Swarovski and Hello Kitty Collaborate to Help Victims of Japanese Disaster
For more news and videos visit ? http://english.ntdtv.com
Follow us on Twitter ? http://twitter.com/NTDTelevision
Add us on Facebook ? http://facebook.com/NTDTelevision
Renowned crystal-manufacturer Swarovski collaborates with the Hello Kitty brand to launch a new line of accessories. Their project aims to raise money for survivors of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
Hello Kitty, Japan's famed iconic cat, was reborn with Swarovski crystals on Wednesday to help bring in money for survivors of the earthquake and tsunami disaster in March.
[Robert Buchbauer, CEO, Swarovski]:
"I think it's very important these days to transmit some positive messages to the people, and I think Hello Kitty is perfect in order to do so."
In a showroom on Tokyo's Omotesando fashion street, a line-up of Hello Kitty accessories - from tiny earrings to melon-size figurines - were on display.
An 8-inch-tall Hello Kitty Limited Edition figurine was in the spotlight at the launching event of the collaboration project between the Austrian jewelry maker and the creator of Hello Kitty.
This Hello Kitty fan couldn't wait until the public opening on the following day and snuck into the media event.
[Suzuki Rumi, Hello Kitty Fan]: (Japanese, female)
"I can't buy this for myself, so I would like someone to buy it for me."
Swarovski says it wants to use the adorable cartoon character to rekindle a sense of happiness and optimism in the hearts of the disaster-struck in Japan.
[Robert Buchbauer, CEO, Swarovski]:
"Japan has a long way to fully recover from all the things that have happened in the past few months. I think at the same time it is important to think positively, to think forward, to think ahead, and to create a positive mood again."
Swarovski say they will auction off nine Hello Kitty figures, designed by Japanese celebrities and artists.
The proceeds will go to the Japanese Red Cross Society to help the restoration efforts in northeastern Japan.
