Hong Kong designer Ryan LO to collaboate with Hello Kitty for London Fashion Week show

The show takes place at the LFW Store Studios space tomorrow
Pop passion: models on the runway at the Ryan LO show during London Fashion Week
Mike Marsland/Getty Images
Lizzie Edmonds @lizzieedmo17 February 2017

Designer Ryan LO has said he is “honoured” to have been chosen by cult Japanese brand Hello Kitty to collaborate for one of the most anticipated shows of London Fashion Week.

The London College of Fashion graduate told the Standard he was “obviously touched” to have been picked by the firm, adding he thought his quirky style sense and passion made him the obvious pick for the brand.

LO is known as one of London’s top emerging talents, having made a name for himself for his romantic, fantastical designs influenced by pop culture. During his show on Saturday, fans will be treated to between five and eight looks which will “feature Hello Kitty in a unexpected way.”

He told the Standard: “I was born in Hong Kong so Hello Kitty was part of my everyday life. I went through the archives of their prints as I wanted to use Hello Kitty in an unexpected way - not just pictures of the cat or cherries that they are known for. It is such a cool company and I am obviously very touched [ to have been chosen]. London, I have lived here now for over ten years so it is a second home for me. It is an honour to be working with the brand and bringing it to London in particular.”

The designer, a British Fashion Council NEWGEN talent designer and one of the 26 semi-finalists for the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) Prize 2015, said he felt the collaboration put him on the map of British designers.

He added: “I like this is it now. I am on Saturday, a big day, and have got a massive brand behind me. I feel like finally people are sitting up and seeing me and taking me seriously. My clothes are bright and fun, and I think the fashion set took a while to take me seriously. Now I think this collaboration will mean people will see you can be light and fun and a serious designer.”

Ryan Lo SS17 at London Fashion Week

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Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC, said LO was one of “Britain’s brightest talents” adding the show was set to be one of “many highlights” of the weekend.

The Hello Kitty brand, which was founded in 1974, was estimated to be worth $7billion in 2014.

Ryan LO’s collection at 10am at the LFW Store Studios space tomorrow (Sat).

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