A cat and an empire

LAFAYETTE — "No one knows why something becomes an icon, but I believe that Felix the Cat is a positive, non aggressive character, who is lovable and that is why people gravitate to him," said Don Oriolo as he sat in his new Lafayatte shop, The Felix the Cat store, surrounded by an impressive array of Felix the Cat memorabilia. The shop, which is nestled in the picturesque Lafayatte Village, opened on April 21 and is the first of its kind on the East Coast.

Don Oriolo is the CEO of Felix the Cat Productions Inc., and the son of Joe Oriolo, the animator who was best known for creating the modern day Felix the Cat — a beloved icon. As the CEO, Don Oriolo oversees the worldwide licensing and merchandising of all of the Felix the Cat characters.

A passionate artist, musician and music publisher, Oriolo has also enjoyed successes in film and television with "Felix the Cat, the Movie."

His shop is appealing not only for collectors of the charming, wide-eyed cat, but for guitar players as well, since Oriolo offers his own line of guitars for sale featuring the iconic cat. There are also plenty of options such as ladies purses, socks, graphic T-shirts, nostalgic tin lunchboxes and even nurses scrubs, all featuring Felix the Cat.

In addition, there are original pieces of artwork designed by Oriolo.

The shop will also provide acoustic musical entertainment on weekends.

The store is located in Olde Lafayette Village, 75 State Route 15, Building O. For more information call 973-940-0970