Péro Channels Nostalgic Fun With Their Latest Collaborative Collection With 'Hello Kitty'

Nostalgia is a powerful drug. Childhood iconography can transport us back to simpler times, as sometimes a single image or symbol is all it takes to bring back the comfort of the past. Our current cultural landscape is saturated with throwbacks; every new movie seems to be a remake, every song reminiscent of bygone musical eras. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love these blasts to the past as much as the next guy, but it’s important to acknowledge how fine the line between pandering and genuine appreciation can be. In an artistic sense, callbacks are most effective when used as a jumping-off point instead of as a tether to the familiar. Rather than depending on sentimentality for the past, creators excel when they can use old materials to craft something entirely new. 

Péro’s latest collaboration with Hello Kitty, Hello Péro, finds the delicate balance between creative innovation and past celebration. Founded by Aneeth Arora, Péro is a homegrown label known for its eccentric maximalism. Despite its unconventional aesthetic, Péro’s garments are made with traditional Indian textile techniques, drawing from the old while remaining unquestionably original. 

Péro’s models walked down the runway at Lakme Fashion Week 2024 in outfits curated to evoke pure whimsy. Their looks featured signature Hello Kitty imagery: strawberries, bows aplenty, and of course, the iconic character’s face plastered across their garments. By mixing patterns, textiles, and charms in a maximalist style evocative of Japanese Harajuku fashion, Péro embodies Hello Kitty’s joy while maintaining its classic hand-crafted look.

Hello Kitty partnered with Péro and traversed into the land of fashion to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Both brands creatively aligned in their philosophies and mutual belief in the importance of fun. Much of Péro’s work caters towards our inner child. Their fall collection, for instance, was a tribute to the 'Barbapapa', a less-known but equally vibrant and fun children’s book and cartoon character. Their well-practised ability to meld childlike wonder with a more mature contemporary style made them the perfect collaborator to honour Hello Kitty’s historic legacy. 

Follow Péro here. 

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