Barbie arrives Milan with "A Cultural Icon Exhibition"

Barbie is the most iconic doll ever. Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, she is only 29.2 cm tall and weighs 205.2 grams. Since Ruth Handler created her in the late 1950s, she has been the best friend of children all over the world. Decade after decade, she has continued to reinvent herself, changing hairstyles, sporting outfits by the greatest designers, drawing inspiration from celebrities, and trying out every possible profession, always paired with matching looks and accessories. She has been an astronaut, teacher, farmer, top model, mechanic, lawyer, journalist, dancer, flight attendant, and countless other women, showing children, especially girls, that they could be whoever they wanted. From a simple toy, she has transformed into a symbol of female empowerment, while remaining a style icon (does the term Barbiecore ring a bell?) and still being relevant in 2024. After the success of the movie starring Margot Robbie, the Mattel doll celebrates her 65th anniversary with Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition, a show that will open its doors in Milan at Next Exhibition on September 13th.

Barbie in Milan, over 250 vintage dolls on display

From September 13th until January 19th, 2025, the space Next Exhibition at Via Paolo Sarpi 6/8 will turn pink, showcasing over 250 vintage dolls and accessories, featured in customized themed exhibits, iconic settings like the first Dreamhouse from 1962, the unmistakable hot pink convertible, and two life-sized Barbie and Ken selfie stations where visitors can take souvenir photos. Barbie, however, will remain the absolute star, in her many versions: from the original 1959 doll to those from the Magia2000 collections, models from private collectors, and the special edition released for her 65th anniversary. Videos and interviews with the designers who have worked for Barbie will accompany visitors on a journey through the decades, analyzing fashion trends from the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, and 2000s, demonstrating that Ruth Handler's creation is not just a toy, but a style icon always in tune with contemporary zeitgeist.