PRESS: Retrospekt and Sanrio Saddle Up for Hello Kitty Howdy Partner Collection
December 2, 2024
MILWAUKEE — Retrospekt, a product design and development studio dedicated to creating unique experiences through new and refurbished retro tech products, is back in the saddle again with global lifestyle brand Sanrio® to launch the Hello Kitty® Howdy Partner collection — three new film-photography products capturing the best of cowboy core filtered through Hello Kitty's supercute lens.
At the heart of the collection is the FC-11 35mm film camera, a white and pink, fixed-focus camera with built-in flash that makes capturing memories on film a breeze. Hello Kitty, adorned in her best cowgirl attire, along with a pony, a star-branded boot and a cactus, create a delightful, western-inspired scene. A bright pink ring around the lens adds a pop of color while a purple wrist strap completes the look, ensuring the camera is always on-hand for the next photo opportunity.
Taking the experience to the next level is an extra special batch of Howdy Partner Hello Kitty and Friends 35mm film allowing anyone with a film camera to get in on the fun. Each roll of film has a pre-exposed border that will appear across the developed photos featuring Hello Kitty and her friends Keroppi™, Chococat™, Cinnamorroll™, My Melody™ and Kuromi™, decked-out in their finest western-wear. This subtle touch adds a dash of flair to each shot without encroaching on the central image. Each roll of 35mm, 400 ISO film has 24 exposures.
Lastly, to help you round up your gear, there’s a new camera bag that makes it easy to carry your camera and film in style. With a red and pink exterior, complemented by white fringe and snap buttons, the bag is the perfect example of what happens when classic western wear gets the Hello Kitty touch. Prairie-chic at its best.
This limited-edition collection will be available for purchase from Sanrio.com and on Retrospekt's website starting Monday, December 2. The FC-11 camera retails for $59, the custom film for $18 and the camera bag for $29.
Whether you're a Hello Kitty enthusiast, a lover of all things Western or simply someone who appreciates the tactile experience of film photography, the Hello Kitty Howdy Partner collection offers a way to capture life's moments with a touch of cowboy-inspired fun.
Full Resolution Photos and Other Assets
via Google Drive
(These assets are available for media use)
About Retrospekt
Retrospekt is a highly specialized workshop and product design studio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, committed to exploring, restoring and curating retro technology. The company started its foray into the world of retro tech by supplying Polaroid with refurbished and restored vintage instant cameras and now offers a full line of vintage camera models in addition to developing official product collaborations with both national and international brands, such as Peanuts, Mattel, Sanrio and FENDI.
Since 2008, Retrospekt has pursued vintage electronics and the delight of analog technology, breathing new life into cameras, portable cassette players, classic gaming consoles and other retro tech oddities. Over the last decade, its team has saved over 300,000 devices with a comprehensive refurbishment process that faithfully restores each item to perform like it did the day it was originally manufactured.
In an increasingly fast-paced world, it can be easy for digital convenience to become digital overload. Retrospekt hopes the items they offer will allow people to slow down, step back and enjoy a more tactile and intentional experience. Visit Retrospekt.com for more information on the company and its offerings.
About Sanrio
Sanrio® is the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty® who was created in 1974, and home to many other beloved character brands such as My Melody™, Kuromi™, LittleTwinStars™, Cinnamoroll™, Pompompurin™, gudetama™, Aggretsuko™, Chococat™, Badtz-maru™ and Keroppi™. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that promote communication and inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio’s business extends into the entertainment industry with several content series, gaming offerings and theme parks. Sanrio boasts an extensive product lineup which is available in over 130 countries. Sanrio hopes to bring smiles to everyone’s faces with their vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles.” To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow @sanrio and @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.
Media Contacts
Lexie Capperella, for Retrospekt
lexie@gregoryfca.com
Marci Ponto, for Sanrio
Golin
vhernandez@golin.com