Hello Kitty fans have flocked to Los Angeles for Hello Kitty Con, a massive party for Hello Kitty's 40th anniversary being held this weekend. Sanrio sold more than 25,000 tickets to the now sold-out event, so that Hello Kitty's closest friends could join in on the fun.
The official 64-page guide-book for the adorable celebration, taking place at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Little Tokyo, highlights the weekend’s events including lectures, panels, an arcade, numerous colorful photos opportunities, and performances. At the Super Supermarket, Hello Kitty’s cute face can be found on Beats by Dr Dre headphones, Bed Head pajamas, cans of Spam, Poketo notebooks and pencils, Sephora makeup, and more. MakerBots are on hand printing 3D Hello Kitty figures. JapanLA is debuting its Simpsons X Hello Kitty streetwear clothing line. Jamie Rivadeneira of Japan LA also curated the original art collection on view next door to Hello Kitty Con at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) in the exhibit Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty.
With all of the exclusive collaborations and official merchandise available, it’s clear that collecting is the name of the game at Hello Kitty Con. Rivadeneira explains, “Everything can be cuter with a character on it, like a pencil. When you look at a plain pencil, you don’t really care about it. When you look at a Hello Kitty pencil, it is cute. You see it and it makes you happy.”
During the opening night celebration party-goers were greeted by mannequins and live models on a series of platforms donning avant-garde and extra adorable Hello Kitty fashions, from a lavish wedding gown and extravagant evening gowns to experimental and bondage dresses. Stepping down into the main floor the photo opportunities are everywhere, including inside a giant replica of the original Hello Kitty coin purse. Pose with Hell Kitty inside a giant teacup. Watch the Hello Kitty dance on stage. Play games in the Hello Kitty arcade. Get a Hello Kitty tattoo. Yes, tattoo. The tattoo shop was in full swing opening night with all four tattoos artists busy creating new Hello Kitty ink.
The workshops include how to make DIY jewelry with Onch, and experts on hand to teach nail art, and how to make bento boxes and Spam musubi. Yuko Yamaguchi, who has been Hello Kitty’s designer since 1980, will appear in conversation with Tarina Tarantino as well as Simone Legno of Tokidoki. Misako Aoki, the CEO of the Japan Lolita Association, will discuss the stories of Lolita lifestyle and fashion. The Art School classroom features artists Camilla d’Errico, Esther Kim, Dabs Myla, and Martin Hsu, helping attendees get creative.
Outside food trucks feed the hungry fans with the super cute pink Hello Kitty Café truck serving donuts and sweets. In the daylight, spotting a full grown man in with Hello Kitty tattoos, next to a 20-year-old Lolita, near a 5-year-old girl with a red sparking Hello Kitty tutu dress shows that this cute culture transcends generations and makes the world a little more colorful. Between the excitement, sensory overload, and sugar rush, these fans are sure to wake up with a Hello Kitty hangover.
Hello Kitty Con runs though November 2. Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty is on view at JANM through April 26, 2015.