Hello Kitty, Rock Star?

Liz Ohanesian

Dave Navarro with Royal/T owner Susan Hancock

You're at a Hello Kitty party inside a maid cafe and realize that you're standing next to Dave Navarro. What do you do?

You ask him who his favorite Sanrio character is. I was expecting him to mention one of the darker characters, maybe Badtz-Maru or even new addition to the clan, Kuromi. I was wrong.

"Well, I own a Hello Kitty guitar," he answered, adding, "She is the iconic character."

Over the years, Hello Kitty has gone from being a staple of childhood stationary sets to rock star status. Last night's opening of Royal/T's Three Apples exhibition hosted a smattering of musicians, including Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance), Lyn-Z (Mindless Self Indulgence) and Pete Wentz, who was barely recognizable with his new shaved head.

Even Sid Vicious was decked out Sanrio-style in a mural on a back wall of the maid cafe.

Liz Ohanesian

For LA music lovers with a passion for Hello Kitty, stay tuned for Hello Kitty's Bats and Cats Masquerade on November 13. Amanda Jones (Perversion, Malediction Society) will be behind the decks and the Wandering Marionettes are set to perform.

Check out our related posts in Squid Ink and Style Council.