Sanrio is relaunching Mr. Men and Little Miss characters
In 1971, Roger Hargreaves created a round, orange character with a toothy grin and named him Mr. Tickle. The creature was the first in a series of other Misters and Misses -- 85 in all -- who were featured in books, DVDs, art shows, products and several television series in Britain and the U.S.
Now Mr. Men and Little Miss are being relaunched in the U.S., thanks to Sanrio -- the brand behind Hello Kitty -- which acquired the licensing rights to the characters in 2012.
Sanrio is rolling out a selection of products and retail partnerships, starting with the official relaunch event from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Ron Robinson/Fred Segal, 8118 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles.
Guests can shop for Junk Food tees and knit tops for men, women and children that are emblazoned with designs featuring the characters. Tote bags and backpacks from Loungefly and other items including journals and water bottles will also be available.
The event will also feature nail art and temporary tattoos of the characters, refreshments and more.
The characters are to be the focus of an art show planned Aug. 22 through Sept. 8 at the iam8bit Gallery, 2147 W. Sunset Blvd. A portion of proceeds from the show, titled “Everybody’s a Somebody! Over 50 Artists Explore the World of Mr. Men and Little Miss” is earmarked to benefit 826LA, a nonprofit organization that helps students ages 6 to 18 with writing skills.
Launches
Adrienne Maloof, formerly of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” is scheduled to launch her newest jewelry collection on Thursday at Bloomingdale’s Century City. She’s set to be in the fashion accessories department from 2 to 5 p.m. to show off the grouping of large bohemian earrings. The store is at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd.
Sample Sales
Reformation plans to have a summer sample sale beginning Thursday and going through Aug. 15 and offering discounts of 45% to 70%. The sale will take place at the store at 8253 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles and online.
Line & Dot is having a one-day summer sample sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 2807 S. Santa Fe Ave., Vernon. Items will be offered at up to 70% off. Cash only.
Trunk Shows
Two, a collection of caftans and tunics by Monica Patel-Cohn, is having a trunk show from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Lake, 1618½ Silverlake Blvd., Los Angeles.
Openings
Madison men’s shop has opened at 8745 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, next to Madison women’s boutique. The new store carries a large selection of men’s labels including Rag & Bone Levi’s, Maison Kitune, Acne and Hamilton. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Events
Malibu Country Mart plans a free summer block party beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday and featuring an afternoon of live music, activity booths, a petting zoo, carnival treats and more. The day will culminate with an outdoor showing shortly after sunset (about 8:15 p.m.) of “The Goonies.” Families are encouraged to bring beach blankets and picnics. The shopping center is at 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu.
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