Hello Kitty, the popular cat character from Sanrio in Japan, is set for a designer makeover in the June issue of Japanese Vogue, which went on sale yesterday (april 26, 2008).
The fashion spread will show Kitty modeling the latest autumn and winter designs by John Galliano for the Dior brand, posing with the designer and enjoying a shopping spree in Paris.
"Of course this is the first time the historic fashion house of Dior has had a cartoon character model their entire collection," said an official at Conde Nast Japan, publishers of Vogue Nippon www.vogue.co.jp/issues/
But the famous feline already has a following among the fashion crowd, she added.
"Japanese animation and characters have been a strong influence on the fashion world in the last few seasons, but Kitty is special," the official said. "Fashion people all know her name and face and always say they love her. That's why we at Vogue wanted to do something involving her."
The editorial spread will see the cartoon cat enjoying a shopping spree in Paris.
The spread will appear in the June issue of Vogue Nippon, on sale April 26 with Stella Tennant on the cover (wearing Comme des Garcon). Also, as a bonus, the above little Hello Kitty charm will be included in the issue for subscribers.
As soon as I can locate any pictures from the issue, I promise to share them with you.