Steve Aoki honors his Japanese roots in his latest collaboration with Sanrio.
Dim Mak ― the record label and fashion brand founded by Aoki ― has teamed up with Sanrio for a new clothing collection that features the DJ’s reimagined versions of Hello Kitty and Friends. Inspired by the detailed use of eyes in anime to convey a distinctive depth of emotions, the Dim Mak x Sanrio apparel line is filled with images of Hello Kitty, My Melody, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru, Pochacco, Monkichi, Chococat, and Pompompurin, all with expressive anime eyes.
“Growing up in Southern California with limited Asian influences, I was able to learn more about my Japanese culture through anime and manga,” Aoki wrote in a Facebook post, announcing the December 16th release of the collection. “Anime eyes convey emotion with unique levels and depth, like a ‘window to the soul.’ For the Dim Mak x Sanrio collaboration, I was curious to see what the characters could tell us about themselves by showing us their eyes for the first time.”
In a separate statement, Aoki said that It’s been a dream of his to work with Sanrio and he can’t wait to show fans what else he and the Japanese company have in store for them.
For Sanrio’s part, its chief operating officer Craig Takiguchi said they’re “thrilled” to join Aoki to create the “anime-influenced clothing line,” noting that reimagining Hello Kitty and Friends with Aoki’s “distinct design perspective” offers fans an “exciting new way to enjoy the brand through this unique fashion collection.”
Now available on DimMackCollection.com and Sanrio.com from $38 to $85 each item, the Dim Mak x Sanrio collection includes tees, sweatshirts, and hoodies that come in various colors, styles, and designs. Check out some of the items from the collab in the photos below:
Dim Mak x Sanrio Rainbow Hoodie – Lavender, $85
Dim Mak x Sanrio Aoki’s Cake Crew Sweatshirt – Black, $72
Dim Mak x Sanrio Pochacco Long Sleeve Tee – White, $48
Dim Mak x Sanrio Rainbow Tee – Galaxy Tie Dye, $45
Dim Mak x Sanrio Hello Kitty Tee – Rust Bleach, $45
Dim Mak x Sanrio My Melody Tee – Pink, $45
Dim Mak x Sanrio Keroppi Tee – Green, $45
Dim Mak x Sanrio Pochacco Tee – Blue, $45
