Hello Kitty Celebrates 40 Years Of Adorable

Hello Kitty was a classic part of most '90s girls' wardrobes, but the brand has actually been around a lot longer than most people realize. According to WWD, Hello Kitty is celebrating 40 years with an exhibit in Seattle at the EMP Museum. The exhibit will cover the brand's history and its explosive growth over the past four decades.

According to WWD, this is the first large-scale retrospective for the brand, which first launched at the Japanese American Museum in Los Angeles. It's called “Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty,” and will feature products from the brand's start and famous pieces that have been worn by celebrities like Lady Gaga. There's more than 600 products included, and contemporary artists have contributed as well.

Hello Kitty, which is owned by Sanrio, brought in $6.5 billion in sales last year, and is the world's sixth-biggest licensor. The companies it competes with include Disney and Mattel, two giants of the retail world, according to a CNN Money article.

It's hard to imagine the brand has been around for 40 years, especially because it feels so modern now. The company has expanded its products to include clothing, accessories, and more, some of which are designed to appeal to older consumers. (One of my friends still proudly uses a Hello Kitty debit card.)

If you still have a soft spot for the cutest red bow-wearing kitty in all the land, you will definitely want to peep Sanrio's latest fall products. Celebrate 40 years of Hello Kitty with these five pieces that will definitely appeal to your grown-up side.

Power Up

Every smartphone owner needs a portable charger, and this one is adorable and functional. Hello Kitty Power Bank Charger: Pink, $29.99, sanrio.com

Travel Smart

Why spend $40 on an ugly, overpriced pillow at the airport when you could easily travel with this one for only $22.50? Hello Kitty Travel Pillow, $22.50, sanrio.com

Sleep Well

This nightshirt is the perfect thing to slip on when you want to wear something cozy to bed. The Hello Kitty motif is subtle enough that you won't feel embarrassed wearing it in front of company. Hello Kitty Sleep Shirt, $25, sanrio.com

Sweet Sips

It might be a little embarrassing to bring this mug to the office, but it's definitely a conversation starter. And who wouldn't like to look at Hello Kitty's face during a boring Monday meeting? Hello Kitty Ceramic Mug, $13, sanrio.com

Coming in Clutch

This black and grey wallet is subtle enough that it could easily double for a clutch when you're out to dinner with friends. Odds are you'll received at least one compliment from a sharp-eyed fellow Hello Kitty fan. Hello Kitty Wallet, $38, sanrio.com

Images: Courtesy of Brand