Keith Nunez, left, takes pictures of his wife, Carolina, at the first-ever hello kitty fan convention, hello kitty Con, held at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, in Los Angeles. [Photo: Imagine China]
Hello Kitty cuteness took over Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday (31 OCT. 2014 Beijing Time) on the opening day of the first ever Hello Kitty fan convention, which is expected to attract 25,000 fans over four days.
Long lines snaked through the sold-out event at the Geffen Contemporary at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Visitors could pose for photos with Hello Kitty, get permanently inked with her image, hear lectures about her popularity and shop for exclusive products created for the mouthless cat's 40th birthday, which falls on November 1.
Chicago tattoo artist Mario Desa created about 100 Hello Kitty-inspired designs for ink loving fans, with an estimated 50 visitors a day receiving free tattoos from the five artists at "HK Ink."
Scores of fans came in costume wearing Hello Kitty dresses, cat ears and the character's signature red bow.
Many vintage Hello Kitty items were on display, including the Hello Kitty coin purse issued in Japan in 1975 that helped shoot her to fame.
The tiny, original vinyl purse is displayed with all the pomp of a famous and expensive jewel.
Lectures, panel discussions and hands-on craft workshops are offered throughout the convention, along with ample shopping opportunities.
Companies such as Sephora and Spam have created special products for Hello Kitty Con, including a $450 crystal-encrusted makeup-brush set and Spam shaped like a Kitty face.
Another pop-up shop carries convention souvenirs and 40th anniversary limited-edition items, while a "Vintage Shoppe" offers authentic antique pieces, including a Hello Kitty plush doll that cost $14.50 in 1976 and now sells for $150.
Hello Kitty helps generate 8 billion US dollars a year for its creator Sanrio, according to the company.
The neighboring Japanese American National Museum is showing an associated exhibit, "Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty," through until April that features a breadth of Hello Kitty products as well as creative interpretations of the character from 40 international artists.