MAC Cosmetics, the iconic global makeup authority, has teamed up with none other than the International pop culture phenomenon Hello Kitty, to create a colour story that takes its cue from both the fantastical world of Hello Kitty and the glamorous fashion scene. Somewhere between a coy girl and sexy siren, MAC Hello Kitty represents the desire in all of us to be both innocent and mischievous. More Angelina Jolie than Shirley Temple, the feisty new colour collection takes its inspiration from the complex, yet elegantly feminine sensibility. Please welcome MAC Hello Kitty available everywhere MAC is sold February 12, 2009.

In celebration of the partnership, MAC has taken it to the stylish next level and tapped into its fashion reservoir of friends and assembled a team of 30 internationally renowned designers, to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are inspired by the Hello Kitty collection.

Fashion Designer Zac Pozen and model.

“Since the inception of the brand, MAC’s roots have always been in fashion,” says John Demsey, Group President, MAC Cosmetics. “We support both up and coming and established designers by providing makeup artistry for their runway shows or creating limited edition designer colour collections. It was a natural fit to fuse two iconic brands with fashion, and give both MAC addicts and Hello Kitty obsessed fans something that will keep them talking for a long time,” says Demsey.

Fashion Designer Yigal Azruel.

 
Model in Hervé Léger by Max Azria dress.

MAC asked designers to work within the colour palette of the Hello Kitty collection of black, grey, white and pink and posed the question, “What would MAC Hello Kitty wear if she were a fashionista?” And make no mistake, she is a girly, girl! Designers were given creative freedom to create pieces in their own aesthetic and on February 5th in New York, MAC will unveil the exclusive designs to the world with a global Hello Kitty cocktail party and fashion exhibit showcasing the ensembles. It will certainly be a MAC Hello Kitty Commotion!

Ciara Holding Kitty.

“Hello Kitty is a gal who loves fashion and beauty. Like all true fashionistas, she can go sweet and mild or visit the wild side. With these incredible, distinct couture designs the various moods of Hello Kitty is playfully explored and defined. This collection is truly modern, inventive and above all MAC,” said James Gager, Senior Vice President and Creative Director, MAC Cosmetics.

The MAC Hello Kitty fashion designer team includes the very talented; Blugirl, Catherine Malandrino, Charlotte Ronson, Dress33, Elie Saab, Emanuel Ungaro, General Idea – Bum Suk Choi, Giles, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Kai Kühne, Kate Sylvester, Katy England, Manish Arora, Marchesa, Miro, Opening Ceremony, Qiu Hao, Rosa Cha, Ruffian, Sang Beg Ha, Shu-Chi Huang, Sinha Stanic, Tadashi Shoji, The Blonds, threeasFOUR, Vicente Villarin, Yigal Azrouel, Zac Posen, Zimmermann.

Ruffian and James Gager.

The designs include both avant-garde and more traditional creations from smart cocktail frocks to Kitty couture swimwear.

GET A PIECE OF MAC HELLO KITTY:
Designs to be auctioned on eBay benefiting The Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology

The MAC Hello Kitty designs will be auctioned off on eBay, with all proceeds benefiting The Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. Specifically the proceeds will go to the Acquisition Fund, which allows the museum to acquire garments for their permanent collection from up and coming design talent who cannot afford to donate. Additionally, the Hello Kitty designs created by Katy England for the MAC Hello Kitty collection visuals will be donated to the museum’s permanent collection and will be on display in the museum’s lobby following the February 5th event.

Lydia Hearst and Richie Rich.

Valerie Steele, Director and Chief Curator, The Museum at FIT, said, “Hello Kitty has always been a unique fashion icon, so we are delighted to acquire Katy England’s Hello Kitty-inspired ensembles for the museum’s permanent collection. We are also grateful to MAC Cosmetics and Hello Kitty for contributing the proceeds from their eBay auction to the museum’s Acquisition Fund so that we may purchase other museum quality looks from young designers.”

Cobra Starship.

Two MAC Hello Kitty designers will be showcased at the trend-setting Opening Ceremony store on Howard Street in New York City. The Hello Kitty garments will also be featured on the MAC Cosmetics Facebook page, currently the largest cosmetic brand fan site with over 122,000 fans. There will be an eBay link to the Hello Kitty auction so that MAC fanatics can easily click to and bid on the designs.

Actress Lindsay Price.

HOW TO BID?
On Monday February 9, 2009 at 10:00pmEST/7:00pmPST, the MAC Hello Kitty charity auction will go live on eBay. To bid on these exclusive designer creations, please visit www.ebay.com/machellokitty. Bidding will be open internationally and will remain live for ten days. Payment will be accepted through major credit cards only, via PayPal. The auction will close on February 19, 2009 at the same time it began.

Available: MAC Hello Kitty colour and accessory collection is available February 12, 2009 and MAC Hello Kitty Kouture is available on March 5, 2009 at all MAC locations, 1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics.com