Hello Kitty Winds Back Good Ol’ Times With Cassette Player & Polaroid Camera
By Alexa Heah, 06 Nov 2023
Wisconsin-based product design studio Retrospekt has teamed up with Sanrio to introduce a delightful collection of Hello Kitty-themed retro devices.
Adorably dubbed the Strawberry Kawaii collection, this collaboration brings back the charm of the past with a modern twist.
The highlights of the capsule are two standout gadgets: a Polaroid 600 instant camera and a portable cassette player, both adorned with the iconic Hello Kitty aesthetic that blends nostalgia and contemporary design.
The Polaroid 600 instant camera in this collection is reminiscent of a strawberry milkshake—smooth and sweet.
The brand has meticulously crafted each piece in this series, incorporating a clean white and pink color palette, official Hello Kitty artwork, and Japanese hiragana characters with phrases like “Hello Kitty” and “Kawaii.”
What makes this Polaroid camera even more special is that it utilizes refurbished vintage Polaroid internal components from the 80s and 90s, which have been carefully restored and inspected.
These components are then housed in a freshly-molded exterior designed and built by Retrospekt. This approach not only ensures an authentic instant photography experience but also promotes sustainability by repurposing what might have otherwise become electronic waste.
In addition to the charming camera, Retrospekt introduces the CP-81 portable cassette player in this collection.
It offers a classic tape experience, complete with all the core functions from yesteryear. To enhance the experience, the player comes with exclusive Hello Kitty headphones featuring an adjustable headband and pink foam cushions.
Head here for a look at the complete collection.
[via PetaPixel and Digital Camera World, images via Retrospekt]
This article was crafted with assistance from an AI engine, and has been manually reviewed & edited.