Sanrio Collaborations
Many people have grown up with sanrio, as it has been around for many years.. Let's take a look at its history and evolution of this iconic and wildly successful brand. According to an article published by CNN “Shintaro founded Sanrio as the Yamanashi Silk Center gift shop in 1960, and changed its name to Sanrio in 1973. Sanrio was one of the first Japanese companies to see potential in the character licensing business — and Hello Kitty is by far its most popular and profitable creation.”
The history of how Hello Kitty became well-known, along with Sanrio's rise in popularity due to the large interest in all things “kawaii”, part of Japanese popular culture. “Kawaii” means 'cute' in Japanese.
Now, with TikTok being a social media platform with more than 1.6 billion active users, Sanrio has gained popularity through this platform. Numerous users and influencers are promoting sanrio collaborations. Have a look at some of the latest sanrio collaborations, most of which you can find in stores at your local mall.
Hot Topic gained a lot of interest from the sanrio community after releasing multiple sanrio collaborations since 2019. These sanrio items are available for pre-order months before the collection even drops, building on its hype and anticipation. With small items such as pins, magnets, socks and jewelry, to other items like loungefly bags, sweaters and denim jeans.
Photo: Hot Topic, Redrum
Forever 21 did not miss with their Sanrio collaboration! However, the newest collaboration the brand did with Sanrio was not their first. Forever 21 had their first exclusive collaboration in 2011! The 2023 Forever 21 X Sanrio collection was kawaii with a touch goth, with items like leather men jackets, pleated skirts with chains, choker necklaces, and grunge sanrio character bathroom rugs. This collection nearly sold out within a couple days, but don’t worry, sources say Forever 21 will be launching another Sanrio collaboration shortly.
Photos: Forever 21
Claire’s released a sanrio jewelry collection that had TikTok users going crazy. The collection dropped in late May and is still available online and in stores while supplies last. One piece of this collection was specifically of interest by Sanrio lovers, the Hello Kitty nose piercing. This nose piercing is a small nose stud with Hello Kitty’s face, perfect to show your kawaii side. The Claire’s X Sanrio collection also included belly button rings, earrings, necklaces, rings and collectibles
Photos: Claire’s
Most people can relate that going to Target is dangerous, often we go in for one specific item and end up leaving with a cart full. Well, this is especially true for sanrio lovers after Target released multiple sanrio collections throughout the year. The sanrio collection at Target included items like sweatwears, skirts, short sets and sweat suit sets, most of which sold out.
Photos: Target
Although Sanrio has been around for many years, it's clearly had a sudden rise in popularity, especially for the main character, Hello Kitty. I personally believe that social media platforms, specifically TikTok, has played a big part in this rise of popularity. With influencers constantly posting the latest sanrio products spotted, everyone wants in on these exclusive collaborations. Pro tip, check out places such as Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Ross and other discount stores, many sanrio items get sent there at much lower prices! Enjoy the hunt for the cutest sanrio items.