12 shades of Hello Kitty

Not content with having her own plane and cafe, this cutesy character now has a nail polish line, thanks to OPI. Aretha Loh experiences Kittymania in Taipei.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Not content with having her own plane and cafe, this cutesy character now has a nail polish line, thanks to OPI. Aretha Loh experiences Kittymania in Taipei.

Photography Tan Wei Te art direction Sherli Chong
Photography Tan Wei Te art direction Sherli Chong

Celebs like Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga have adopted this famous feline as a fashion icon, and she’s so popular that Taiwanese airline Eva Air even has its own Hello Kitty flight. It seems only fitting that I should take this very flight to Taipei for the launch of the new Hello Kitty by OPI collection.

OPI has launched countless collections that were inspired by animated characters, including Minnie Mouse and Shrek. Now, the brand has fallen head over heels in love with its new Japanese muse, and spares no expense in pampering me with the ultimate Hello Kitty experience throughout my trip.

When I land in Taiwan, I’m chauff eured to W Hotel in a Hello Kitty van (of course). Then, when I get to my room, I’m greeted by countless Hello Kitty goodies, including pillows, balloons, instant-picture cameras and even cupcakes. But here’s what really catches my eye: OPI’s spanking new collection of 12 nail lacquers ($16 each).

The collection includes primary colours like blue, red and yellow, as well as glittery and pale pinks. In fact, half the collection is dedicated to various shades of pink, so if you’re a fan of girlie hues, this will be right up your alley. My faves are the sweet pastel pink Look at My Bow!, and the sparkly pink Charmmy & Sugar with tiny holographic sequins.

If you love collecting Hello Kitty items, I’d recommend picking up the Say Hello to Pretty Pedi duo pack ($26). Besides two nail lacquers – Charmmy & Sugar and Let’s Be Friends! (a cotton-candy pink) – this kit also has a cute Hello Kitty toe separator. We predict it’s going to fly off the shelves, so it’s best to be quick!

More: kitty