Hello Kitty + Liberty of London
The mythology of Hello Kitty says that she was born in the “suburbs” of London (hmm…could HK possibly be an Essex girl?), so perhaps it’s fitting that Liberty, the famed department store, fabric (and other design goods) manufacturer, and general arbiter of taste, should produce a line of Hello Kitty themed prints called Hello Kitty Liberty Art Fabrics. The newest collection is available for pre-order.
This one is called Kitty Wonderland.
This is Kitty Town, and comes in orange and blue colorways.
This is called kakurenbo, which means hide-and-seek. Also comes in 2 colorways.
They are tana lawn, which means they’re fairly thin, so more suitable for garments than for interior decorating products I think, unless you are skillful enough to reinforce them somehow. I cannot see myself dressing up in this fabric…but a cushion or a tablecloth? I’m so there.
Despite the teeth gnashing going on by a few on Liberty’s Facebook page, decrying the end of civilization or something, this is actually the third Hello Kitty collection Liberty has issued. I am not sure if previous editions all went to Japan, where HK is loved by women of all ages - especially those who grew up in the ’70s, when both Hello Kitty and Sanrio were in their infancy. Anyway, here are a couple of designs from the previous series.
Pretty paisley pattern, which came in 2 colorways I believe.
This one is called Capital Hello Kitty, and shows the whole HK family out and about in London.
Liberty print finished Hello Kitty goods have been available for some time too.
Suitable for a little girl’s bedroom or a lady’s boudoir.
This is a bit borderline, but maybe for clubbing? ^_^
So, what do you think? Hello Kitty and Liberty: a great match, or an unholy alliance? You know which way I roll.
