Tag Archives: hello kitty

Pop Culture, Toys and Collectibles

Toy Fair 2026: The Ultimate Photo Recap!

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toy fair lobby view photo by gail worley
All Photos By Gail

One of the most highly anticipated annual gatherings at NYC’s Javits Center is Toy Fair, a massive showcase for the toy industry where manufacturers, designers, licensors, and inventors reveal what’s next in the world of play. It’s part trade show, part trend forecast, and plenty of joyful overload — a place where plushies, collectibles, games, and wonderfully strange inventions all compete for your attention.

This year marked my second exploration of Toy Fair, and this time I was able to devote two days to fully immerse myself in the festivities. Having that extra time made all the difference. Instead of rushing  from booth to booth, I wandered, discovered, and let the surprises find me.

To me, Toy Fair is like the Summer Fancy Food Show — but for toys. Anything and everything is on display to satisfy every possible taste. Cute? Check. Collectible? Absolutely. Weird? Definitely. Nostalgic? Everywhere. The creativity on display feels endless.
Continue reading Toy Fair 2026: The Ultimate Photo Recap! →

Books and Periodicals, Pop Culture

Hello Kitty Goes Panel-by-Panel: A Supercute Comic Book Debut

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hello cover art by min ho kim
Hello Kitty Cover Art By Min Ho Kim

There are some icons that never fade — they just evolve. Now, in a move that feels both nostalgic and freshly inventive, Hello Kitty is stepping into an entirely new storytelling universe: comic books.

In a newly announced partnership between IDW Publishing and Sanrio, the world’s most recognizable ambassador of kindness and cuteness is getting her own ongoing comic series. The result? A bright, globe-trotting adventure designed to charm longtime fans and curious newcomers alike.
Continue reading Hello Kitty Goes Panel-by-Panel: A Supercute Comic Book Debut →

Design and Innovation

People of New York: Subway Fashion Edition

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woman with pull tabs jacket photo by gail worley
Stylin! (All Photos By Gail)

On a recent commute to the office, my eye was immediately drawn to a woman wearing a sage silk baseball jacket transformed into something extraordinary — its surface glittering with dozens of safety-pinned soda can pull tabs. Was it a one-of-a-kind creation? I’d like to think so. What’s certain is that everyone in that subway car knew they were in the presence of true New York Street Style. Props to her!
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Design and Innovation

Pink Thing of The Day: Hello Kitty Poncho in Old Town San Diego

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hello kitty poncho photo by gail worley
Photo By Gail

When you think of Old Town, San Diego, chances are your mind goes to adobe buildings, rustic wooden signs, authentic Mexican food, and the kind of historical charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1800s. But as I discovered on my recent visit, history and pop culture sometimes collide in the most delightful ways.

Case in point: tucked inside one of the colorful shops, hanging alongside traditional woven blankets and embroidered dresses, was a bright Mexican poncho emblazoned with likenesses of Hello Kitty. Yes, Sanrio’s beloved pink-bowed feline has made her way into traditional fashion! Continue reading Pink Thing of The Day: Hello Kitty Poncho in Old Town San Diego →

Pop Culture, Toys and Collectibles

Toy Fair 2025: The Ultimate Photo Recap!

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toy fair 2025 entrance shot photo by gail worley
All Photos By Gail

Toy Fair, held annually at NYC’s Javits Center, is one of the largest and most exciting toy industry trade shows in the world. It’s where toy manufacturers, buyers, and industry professionals come together to showcase and discover the latest in toys, games, collectibles, and licensing trends.  Toy Fair is a dream event for anyone who loves toys, pop culture, and creative product design, though it’s traditionally a trade-only event and therefore not open to the general public). Bummer for you!

Fortunately, I was able to snag a press badge this year and make my inaugural visit, where I had an amazing time! Toy Fair runs for four days (four days!) but my busy social calendar only allowed me one day at the show. This meant that I had a lot of ground to cover, but I made the most those seven or eight hours.  Let’s check out some of my favorite finds!
Continue reading Toy Fair 2025: The Ultimate Photo Recap! →