Osaka band Shonen Knife tells it like it is in the lyrics to its pop punk hit “Cookie Day” : There are many pretty things in life. Take it easy. Let it be. These words could be the official slogan for Tokyo’s Harajuku district, a neighborhood that attracts trendy scenesters who socialize while showing off their latest looks.
If you like:
*fluorescent wigs
*stuffed animals as fashion accessories
*striped tights with plaid skirts
*faux fur boots
*black on black
…you would fit right in at Harajuku, which draws in label-conscious fashionistas, Gothic Lolitas, glam rock-inspired visual kei, and manga-loving cosplayers. There is one thing besides Harajuku that brings these fashion-forward people together: Hello Kitty. The simple Sanrio cartoon character of a kitty wearing a giant bow on one ear shows up on everyone’s headbands and T-shirts, platform shoes, and vinyl purses.
Now wannabe Harajuku girls have another line of kitty-branded accessories to adorn themselves with. The international beauty retail business Sephora has released Tokyo Pop, “…a sophisticated collection mixes the essence of Hello Kitty with a touch of style and fun. With charming designs and luxurious formulas infused with ingredients she loves, Hello Kitty Beauty is the ultimate must-have.”
Sephora celebrates the release of this new line with five benefit auctions on eBay, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross. The most high profile of the auctions has to be this Hello Kitty Tokyo Trip Package + Sephora’s Hello Kitty Tokyo Pop Beauty Bundle.
Although this auction just went live yesterday afternoon, it already has attracted three bids and a high price of over $1,000. Of course, the spoils of this auction are worth far more. The winner receives:
“5 night trip to Tokyo for you and a friend
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Economy airfare on Delta.”
Then there is the Hello Kitty-oriented part of the package, including:
“VIP Sanrio Puroland Experience including lunch with Hello Kitty
Car service provided to and from Puroland
Personalized and signed Hello Kitty sketch from Yuko Yamaguchi
Personalized sketch may vary from artwork shown in photo.
Chubby Bunny (Neon) Green with Envy Bow
Hello Kitty Luggage
Hello Kitty Medium Rolling Suitcase: Pink
Hello Kitty Compact Rolling Suitcase: Pink
Hello Kitty Travel Accessories
Hello Kitty Luggage Tag: Black
Hello Kitty Black Tote Bag: Shine
Hello Kitty Passport Case: Big Pink Bow
Hello Kitty Die-Cut Face Wallet: Black
Hello Kitty CD Karaoke Set
Hello Kitty Tokyo Pop Beauty Collection exclusively at Sephora
Hello Kitty Beauty Tokyo Pop Eyeshadow Palette
Hello Kitty Beauty Tokyo Pop Kawaii Mirror
Hello Kitty Beauty Tokyo Pop Brush Cup
Hello Kitty Beauty Tokyo Pop Liquid Nail Art – 4 colors: Black, Pink, Green, and Yellow
Hello Kitty Beauty Tokyo Pop Nail files
Hello Kitty Beauty Tokyo Pop Hair Brush
Hello Kitty Beauty Supercute Hair Bows
Hello Kitty Beauty Tokyo Pop Hair Comb
Hello Kitty Beauty Rollergloss.”
The winner will be the toast of Tokyo! Other auction also feature ample Sanrio-branded products and experiences, including this Signed POSE Hello Kitty Little Brush Art Print + Tokyo Pop Collection + More:
There is also a Hello Kitty Neon Bow Sign + Hello Kitty Tokyo Pop Beauty Bundle & More!:
This bundle includes Sephora’s limited edition capsule collection of Kitty coolness, plus a neon sign of her bow, and even a Hello Kitty CD karaoke set.
To get in the mood for bidding, watch this video, “Sephora Presents the Hello Kitty Tokyo Pop Collection”:
Peruse the five benefit auctions here.
In another single, “Cherry Bomb,” Shonen Knife poses the questions, Hey street boy, want some style? Your dead end dreams don’t make you smile? Sephora hopes to remedy this situation with its interpretation of Tokyo pop chic.
