# Cartoon Cat-Inspired Dolls 'Barbie Hello Kitty' Celebrates Sanrio's Cat's 43rd Anniversary By Ell Smith | Published 2017-11-01 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-hello-kitty References: [hypebae](https://hypebae.com/2017/10/hello-kitty-rose-wine-barbie) & [sgvtribune](http://www.sgvtribune.com/2017/10/30/yes-barbie-hello-kitty-is-a-thing-and-heres-how-much-one-will-cost-you/) To celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the famed Hello Kitty, [Sanrio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-1) and Mattel joined forces, creating the 'Barbie Hello Kitty' -- a classic blonde Barbie doll, sporting a Hello Kitty-inspired outfit. Complete with a bow-buttoned red sweater, a kitty handbag, red heels and frilly socks, this limited edition doll serves as a one-of-a-kind [brand collaboration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skullpanda-x-sanrio). The doll features the classic red motif of the cartoon cat, boasting intricate details that would appeal to fans of either character. For the collectors, this doll comes equipped with a certificate of authenticity and a stand, serving as the perfect addition to any display table. The adorable Barbie Hello Kitty is equal parts nostalgic and celebratory, appealing to fans of either famed brands. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Brand Collaborations:** Opportunity for brands to collaborate and create limited edition products that appeal to fans of both brands. - **Nostalgic Fashion:** Opportunity to create fashion items that evoke nostalgia and celebrate beloved characters or brands. - **Collector's Items:** Opportunity to create limited edition collectible items that come with a certificate of authenticity, appealing to collectors. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toy Manufacturing:** Opportunity for toy manufacturers to create special edition dolls or toys in collaboration with popular brands. - **Fashion Retail:** Opportunity for fashion retailers to design and sell retro-inspired clothing and accessories that tap into nostalgia. - **Collectibles Market:** Opportunity for companies to cater to the growing market of collectors by creating and selling limited edition, authenticated items. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cartoon-Inspired Cat Slides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-1.md) - [Cartoon Cafe Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniverse-make-it-mini-food-hello-kitty.md) - [Cartoon Cat Dessert Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-birthday-double-cup.md) - [Cartoon Cat Chocolate Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanrio-and-godiva.md) - [Cartoon Cat Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-monopoly.md) - [Cartoon Cat Bath Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-and-friends-x-lush.md) - [Cat-Inspired Luxury Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-and-kate-spade.md) - [Solid Gold Character Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-figure.md) - [Cartoon-Honoring High Heels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-heel.md)