Sanrio and Forever 21 launch Hello Kitty Forever

Hello Kitty spreads more smiles

By Michelle J. Mills

Photos by Dean Lee

Sanrio and Forever 21 have partnered for Hello Kitty Forever, an exclusive collaboration that includes bedding, bath and home accessories. In addition to expanding the product line, the offerings boast a more "grownup" attitude with styles and patterns that are even appropriate for office wear, as well as fun fashions for any age. But best of all, nothing in the entire collection is more than $30.

The new Kitty color palette ranges from classic black and white prints to cool apricot, teal and light pink hues and further into lime greens and bouncy yellows. You will also find more of the characters from the Hello Kitty family playing up the patterns, such as Chococat, Badtz-Mardu and Hagydon.

Some of our favorite pieces in the fashion line, include sweaters. There is a black sweater emblazoned with a comic strip rendition of Badtz-Mardu, which is perfect for casual days, and a preppy tangerine v-neck sweater with a sweet Chococat applique that even moms on the go would love. The black and white filigree print collection features a jacket, leggings, miniskirt, scarf and more, plus bedding. Our must-buy in this set is the scarf print top with its back and long sleeves done it lace- sophisticated and sassy.

We also liked the use of Peter Pan collars on many of the dresses and the attention to detail. One example of perfect embellishment is a white shirt with a thin black Badtz-Mardu patterned tie and a clutch of silver studs at each shoulder. On the sweeter side, we liked a flowing apricot top with long sleeves and a print of Hello Kitty peeking from one side. 

There are many casual items available, as well as pajamas and loungewear. One of the hits here is a green thermal hoodie with a sunglass-wearing Hello Kitty on the front. It comes with thermal pants in cool yellow with a smaller Hello Kitty pattern.

There is a jewelry line created by Onch Movement to complement the fashions. Pair cute bow and pretzel stud earrings with oversized Hello Kitty pendants on bold chains or strands of big pearls with smaller Kitty touches. The styles are playful, yet many are quite elegant. 

Rounding out this new collaboration is a selection of travel, bath and bedding items. There are totes and umbrellas, along with hats, scarves and travel kits so you can share your love of Hello Kitty everywhere you go. 

Large pillows in black and white or apricot and teal prints are just right for finishing the look of a bed decked out with sheets, pillowcases and a duvet cover that matches. On a side note, Hello Kitty is not prominent on every bedding pattern, so they can easily work in an adult's bedroom without making it look childish. 

But don't hesistate to show off your fun side with character bath mats, towels, trash bins and more. And did we mention the lip gloss and nail polish sets? There are so many new things, well, you really need to see them for yourself.

The Hello Kitty Forever collection is available at all Forever 21 stores and ranges from $5-$30. For more information, visit www.sanrio.com and www.forever21.com.