Can we just take a moment to appreciate how Barbie influenced some of today’s biggest fashion designers? Trust me, if you asked them what sparked their passion for fashion, they’d probably reveal it was that iconic Barbie doll! Barbie had that magical effect on so many young girls (and boys too!). Sure, we had baby dolls and whatnot, but once we laid eyes on Barbie, Queen of Fashion, we were forever changed!
Let’s talk about the queen herself – Barbie! Mattel unleashed her on the world in 1959, and she took the whole planet by storm! In her first year alone, they sold a whopping 300,000 dolls! I mean, who could resist her? That 11.5-inch female figure, the perky bust, that cinched-in waist, the blonde ponytail cascading like a waterfall, and those fierce kitten heels (the most valuable doll – a collector’s dream – was known as “Ponytail Number One”). Oh, and that zebra-print swimsuit? Iconic!
Fun fact: “Barbara Millicent Roberts” was a Barbie’s full official name when the doll was launched by Mattel, Inc. on March 9, 1959.
“Barbie has always represented that women have choices.”
Ruth Handler, creator of barbie
Fast forward to today, and Barbie has a massive fan base of over 100,000 collectors worldwide! Bettina Dorfman – the ultimate Barbie fan (a fabulous 61-year-old from Düsseldorf) holds the Guinness World Record for her jaw-dropping Barbie collection! She’s got a mind-blowing 18,500 dolls in her possession and wait for it… it’s worth a approximately $307,500!
Barbie has always been the queen of fashion!
Whether or not you were a Barbie enthusiast, there’s no denying the impact this iconic doll has had on our lives, our dreams, and even our careers in fashion! Barbie, you rock!
Since 1959, Barbie has always been slaying the fashion game! From her perfectly coordinated all-pink looks to those luxurious evening outfits designed in partnership with Oscar de la Renta, she’s been the best-dressed toy on the market since her launch!
And guess who’s the mastermind behind Barbie’s iconic style? None other than the fabulous Carol Spencer! At 90 years young, she’s a fine arts scholar from Minneapolis who snagged the fashion designer gig for Barbie back in 1963. And get this – she held that prestigious title for a whopping 36 years, making her the doll’s longest-serving stylist ever!
According to Carol Spencer, when we look back at Barbie dolls, they’re like little time capsules, reflecting the history and the happenings of their era.
And guess which decade stole her heart? The swinging 1960s! She loved working with Barbie during that exciting time when so much was going on!
Fashion was experiencing a dramatic shift, moving from the elegant “couturier period” in Europe to the explosion of high fashions worldwide. The youth culture movement was in full swing, and “mod” fashion, along with the marvelous designs of Mary Quant, were taking center stage!
And get this – the making of Barbie Land caused a worldwide pink paint shortage! I kid you not! Who knew Barbie’s world could have such a powerful impact on the paint industry, right?
paris xoxo
Oh, but it didn’t stop there – the ’60s brought a whole new music scene with rock ‘n’ roll legends like Elvis Presley and The Beatles shaking things up! Carol had a blast working on Barbie’s evolving style, capturing the spirit of the times in every fashion-forward outfit! It was a wild ride, and she wouldn’t have had it any other way!
Fun fact: It is estimated that a staggering three Barbies are flying off the shelves around the world every single second!
Pink fever, baby!
Let me tell you something juicy – when they were filming the Barbie movie in Summer 2022, it became the summer of Barbiecore! Yes, my savvy fashionistas, you’ll have picked on the fact that it directly mirrors the resurgence of Y2K style.
Every celeb, It-Girl, and social-media darling was strutting around in head-to-toe pink, getting all pumped up for the Barbie movie. And guess what? That pink party didn’t stop there! The trend continued right into 2023! Pink fever, baby!
Oh, hold on tight, ’cause things got wild in the world of fashion! 🔥 Ken, the dapper dude himself, dropped (!) his very own line of branded underwear, and boy, did it cause a viral sensation when the movie’s marketing hit the scene! 👙💥 Everybody was talking about it, and hearts were racing at the thought of Ken’s fashionable undies! 🕺💕
Paris xoxo
Picture this: in the world of Barbiecore fashion, one color reigns supreme, and that color is none other than the fabulous pink! From delicate, dusty-rose tones to bold, vibrant fuchsia hues, pink takes center stage, splashing across feminine silhouettes, matching sets, and a dazzling array of accessories. Bedazzled embellishments and playful, flirty patterns add that extra touch of magic to this trend. Barbiecore is all about embracing the power of pink and channeling your inner fashion diva!
Here’s a fun little tidbit for you: Barbie’s home in the movie took inspiration from the sleek midcentury modernism designs you’d find in Palm Springs, California, mixed with those classic Barbie Dreamhouses we all adored as kids. And get this – the making of Barbie Land caused a worldwide pink paint shortage! I kid you not! Who knew Barbie’s world could have such a powerful impact on the paint industry, right?
So, get ready to immerse yourself in a world of fabulous fashion, empowerment, and of course, pink galore! Barbie’s bringing her A-game, and we’re here for all of it!
Now, let’s talk about the incredible Jacqueline Durran – a true costume design genius! With a resume boasting award-winning work in films like “Anna Karenina” and “Little Women,” she’s a visionary in the industry! Her attention to detail, historical accuracy, and the way she brings characters to life through their costumes is simply mind-blowing. No wonder directors and fashion houses are lining up to collaborate with her!
Speaking of talented costume designers, we’ve got to give a major shout-out to Ruth E. Carter! She’s making waves with the launch of her new book, “The Art of Ruth E. Carter: Costuming Black History and the Afrofuture, from Do the Right Thing to Black Panther.” This powerhouse is no stranger to breaking barriers – she’s the first Black woman to nab an Oscar for costume design, and she didn’t stop there; she’s got two Oscars under her belt in any category! Oh, and to top it off, she’s the second costume designer to score a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Now, it’s high time for Hollywood and the fashion industry to address pay inequity. Specifically, we need to pay attention to the disparity between costume designers and their peers – like production designers and fashion designers. Let’s level the playing field and ensure these brilliant minds get the recognition and compensation they truly deserve!
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