It all started on a coin purse half a century ago. Today, her blank, innocent stare can be seen on bed linen, clothes and (only once and never again) a vibrator. — Photo: Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa
Two black dots for eyes, six fine whiskers and a red bow on her head: It didn't take much to create a design that would conquer the world.
Half a century ago, the Japanese designer created an anthropomorphised cat with a soft, daydreaming gaze for the company Sanrio. Back then, no one could have predicted that the cute character would have become a global phenomenon.
