Hello Kitty was designed by Yuko Shimizu and was added to the Sanrio lineup in 1974. Sanrio is a company that has produced character merchandise and gifts since 1962. Hello Kitty appeared on a Japanese vinyl coin purse in March 1975. She came to America in 1976 when Sanrio opened a Gift Gate store in San Jose, California. Black Suede €109.95 Shop now Playful & nostalgic €130 Shop now Trendy During the time Hello Kitty was created, many people in Japan thought that foreign countries, especially the UK, were super trendy and stylish. Because of that, Sanrio gave her the English name Hello Kitty after initially considering the name Hi…