Forever 21 CEO Winnie Park Dishes on the Brand’s New Sanrio Collab Inspired by XO, Kitty
Forever 21's latest fashion collection is a collaboration with Sanrio in celebration of the new Netflix series XO, Kitty, and it feels like the stars have aligned with all of our very favorite things in mind.
This ultimate team-up from Forever 21 combines the cuteness of Hello Kitty with the fun and romance of the To All the Boys I've Loved Before franchise, resulting in some of the sweetest accessories and style pieces around. We have all of the exclusive details here first—including an interview with Forever 21 CEO, Winnie Park.
XO, Kitty
The upcoming Netflix series XO, Kitty, is a spin-off of Jenny Han's beloved book series, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and the film franchise that brought those stories to life. This time around, the story follows Lara Jean's little sister, Kitty Song Covey, with breakout star Anna Cathcart returning in the role.
Kitty loves playing matchmaker—she was so successful pairing her sister, Lara Jean, and Peter Kavinsky, after all—which makes her think she's an expert on all things to do with romance. She decides to surprise her long-distance boyfriend, Dae, by enrolling in his prestigious boarding school in South Korea. Of course, once she gets in and moves there to reunite with him, she quickly realizes he's not everything he's made himself out to be—and that love isn't so black and white when it's your relationship that's being analyzed. The rom-com promises to be filled with all kinds of emotional ups and downs, and we cannot wait until May 18 for its big premiere.
Also read about: Everything You Need to Know About Jordan Fisher, aka John Ambrose in To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You
The Collab
The new limited-edition XO, Kitty x Hello Kitty collection comes from Forever 21, in partnership with Sanrio and Netflix, with pieces inspired by the highly anticipated new series XO, Kitty. It was created for fans of all things To All the Boys, lovers of Hello Kitty and fashion fanatics alike, with styles drawn from XO, Kitty's Korea Independent School of Seoul (or K.I.S.S.). The collection combines preppy, collegiate school uniform looks with a playful edge and the school's signature blue, pink, grey and white color scheme.
(via Forever 21)
The collection is all about affordable and accessible styles, including everything from varsity jackets and cardigans to button-down shirts, miniskirts, tees, sweatshirts and ties, with every piece featuring Hello Kitty graphics.
The collab seems made to be for a number of reasons. First of all, author Jenny Han has been a lover of Sanrio all her life. Forever 21 was also founded by Korean-American immigrants, and CEO Winnie Park is herself an immigrant from South Korea. Plus, the entire collection is coming to life during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
(via Forever 21)
The collection dropped today, May 4, featuring 16 different pieces, in sizes XS to L and ranging in price from $12.99 to $64.99. It's available exclusively in Forever 21 stores, on Forever21.com and on the Forever 21 mobile app.
(via Forever 21)
Also read about: The To All the Boys I've Loved Before Character You Are, Based on Your Sign
An Interview With Winnie Park
Sweety High: This is quite the collab between Forever 21, Netflix and Sanrio! How did all of that cross-pollination come to pass, and why did it feel like the perfect fit in celebration of the new show?
Winnie Park: This collaboration stemmed from our long-standing partnership with Sanrio and our shared passion for relevant cultural moments from fashion to film. Netflix's XO, Kitty series was a perfect co-collaborator as the characters, locations and story are so relevant to our brand and customers. We all speak the language of culture.
(via Forever 21)
SH: Can you tell us about some of the most exciting pieces from the new collection?
WP: Our collection includes 16 curated styles, from apparel to accessories, all adorned with Hello Kitty, an amazing international and cross-generational icon. We designed it in a way where fans can instantly feel like they're part of the K.I.S.S squad inspired by the prep school trend with key pieces like the varsity jacket, letterman sweater, the perfect plaid mini and novelty neckties.
(via Forever 21)
Also read about: 58 Memorable Quotes From XO, Kitty to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
SH: How are the themes of boarding school and Korean influences incorporated into the collection?
WP: Korea is part of Forever 21's brand history, having been founded by Korean American immigrants. Korea has also played a major role in influencing pop culture, from music to beauty and fashion. This collection is especially meaningful given our shared cultural connections as we continue to make fashion accessible to our customers who use fashion as a means of self-expression. The K.I.S.S boarding school played a major role in our creative process, as the collection is inspired by classic preppy looks and features the school's colors in the palette.
(via Forever 21)
Love Kitty Covey? Click HERE for all of her best quotes from the previous films to use as Instagram captions.