With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
These Vintage Hello Kitty Products Will Take You Back
Hello Kitty Con is a trip through memory lane. From looking at the old school Sanrio gift bags to retro Hello Kitty pencil boxes, you can't help but feel a little nostalgic.
LAist visited the convention running through to Sunday and checked out the vintage Hello Kitty items on display. We saw (and cooed at) the adorable products like a Hello Kitty sewing machine, a rotary phone, alarm clocks and a bevy of miniatures. The first-ever Hello Kitty product made—a tiny, see-through coin purse from 1975—sat in a glass case like an expensive piece of artwork. Even the early plush dolls looked different—Hello Kitty's eyes were bigger and face was flatter; she used to wear a big "K" on the front of her overalls.
Hello Kitty Con continues at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA today through Nov. 2.
Related:
Photos: Dudes Love Hello Kitty, Too
Photos: The Fabulous Fans Of The World's First Hello Kitty Convention
Photos: Devoted Hello Kitty Fans Show Us Their Tattoos (And Get New Ink)
Photos: A Look Inside The World's Largest Hello Kitty Retrospective
Sanrio's Shocking Reveal: Hello Kitty Is NOT A Cat
Photos: Inside The Super Kawaii Hello Kitty Hotel Rooms At The Line
Photos: Los Angeles' Hello Kitty Food Scavenger Hunt Is Now In Full Swing
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist