The launch of Swarovski’s first Hello Kitty collection

Introduced in 1974, Hello Kitty has become a global icon over the past four decades. Now the time has come for her to shine even more, with a unique collaboration between Sanrio and Swarovski. Swarovski’s first ever Hello Kitty collection will be launched in a selection of the company’s 1,900 stores beginning August 2011. This playful and enchanting collection of jewelry, accessories and figurines, is the perfect celebration of Hello Kitty’s sparkling world.

Instantly recognizable all over the world, Hello Kitty resonates with fans of all ages. Known for her iconic features and signature bow over her left ear, creating the Hello Kitty pieces called for all of Swarovski’s technical expertise.

Under the artistic direction of Nathalie Colin, an enthusiastic design team set about creating fresh and unique interpretations of Hello Kitty through jewelry pieces, charms, accessories and figurines. “As a fan from day one, I saw an obvious connection between the magical, sparkle of crystal and the bright, playful world of Hello Kitty,” explains Nathalie Colin.

With seven necklaces and pendants available, there is something for every Hello Kitty jewelry fan. Many pieces offer an interplay of delicate chains. Hello Kitty’s face appears on each creation either alone, or with other icons from her world, such as bows, flowers, stars and apples.

The Hello Kitty crystal pendant is made entirely of elegantly faceted crystal. To produce the piece, Swarovski, in close collaboration with Sanrio, developed a new type of faceting for an exclusive crystal stone, with Hello Kitty’s head and pink bow. The colors of her features perfectly complement the simplicity of the piece.

The Hello Kitty long pendant incorporates Swarovski’s exclusive Pointiage® technique. Applied individually by hand, an array of clear, black and yellow crystals are combined with countless mini pink crystals to create Hello Kitty’s dress. An epoxy bow in the same shade of pink as the pendant, is also mounted on a very long, fine, rhodium-plated chain. The pendant also has a movable head and arms for a playful touch.

Three bracelets with delicate and playful details extend the jewelry offering. Hello Kitty’s face is presented on the pink crystal pearl bracelet once again with a colored bow in Pointiage®, and accented with fuchsia crystal pearls and movable symbols. A Swarovski classic collector’s item is the linked bracelet that features interchangeable charms. Hello Kitty with her bow in pink faceted crystal, are created entirely in Pointiage® or colored pavé crystal. This delicate chain is brought to life in clear, red and pink crystal.

Two rings complete this enchanting jewelry collection. One set is made up of three rings which include Hello Kitty’s face, bow and apple. These can be worn individually or together. Delicate earrings present her bow in mini pink crystals, with two clear crystal and red set hearts suspended from them.