Barbie turns 65: How the iconic doll secured her place in fashion history

Stay forward of the pattern in fashion and past with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit e-newsletter

Stay forward of the pattern in fashion and past with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit e-newsletter

A number of substances are wanted for a basic Barbie doll: confidence, bravery, legendary standing, and impeccable fashion.

When inventor Ruth Handler first launched the pint-sized plastic doll (made in the likeness of an grownup) to the world at the 1959 Toy Fair in New York City on March 9, Barbie – whose full identify was Barbara Millicent Roberts, named after Handler’s daughter, Barbara, and was from (fictional) Willows, Wisconsin – was carrying her now iconic black and white striped chevron swimsuit, with a pair of white retro cat-eye sun shades in her hand.

Handler, who died in 2002 aged 85, had a revolutionary tackle dolls and wished to alter the method youngsters performed with them.

“My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be,” she mentioned of her revolutionary invention. “Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices.”

Now, Barbie turns 65 – and there was a complete host of incarnations over the years,  together with the 1977 Superstar Barbie and 1985 Peaches ‘n‘ Cream Barbie. Inspired by the milestone birthday, the 2024 Spring Fashionistas dolls pay homage to Barbie’s evolving fashion by means of the years by replicating her iconic seems into modern-day outfits.

The Barbie sixty fifth Anniversary assortment additionally revisits a few of the hottest careers and fashion seems from Barbie’s archives.

The newest profession dolls embrace a farm vet, pop star and astronaut – three of the hottest careers held by Barbie since her creation. One of the sixty fifth Signature Anniversary dolls is impressed by the authentic 1959 Barbie, dressed in a basic white and black stripe scallop-edged ballgown, with a sheer underskirt paired with black gloves, in a nod again to that iconic swimsuit.

Quite a lot of outfits are impressed by feminine trailblazers throughout numerous industries.

“This is seen through Barbie’s impressive closet and repertoire of 250+ careers – Barbie is never afraid to try new things and inspires her fans to live out their limitless potential,” mentioned Kim Culmone, senior vp and head of design for dolls at Mattel.

“We are committed to using her platform to share a multi-dimensional view of beauty with kids across the globe. We’re proud of our journey with Barbie to be reflective of the world children see around them– and we will continue to add representation through careers, fashions, hair textures, style and more.”

How would Culmone describe Barbie’s evolving and effervescent fashion?

“Barbie’s style is about self-expression, aspiration and living authentically. Power dressing inspires confidence and empowers you to be unapologetically yourself.

“Barbie has played a role in the cultivation of personal style and expression across generations. Countless designers have used Barbie as a muse and likewise, Barbie is inspired by pop culture and fashion,” she added.

“Often, Barbie is a designer’s first introduction to fashion – as they dress and style her, they discover the power and delight of storytelling through her closet. Her style is unique as not only does she follow the trends, she sets them. One thing stays the same though – she is always a source of inspiration and creativity.

“She evolves with the times, never allowing her style to go stagnant. Her wardrobe is limitless. All in one day, Barbie can rock a glamorous designer gown to breakfast, wear an astronaut suit to space for work, and then transition to the latest street style for dinner. Barbie is at her best when her looks are reflective of what’s happening now in fashion.”

When Greta Gerwig’s Barbie film – starring Australian actress and producer Margot Robbie, Canadian actor Ryan Gosling, American stars Issa Rae and America Ferrera, amongst others – got here out final 12 months, there was a pointy rise in the ‘Barbiecore’ pattern, with scorching pink having a second.

The pattern, which encapsulates Barbie’s larger-than-life pink aesthetic and idyllic way of life, typically paired with nostalgic equipment, was sported by celebrities corresponding to Florence Pugh, Lizzo and Vanessa Hudgens, and even made a mark on fashion runways – together with the Valentino 2023 autumn/winter present in collaboration with Pantone Color Institute, which featured the shiny Pink PP hue created solely for the Italian fashion home.

“I loved seeing fans lean into Barbiecore,” mentioned Culmone. “We are seeing the world reclaim hyper-femininity, and Barbie is here for it. I’ve always said pink is not a passive colour; it’s a power colour.

“Pink has always been Barbie’s favourite colour – she even has her own signature ‘Barbie Pink’ Pantone shade (PMS 219). In the 1970s, the team strategically began to prominently [use] the colour pink in packaging. This creative shift contributed to the pink association with the brand. For Barbie, pink stands for limitless potential and is a symbol of empowerment,” provides Culmone – noting {that a} guide, Barbie: The World Tour, can even be printed on March 19, commemorating how film star Robbie and stylist Andrew Mukamal introduced a few of Barbie’s most memorial outfits and curated classic items to the pink carpet throughout the movie’s press tour.

“Barbie first stepped into the fashion scene 65 years ago,” Culmone continued. “Since then, she’s secured her place in history with her incredible wardrobe, amazing resume, and has been dressed by the world’s most famous designers – inspiring millions as their first fashion muse and strong female role model.”