Barbie: The Ultimate Fashion Icon
Barbie attends the opening of the Barbie exhibition at the Musée des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, 2016. (Images courtesy of Mattel)
Barbie has dominated the airwaves over the past year, thanks to the release of the eagerly anticipated film helmed by director Greta Gerwig. Barbie: The Movie, which hit screens on July 21st, shattered box office records upon its release, bringing in over $500 million domestically, the highest grossing domestic release ever for Warner Bros. Pictures. The cinematic gem stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, offering an exploration of the narrative behind Mattel’s iconic plastic doll. The brainchild of Ruth Handler, Barbie came into existence on March 9, 1959, immediately altering the cultural landscape.
Barbie’s emergence unfolded during the height of the battle for gender equality when women were predominantly confined to traditional caretaker roles and expected to dress conservatively. But the pioneering Barbie doll boldly defied convention. Her matured physique and audacious fashion choices—a black-and-white swimsuit, high heels, hoop earrings, and makeup—were revolutionary, pushed boundaries, and made Barbie a style icon. Over time, she ventured into diverse professions, becoming the first female astronaut, doctor, and firefighter. Through the ever-shifting currents of her career, Barbie has remained an unparalleled symbol of style, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion industry.
Her fashion journey, from the opulent attire of the ’60s to the active, career-driven looks of the ’80s and ’90s, has mirrored the changing American culture. Collaborations with designers like Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta, each creating their unique Barbie dolls in 1996 and 1998, respectively, underscore her significance. She also catalyzed the “Barbiecore” fashion trend—a phenomenon characterized by unabashedly pink and feminine elements. Though not new, Barbiecore achieved renewed vigor in 2022, infiltrating celebrity ensembles and haute couture runways like Valentino’s resplendent Pink PP collection. Even retailers have joined the celebration, with Bloomingdale’s recently unveiling a dedicated Barbie-inspired pop-up shop. Through it all, Barbie persists as a cultural touchstone, a dynamic emblem inspiring generations to embrace self-expression and celebrate diversity through fashion.
Barbie by Ralph Lauren, 1996.