Barbie dolls styled by fashion designers
From Dior to Moschino, here are the most interesting talents and brands that have revisited the look of the Mattel doll
April 6th, 2023
Barbara Millicent Roberts, better known as Barbie, is more than 60 years old, only 29.2 centimetres tall and weighs 205.2 grammes. She has spent a lifetime creating businesses and inspiring children around the world, always remaining herself but constantly reinventing herself with new jobs, from astronaut to teacher, and many different looks. She wore different hairstyles and make-up every season, followed the style of the time and collected more outfits than any other fashionista. Think of any style and she wore it: punk, mod, street, disco, athleisure, Y2K, classic, ...
Since Mattel began collaborating with major designers and brands to release the limited edition doll in the 1980s, her wardrobe has become truly dreamlike, enriched with dresses, accessories and even hair and make-up reinterpreted by iconic talents such as Dior, Saint Laurent, Versace, Oscar de la Renta, Moschino, Armani or Kenzo. Inspired by the most popular of all dolls, they have adapted their iconic creations to Barbie's measurements, creating real collectors' items that any fan would love to own. A few examples? Jean Paul Gaultier had her wear his iconic cone bra; Vera Wang had her take it off in a bridal version; Dior recreated her entire New Look, consisting of Bar Suit, the outfit that consists of a bar jacket and a full skirt, as in the famous 1947 photo of Renée Breton in Willy Maywald's Bar Suit; Burberry opted for a classic trench coat with a checked scarf; while Calvin Klein made a mini jacket and skirt, both in denim.
Who knows if we'll see some of these creations in the highly anticipated Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling? While we wait to find out, here's a round-up of the most interesting and stylish Barbie specials from brands and designers. Which outfit would you like to steal from Barbie?