Australian swimwear brand Bondi Bather has released an exclusive Hello Kitty swim and resort wear collection.
The 78 piece range was recently launched by Miss Universe Australia 2014, Tegan Martin, at Bondi Beach along with Hello Kitty head designer Yuko Yamaguchi.
Illustrated by local artist Alana Williams, the Bondi Bather x Hello Kitty collection depicts the lovable cat’s day at the beach from a morning swim to relaxing on the sand. The illustrations have been paired with images of Bondi taken by lifeguard and photographer Anthony Glick.
With the first Australian Hello Kitty café opened in Adelaide last year, and licensed products that range from nail polish to soy sauce dispensers, swimwear seems a logical step in Hello Kitty’s quest for world domination. Bondi Bather managing director, Kerry Cusack, says it was a simple decision when she was approached by Haven Licensing to partner with the ‘timeless and unique’ brand.
“When I think of Hello Kitty, I think iconic, the same way the world views Bondi,” she says. “There’s only one of them. Their universal appeal and interest transcends the norm… Every female has an affinity to the brand, no matter their age, background or taste.”
All the products are 100 per cent Australian made, which Sandrine de Raspide, senior vice president of Sanrio Global (the company behind Hello Kitty), says was an important factor in the collaboration.
“Localisation is an important element of our creative partnerships and we’re so happy to have had Haven Licensing help us join forces with so many meaningful and gifted partners in Australia,” she says.
“Sanrio are thrilled to be partnering with Bondi Bather and launching one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty products.”
The Bondi Bather x Hello Kitty collection is available now.
By Ruth Cooper
