Sanrio Collaborates with Megan Bomgaars on Sanrio ♥ megology Capsule Collection

Global lifestyle brand Sanrio has teamed up with artist, entrepreneur and megology brand founder Megan Bomgaars to create Sanrio ♥ megology, an inspiring new capsule collection of fashion graphic t-shirts. Megan Bomgaars is a self-advocate with Down syndrome who lovingly shares her life experiences to inspire and encourage others. The Sanrio ♥ megology collection of fashion t-shirts and sweatshirts, produced in partnership with apparel manufacturer Jerry Leigh, combines Megan's creative designs and motivating mottos including 'Don't Limit Me'...'I Can, I Will'...'Don't Forget Your Sparkle' with bold graphics of her favorite Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty, Badtz-Maru and more.

"My partnership with Sanrio ♥ megology is my biggest dream come true. I've always loved Hello Kitty and now she's my best friend! We have a lot to say with her heart and my voice! Don't limit us!" says Megan Bomgaars, founder of megology.

Megan is one of the stars of the Emmy® Award-winning A&E docuseries "Born This Way," which follows a group of young adults born with Down syndrome who pursue their passions and lifelong dreams, while defying society's expectations. The fourth season of the show premieres August 15 at 8pm on A&E. Recently, Megan composed a popular video called, "Don't Limit Me" about her experiences and beliefs about being fully included in her community while overcoming limitations. Megan truly lives by that motto and is an inspiration to her wide circle of friends and family.

As an artist, Megan has taken a lifetime of creative experiences and turned them into a full-time passion with her megology brand. Whether it is painting, journaling, singing or working with color, she has done it all with her own unmistakable style. As a surface design artist, she creates original, one-of-a-kind textiles and fabrics by incorporating unusual techniques such as dyeing with ice, manipulating fiber reactive dyes and the use of colorants. Megan's signature techniques are fused into the Sanrio ♥ megology collection.

"Megan is an inspiration to so many and her positive messages align perfectly with Sanrio's 'small gift, big smile' philosophy," says Craig Takiguchi, COO of Sanrio, Inc. "It has been a pleasure working with Megan to bring her dream collection to life. Through her creative designs and favorite Sanrio characters, we are able to continue spreading Megan's messages of encouragement and motivation to fans of all ages."

The Sanrio ♥ megology collaboration will be available in adult, girls and boys sizes. The collection will launch August 8th and will be available at sanrio.com; megology.com and select Sanrio stores, including the Sanrio flagship store located at Japanese Village Plaza in downtown Los Angeles.

About Born This Way
The Emmy-winning, groundbreaking series provides an intimate look at a diverse group of young men and women with Down syndrome as they pursue their passions and lifelong dreams, explore friendships, romantic relationships and work, all while defying society's expectations. The series also gives a voice to the parents, allowing them to talk about the joy their son or daughter brings to their family, and the challenges they face in helping them live as independently as possible. Season 4 premieres on Wednesday, August 15 at 8pm ET/PT on A&E.

About Jerry Leigh
Family-owned Jerry Leigh is a leading design, manufacturing and brand management firm, servicing the nation's top retailers, from boutique to mass market, with a wide range of brands and licenses. With offices in Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando and China, the company's 1000+ employees have been dedicated to serving the needs of their license partners since 1962.

About Sanrio
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty®, who recently celebrated her 40th Anniversary. Home to many endearing characters including Chococat® My Melody®, Badtz-Maru® and Keroppi®, Sanrio was founded on the 'small gift, big smile®' philosophy - that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration for the broad spectrum of unique products and experiences. Today, more than 50,000 Hello Kitty-branded items are available in over 130 countries and upwards of 15,000 U.S. retail locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 35 Sanrio boutiques. For more information please visit www.sanrio.com and www.facebook.com/hellokitty.

Media requests: Sanrio
Dyann Hawkins/ Xochil Rincon (323) 874-4073
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