebecca Minkoff, Joyrich and Married To The Mob. For additional information on Casio’s BABY-G line of timepieces, please visit www.baby-g.com.

About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipments solutions, established in 1957. Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution” through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information visit our website at casio.com/home.

Hello Kitty added to Universal Studios Hollywood’s Animation Studio Store

March 1, 2018

The following is a press release from Universal Studios Hollywood:

Donning her signature red bow, global pop phenom Hello Kitty joins Universal Studios Hollywood, taking up residence at The Entertainment Capital of L.A. in the theme park’s all-new, and now open, Animation Studio Store.

In true Hollywood fashion, the spotlight shines brightly on Hello Kitty and her friends from Sanrio, including My Melody, Keroppi and Chococat, as they star in a selection of park-exclusive merchandise, including accessories, apparel, stationery, souvenirs and collectibles.

An array of delectable confectionery—prepared fresh daily—is also available, including such tasty treats as Hello Kitty, Chococat and Keroppi themed s’mores, and a variety of Hello Kitty themed fudge, cupcakes and caramel apples.

Highlights of the exclusive product offerings feature designs incorporating Sanrio characters into classic Universal titles such as Jaws, E.T. The Extra -Terrestrial, Back to the Future and more, as well as the group enjoying a variety of Universal Studios Hollywood theme park attractions, from the world-famous Studio Tour to “Jurassic Park—The Ride” and “King Kong 360 3D.” New park-exclusive merchandise will be released regularly.

The shop also features the popular Hello Kitty Build-A-Bow display, inviting guests to customize their design from a selection of colorful bow options. Guests purchasing any Sanrio item will also receive a complimentary Hello Kitty Hollywood-themed temporary tattoo, which mirrors Sanrio’s ‘small gift, big smile’ philosophy that is demonstrated globally across all Sanrio’s retail stores and special events.

Hello Kitty will also make special appearances just outside the entrance of the Animation Studio Store. Making her Hollywood debut in a red pleated dress embellished with film strips, Hello Kitty will meet and greet fans near a collection of Sanrio-themed topiaries, including My Melody, Keroppi and Chococat, and window displays featuring the characters making movies and enjoying the Universal Studios Hollywood experience.

In addition to Hello Kitty, the Animation Studio Store will feature an array of merchandise from Illumination Entertainment films, including Minions from the blockbuster Despicable Me film franchise, and DreamWorks Animation, including memorable items from Kung Fu Panda. A selection of products from other favorite animations will also be available, including Dr. Seuss, Scooby-Doo, Curious George, SpongeBob SquarePants and “The Simpsons.”

The Animation Studio Store sits at the heart of Universal Studios Hollywood in a new 6,000 square foot structure that draws its inspiration from California Mission revival architecture reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s. Fusing style with whimsy, the retail environment weaves nimble animated characters into the fabric of the Spanish architectural design from the wood detailing to the stucco, wrought iron and painted tiles.

The Carl Laemmle outdoor courtyard situated adjacent to the Animation Studio Store pays homage to the filmmaking pioneer and founder of the Universal movie studio inviting guests to dine or relax amid a decorative fountain surrounded by luscious greenery.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Sanrio® is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty®, and home to many beloved characters including Chococat®, My Melody®, Badtz-Maru®, Keroppi® and Gudetama. Sanrio was founded on the ‘small gift, big smile®’ philosophy – that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Hello Kitty’s legendary breadth of products is available in over 130 countries and in retail locations including department, specialty, national chain retailers and Sanrio boutique stores. To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – @sanrio, @hello kitty.

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor rollercoaster. Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons RideTM” and the “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction. The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television studio where they can also experience such authentic and immersive thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKJvRMa2AF8

Puma x Hello Kitty Suede Classic announce new shoe collection

January 25, 2018

The following is a press release from Sanrio:

For over 40 years, fans have been smitten by Hello Kitty. She may only be as tall as five apples and weighs the same as three, but her influence spans the world over, gracing all things ‘kawaii’ since she first debuted in Japan in 1974. The PUMA Suede born in 1968 has long established its iconic status with roots in sport and relevance in the sneaker world. Both Hello Kitty and the PUMA Suede are certified pop cultural icons #ForAllTime.

How else can you explain a multi-billion dollar brand built largely on word of mouth? Hello Kitty is for fans of all ages, making her the perfect addition to the Suede’s 50th Anniversary.

Everything about the collection, from the red bow-toms to her milk bottle icon, pays homage to Hello Kitty, the little girl from London who loves fresh-baked cookies and Mama’s apple pie. Bold colors, cheeky graphics and fun, intricate details make this offering uniquely endearing.

We’ve seen the Suede get funky, fresh, chic and sporty. Now, we see the silhouette at its cutest. The PUMA x Hello Kitty Suede Classic toebox, tongue, laces, heel and Formstripe are a radiant red, popping against a Hello Kitty pattern and a chunky white sole. A notable detail includes the red bow-toms that showcase Hello Kitty’s signature bow, beaming through translucent outsoles. The PUMA x Hello Kitty Suede Classic shoes are available in adult and junior, pre-school and infant sizes.

Apparel pieces round out the PUMA x Hello Kitty capsule collection. The PUMA x Hello Kitty Tee in white with the collab logo is all charm, while a red-white T7 set is peak adorable. The PUMA x Hello Kitty T7 Hoodie in red features the iconic 7cm stripe along the shoulder and arms with the trademark logo on the front and back. The PUMA x Hello Kitty Pants, also Red with the T7 stripe, feature a small Hello Kitty icon on the front right leg and her classic milk bottle icon on the back of the left hip.

A nod to Sanrio’s “small gift, big smile” philosophy, the capsule collection also features supercute coordinating accessories like the Red-White PUMA x Hello Kitty Backpack and Gym Sack with an unforgettable collab logo and the PUMA x Hello Kitty Cap with a red translucent bill.

The PUMA x HELLO KITTY collection makes its way into PUMA Stores, puma.com, Sanrio.com and select Sanrio stores starting February 8th. Follow @PUMASportstyle for all Suede 50 updates and check #ForAllTime to keep up with the conversation.

PUMA
PUMA is one of the world’s leading Sports Brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For over 65 years, PUMA has established a history of making fast product designs for the fastest athletes on the planet. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Golf, and Motorsports. It engages in exciting collaborations with renowned design brands to bring innovative and fast designs to the sports world. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and Dobotex. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany. For more information, please visit http://www.puma.com

About Sanrio
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty®, who recently celebrated her 40th Anniversary. Home to many endearing characters including Chococat® My Melody®, Badtz-Maru® and Keroppi®, Sanrio was founded on the ‘small gift, big smile®’ philosophy – that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration for the broad spectrum of unique products and experiences. Today, more than 50,000 Hello Kitty-branded items are available in over 130 countries and upwards of 15,000 U.S. retail locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 35 Sanrio boutiques. For more information please visit www.sanrio.com and www.facebook.com/hellokitty.

FILA x Sanrio collection debuts exclusively at Urban Outfitters

October 30, 2017

The following is a press release from Sanrio:

The FILA x Sanrio collection featuring global pop icon Hello Kitty and her friends Keroppi, Chococat and Badtz-Maru launched exclusively at Urban Outfitters. The brands’ newest campaign highlights a dual-gender assortment donning the signature FILA logo alongside the Sanrio characters. The collection, only available at Urban Outfitters, consists of women’s apparel and accessories featuring Hello Kitty, and men’s apparel incorporating Hello Kitty, as well as Keroppi, Chococat, and Badtz-Maru in a moto-themed setting.

“Hello Kitty has been a cultural icon for over 40 years,” said Colby Black, Urban Outfitter’s General Merchandise Manager of Men’s. “I have always been intrigued by the wide scope of consumer products that have integrated the story of Hello Kitty into their design aesthetic – from sandals, to coffee, to airplanes, and even microwaves. We were working on a new project with FILA for ComplexCon and just by chance had a phone call with Sanrio the same week. By the end of the conversation, we all agreed that this could be a perfect moment to align UO, FILA, and Sanrio. We are excited to present this one of kind, limited edition collection.”

“We are thrilled to add Hello Kitty into the mix for our latest collaboration with Urban Outfitters,” said Danny Lieberman, Senior Vice President of Apparel at FILA North America. “We’ve created an exclusive set of styles that playfully fuse FILA’s iconic logo with Sanrio’s most beloved characters.”

The 8-piece Women’s assortment includes a hoodie, long-sleeve tee, short-sleeve tee, polo shirt, shorts and a skirt, as well as a bandana and bucket hat. The Men’s collection consists of a short-sleeve tee, long-sleeve tee, pullover sweatshirt, zip jacket and matching joggers, and a mesh jersey shirt. Both the women’s and men’s pieces have a sporty, whimsical take – with women’s styles pulling inspiration from classic tennis silhouettes and men’s from motocross gear. Prices range from $20 to $119 USD.

To launch the collection, the brands will host an event at Urban Outfitters’ Space 15 Twenty in Los Angeles on November 9th. The event will feature a live performance by Los Angeles-based recording artist, Buddy, who will perform music off of his recently released EP Magnolia. To open the show, there will be a set by DJs and twin sisters SimiHaze. Buddy, Simi, and Haze also serve as the faces of the editorial campaign. Doors open at 7:00 PM PST with show starting at 7:30 PM PST.

The FILA x Sanrio collection launches November 6th in select Urban Outfitters stores in North America and Europe, as well as online at urbanoutfitters.com and urbanoutfitters.eu, and will also live across all UO social and web platforms.

About Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters is a lifestyle retailer dedicated to inspiring customers through a unique combination of product, creativity and cultural understanding. Founded in 1970 in a small space across the street from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores in the United States, Canada and Europe, offering experiential retail environments and a well-curated mix of women’s, men’s, accessories and home product assortments. For more information, visit Urban Outfitters at urbanoutfitters.comwww.urbanoutfitters.com.

About FILA
From its humble beginnings in Biella, Italy in 1911 to its historic introduction of color on the tennis court in the 1970s, FILA has always remained committed to making a statement about individuality, power, and style through product that is both novel in aesthetic and effective in function. While the brand’s offerings were originally intended for those defiant of expectations in sport, it was only natural that limit-challengers and subculture creators everywhere would soon recognize FILA as an aspirational beacon. It was the introduction of the Original Tennis shoe in 1984 that catapulted FILA from its reputation as an authentic athletic brand into a genuine lifestyle icon. As the era’s most legendary hip-hop artists and fashion players embraced the shoe and the street-savvy apparel collections it inspired, it became clear to all that FILA was synonymous with the courage to create a lasting mark in whatever world you compete. Athlete or not, this was a brand as bold and breakthrough as its wearers-a brand to truly make your own. After 44 years of paving the way in “sport-style”, FILA continues to inspire new generations with modern looks crafted from its DNA – a game changing heritage both on and off the court. Visit http://www.FILA.com to see the full collection of apparel and footwear.

Sanrio Loves Sugarfina candy collection launches

September 14, 2017

The following is a press release from Sanrio:

It doesn’t get much sweeter than this: Sugarfina, the luxury candy boutique for grown-ups, and Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for beloved pop icon Hello Kitty, have partnered to create Sanrio Loves Sugarfina – an adorable collection of Candy Bento Boxes® and Candy Cubes® inspired by Hello Kitty and her Sanrio friends.

At the heart of the collaboration is Hello Kitty, the beloved pop icon with a global multi- generational fanbase. Sugarfina has created two new candies that celebrate her iconic style: a delicious strawberry-flavored gummy in the shape of her signature bow and a supercute Hello Kitty gummy in the shape of her face and flavored like her favorite food, her mama’s apple pie. Both candies are included in a limited-edition bow-shaped Candy Bento Box®.

The collection also features Sanrio character favorites including Keroppi, Gudetama, My Melody, Chococat and Badtz-Maru, with candies paired to their unique personalities, such as Mischievous Chocolate Pops – milk chocolate filled with popping candy – for the mischievous Badtz-Maru and Lazy Gummy Eggs for Gudetama, the lazy egg who can’t be bothered to do much of anything.

Rounding out the collection is Sugarfina’s first-ever Pop-Up Candy Bento Box®, a uniquely- designed magnetic box that opens to reveal an adorable pop-up diorama featuring the Sanrio characters. Open the pull-out drawer and fill the box with your favorite Sanrio character Candy Cubes®. The reusable box makes the perfect travel case or pencil box once the candies are gone.

“I grew up with the Sanrio characters as a little girl and love them even more today,” said Sugarfina co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Rosie O’Neill. “There’s something so irresistibly cute about Hello Kitty and her friends and this collaboration is a childhood dream come true.”

“Our Sugarfina collaboration captures the essence of Sanrio’s small gift, big smile philosophy,” said Jill Koch, Sr. Vice President of Brand Management and Marketing at Sanrio, Inc. “Sugarfina is known for their delicious candies in a high-quality, giftable presentation. Pairing our supercute characters with their gourmet sweets and signature packaging details will bring smiles to fans of all ages.”

To celebrate the sweetest collaboration of the year, Sugarfina and Neiman Marcus will host launch events across the country where fans can meet Hello Kitty and Sugarfina founder Rosie O’Neill, sample sweet treats and be the first to shop the new Sanrio Loves Sugarfina candy collection. The events will take place in Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Dallas, New York, Oakbrook, Honolulu and Vancouver. Visit www.sugarfina.com/hellokitty for event details.

The entire collection will be available in-store and online Monday, September 18th. The first 25 people in line at Sugarfina boutiques will receive a free Sanrio character cube of their choice.

Product Quick Facts:
– Hello Kitty Red Bow Candy Bento Box® – includes Hello Kitty Mama’s Apple Pie Gummies and Hello Kitty Strawberry Bow Gummies ($20.00)
– Sanrio Collection 3pc Pop-up Candy Bento Box® – includes your choice of 3 Sanrio character Candy Cubes® ($30.00)
– Hello Kitty Mama’s Apple Pie Gummies, Small Candy Cube® ($8.00)
– Hello Kitty Strawberry Bow Gummies, Small Candy Cube® ($8.00)
– Keroppi Donut Pond Jelly Beans, Small Candy Cube® ($8.00)
– Gudetama Lazy Gummy Eggs, Small Candy Cube® ($8.00)
– My Melody Sweet Chocolate Pearls, Small Candy Cube® ($8.00)
– Chococat Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels, Small Candy Cube® ($8.00)
– Badtz-Maru Mischievous Chocolate Pops, Small Candy Cube® ($8.00)

About Sugarfina
Sweethearts Rosie O’Neill and Josh Resnick have dreamed of opening a luxury candy boutique ever since their third date, a screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. They fell in love over the unique and delicious candies they tasted while traveling and were inspired to bring a new concept in gourmet candy to the United States. Named one of the world’s most beautiful candy shops by Architectural Digest, Sugarfina opened November 2013 in Beverly Hills and now includes 24 boutiques and 15 Nordstrom shop-in-shops in North America in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago and Vancouver. Before Sugarfina, Rosie and Josh had every kid’s dream job – Rosie was Director of Marketing for Barbie, and Josh was the co-founder and President of Pandemic Studios, a major video game developer. To learn more about Sugarfina, visit www.sugarfina.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @sugarfina.

Universal Studios Hollywood announces ‘Kung Fu Panda’ attraction, Hello Kitty store will open in 2018

June 5, 2017

DreamWorks Theatre at Universal Studios Hollywood ((Rendering courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood) — DreamWorks Theatre at Universal Studios Hollywood (Rendering courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood)

Hello Kitty Store (Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood)

The following is a press release from Universal Studios Hollywood:

It’s an exciting time at Universal Studios Hollywood as the #1 tourist destination in Los Angeles introduces compelling new theme park attractions and noteworthy new Universal CityWalk establishments. Click here to see what’s new.

Below highlights what’s on the horizon in 2018 at Universal Studios Hollywood even as the Entertainment Capital of L.A. continues to unveil dynamic new opportunities for the remainder of 2017:

With DreamWorks Animation’s recent acquisition, Universal Studios Hollywood will soon roll out the red carpet for a unique, never before seen DreamWorks Theatre attraction. Opening in 2018, this newly designed venue will play host to a variety of action-packed DreamWorks Animation themed attractions beginning with the multi-sensory adventure inspired by the global blockbuster franchise Kung Fu Panda, and created in partnership with Universal Creative and DreamWorks’ Artists. This new technologically advanced attraction will take guests on a legendary journey that fuses captivating storytelling with state-of-the art projection mapping and LED lighting effects for a highly engaging and immersive, unstoppable-awesome experience.

Meet the lovable DreamWorks characters that will join Universal Studios Hollywood beginning in summer 2017 to entertain guests and pose for memorable photos. Newly introduced characters will include: Kung Fu Panda’s Po and Tigress; Madagascar’s Alex the Lion, The Penguins—Skipper, Rico, Kowalski and Private, and King Julian; Trolls’ Poppy and Branch; Shrek’s Puss ‘n Boots will join existing characters Shrek and Fiona. These many new entertaining characters will join the vast array of Universal Studios Hollywood’s many other diverse walk-about characters.

Hello Kitty, the beloved global pop icon created by the Japanese company Sanrio, joins Universal Studios Hollywood in 2018. Hello Kitty and her signature red bow, along with more Sanrio friends including My Melody, Keroppi, and Chococat, will be featured on park-exclusive merchandise including accessories, apparel, collectibles, and confectionery. Highlights of the exclusive product offerings include designs incorporating classic Universal titles such as Jaws, ET, Back to the Future and more. Hello Kitty herself will also appear to meet and greet guests.

The following highlights Universal CityWalk Hollywood’s newest introductions:

World-renowned filmmaker, Steven Spielberg headlined the grand opening of Universal CityWalk’s multi-million dollar Universal Cinema renovation and shined the spotlight on the state-of-the-art venue as the place to “see movies where movies are made.” Featuring screening room quality theatres, deluxe recliner seats, next generation sight and sound achievements and a trendy Director’s Lounge cocktail bar, the all-new Universal Cinema redefines the movie-going experience, setting it apart as a category leader.

“As a filmmaker, we create movies that invite moviegoers to enter other worlds, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. In the best case scenario, the movie-going experience and its venue are on par with the movie that you came to enjoy. Universal Cinema defines advancement and technology with this incredible new movie theatre. I am happy to be here at Universal CityWalk to join the official opening of the Universal Cinema, where movie-goers have a rare opportunity to see movies at the very place where movies are made.”

—Steven Spielberg, filmmaker

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band took center stage performing at the grand opening of Universal CityWalk Hollywood’s newest dining experience, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. The first-ever Los Angeles-based location invites guests to escape the everyday and dine within a casual seaside retreat environment amid palm trees, thatched enclaves, island music and surfboard tables. The venue’s expansive 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar features such hand-crafted cocktails and signature margaritas as the Who’s to Blame® Margarita or the 5 O’Clock Somewhere boat drink while live music and entertainment complement the dining experience featuring such signature dishes as LandShark Lager Fish & Chips, Jimmy’s Jammin’ Jambalaya ®, Volcano Nachos or a Cheeseburger in Paradise ®.

Voodoo Doughnut casts a spell on Universal CityWalk Hollywood with its decadent and eclectic palate-pleasing pastry creations that range from Bacon Maple Bar and Oh Captain, My Captain to Grape Ape, Mango Tango and its signature Voodoo Doll doughnuts. This first-ever California location serves up delicious traditional and vegan out-of-this-world sweet and savory treats inspired by its hometown Portland, Oregon location.

Inspired by celebrated restaurant Meizhou Dongpo and its renowned and innovative owners, Chef Mr. Wang and his wife Mrs. Liang, Dongpo Kitchen serves authentic Sichuan cuisine in the first-ever U.S. casual dining concept exclusive to Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Offering both indoor and al fresco dining, the CityWalk restaurant caters to Southern Californians and guests visiting from around the globe with a variety of tantalizing signature dishes, from Dongpo fried noodles, roasted duck salad, spicy chicken to specialty beverages such as dragon well green tea and roasted oolong milk tea.

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter TM” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor rollercoaster, as well the all-new “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction. Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons RideTM”. The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s flagship attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television studio where they can also experience such authentic and immersive thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.” The destination also features the Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, including the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue.

Sanrio X Crap Eyewear Collection launches

May 3, 2017

The following is a press release from Sanrio:

Sanrio, best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, and Crap Eyewear, recognized for high quality and boldly-designed sunglasses, have collaborated to create a supercute line of sunglasses inspired by Hello Kitty. The Hello Kitty x Crap Eyewear capsule collection will launch on June 28, 2017.

The Hello Kitty x Crap Eyewear collection offers four signature Crap Eyewear styles embellished with iconic Hello Kitty detail. All styles will include a gold Hello Kitty charm logo detail on the temple of the frame. Styles include:

The Hanoi Weekend – features Hello Kitty’s signature red bow; available in two colorways, Gloss White & Gloss Black, each with Grey Gradient CR-39 lenses
The Love Tempo – features signature bow pattern on the interior arm of the frame; available in Gloss Blue with Grey CR-39 lenses
The Wild Gift – features a classic, slender cat eye shape; available in Milky Pink Glitter with Gold Wire Wrapped Pink Tint CR-39 lenses

All styles in the capsule collection have a suggested retail price of $76 and will include a custom Hello Kitty x Crap Eyewear all over print sunglass case.

The The Hello Kitty x Crap Eyewear collection reflects Crap Eyewear’s core brand philosophy to create bold, design-driven eyewear for the youthful lifestyle market at an affordable price. Crap Eyewear products are all custom-designed utilizing high quality polycarbonate frame construction, outfitted with 100% UVA & UVB blocking CR-39 lenses and top tier hardware like unique five-barrel optical hinges. The The Hello Kitty x Crap Eyewear collection will be available at sanrio.com, crapeyewear.com, select Crap Eyewear retailers, Sanrio stores worldwide and the Crap Eyewear Showroom in L.A.

About Crap Eyewear
Crap® Eyewear is an independent sunglass brand from Los Angeles, CA, born in reaction to an expensive and often all-too-serious eyewear market. We create quality sunglasses that are design-driven, fashion-forward and accessibly-priced. Our company is deeply rooted in the rich countercultures of Southern California; Music, fashion, skateboarding and surfing make us happy and we strive to support these scenes with thoughtful integrity.