Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty....a symbol recognized globally. Most girls, whether they will admit it or not, have a soft spot for Hello Kitty (and even a fair amount of the male population as well.) Of every age too! Not just young girls. Some people have an endless collection of Hello Kitty apparel. I seen'd it! It's like Sanrio came over and puked in their house! For the rest of us, we really just can't help but stop and giggle in nostalgia as we see her face on random items (toasters, garbage bins, sex toys, can openers, etc.) With the merchandising wonderland that is Hello Kitty, we have to stop and wonder: What is the appeal?


She is of a simple design. A white cartoon cat, black dots for eyes, black dot nose, and she doesn't even have a mouth (except in the animated cartoon.) But her simple design is probably what makes her so compatible with all the items her face is slapped on. She isn't overpowering in any way. It's just this quaint little kitty cat. When you take a look at popular girls clothing, you will notice a lot of it involves cute little animals that look like they were designed by a five year old. Just look at Happy Bunny, Paul Frank, and countless copiers.
However, simplicity insinuates innocence. This is very much a key factor in the Hello Kitty appeal. Not only is Hello Kitty a cute and simple character, she was a big part of our childhoods. Girls long to be young forever, and what better way to feel young than to wear a necklace with a cute little kitty on it. And the fashion industry has managed to make a fashion statement of her. So we don't even have to feel stupid when we wear it! For instance, the Hello Kitty diamond necklaces. They cost hundreds of dollars. So it's clearly not for children, and yet it gives us our cute factor back. As every child actor knows, people lose our sense of cuteness as they get older. It's not something they like to lose. Also, most women know that men tend to be attracted to a woman with a bit of cuteness to her. Not so cute that they are annoying, but just cute enough.
I believe Hello Kitty is a symbol of eternal youth. She is versatile, yet always maintains her basics. Black dot eyes, black dot nose, and no mouth. They may put different outfits on her, but deep down she is always that cute, simple thing we can all relate to and love.