Spread out your blankets and grab a furry friend – we sat down with Nathalie Vazquez, a multimedia artist whose Rilakkuma Picnic events have become a pilgrimage for the kawaii lovers of Los Angeles and beyond.
What inspired the Rilakkuma picnic?
Back in 2022, I visited Mexico City (CDMX) for the first time and the one spot I was determined to visit was the Hello Kitty Tianguis (open-air market) with vendors selling Hello Kitty merch and themed snacks. I was there to track down the Hello Kitty shaped paletas (popsicles) that had gone viral, and they did not disappoint.
CDMX is known for strong subcultures, and it was so cool seeing a weekly event of Hello Kitty enthusiasts dressing up on theme and coming together.
A year later, I threw the very first Rilakkuma meet up in CDMX at Chapultepec Park. The invite was posted to @Rilakkumamemes on Twitter (now X) and had a great turnout.
I then planned the same thing in Los Angeles, California in the years after. During planning last year, I thought about the Hello Kitty Tianguis for inspiration, and we included Rilakkuma paletas. We also collaborated with my friend Maria’s tea truck, @BluehourGoods.
Why do you think Rilakkuma connects with so many people?
I think it’s the cuteness and the comfort that it brings! With life being so rough, it’s nice having an interest that is just wholesome and cute.
Do you have a favorite part of hosting these picnics?
I absolutely love seeing everyone come in themed outfits and bringing their favorite items from their Rilakkuma collection to show off and for others to admire. It’s also nice bringing the Rilakkuma community together in real life.
You became a staple in the Rilakkuma fandom with the famous “cowboy Rilakkuma” meme. Talk to us about @/rilakkumamemes and your current projects.
@Rilakkumamemes has been going strong since 2018 and I still love to post memes on there, but I’ve also been working on other projects. Anytime I have an idea and that thing doesn’t already exist, I make it my mission to create that thing myself. That is how the Rilakkuma meetups started and how my Meme Book (a collectible hardbound collection of memes) was created.
That spirit has brought me to my current project, Kawaii y Latina. Kawaii y Latina is a blog dedicated to documenting the intersection of Latino culture and Kawaii aesthetics where I highlight artists, creators, and fans that make up the growing community.
Where can we find more of your work?
I’m most active on Instagram, @nonipnat. You can check out my online shop and past projects at nathalievazquez.com, and you can check out my blog at kawaiiylatina.com.
Are there more picnics/events to look forward to in the future?
The Rilakkuma picnic is currently an annual event but so many people are asking to make it a more regular thing… I will see if I can make it happen!
Hannah is an accidental internet meme, drummer, loud talker, and proud owner of a purse that functions as a working analog clock. She got the media writer gene from her dad, PF Wilson, another writer for Pop Culture Beast. Her favorite bands come and go on a seasonal rotation, but Marina & The Diamonds and Say Anything are here to say. She’s probably watching The Grand Budapest Hotel right now, but if she isn’t, she’s out photographing rock concerts.