She has inspired generations of children and adults with her style, confidence, and ambition—her name is Barbie
The classic Barbie doll is more than just a toy—she is a cultural icon. She is a dreamer, a doer, a trailblazer. She has been everything from an astronaut to a president, from a doctor to a rock star. With her many changing careers, there is one that stays constant: her fashion sense.
Ever since I was little, I would watch my sister play with her dolls and dress them up, and I imagine their stories. Being a lover of stories, I knew Barbie was more than just a toy to me. Even from afar, she was a friend, a role model, and a muse. She taught me how to be creative, confident, and curious. She also taught me how to love fashion.
Looking back, I noticed she has worked with some of the most talented and creative minds in the fashion industry to create stunning outfits and collections that reflect her style and influence. In each era, Barbie has worn some of the most iconic looks in fashion history and she has done it all with grace, confidence and flair. Here are some of the highlights through the years.
The Vintage Era: 1960s to 1970s
One of the first haute couture outfits that Barbie wore was in 1961—the Gay Parisienne. It was designed by Charlotte Johnson, the original Barbie fashion designer. It was a blue and white polka dot gown with a matching tulle hat and a white stole, influenced by the New Look that Christian Dior created in 1947, which was all about femininity and elegance. One of the most difficult and wanted finds, resellers are selling it upwards $6000.
In this era, Barbie dazzled in 1966 with the Color Magic line, featuring dolls and outfits that changed color with water or sunlight. The Gold ‘N Glamour ensemble had a golden tweed jacket with cape sleeves with matching scarf and hat with rich brown fur trim. In 1967, Barbie got a twistable waist and long straight hair with bangs. Her mod cousin Francie joined her with trendy outfits like the Haute Stuff ensemble, a red velvet coat, a striped dress, a beret, tights, and shoes. In 1971, Barbie sported tan and brown eyes with the Malibu line and also rocked the Live Action line with music and dance-inspired outfits like the On Stage ensemble, a silver lamé jumpsuit, a cape, and boots. This outfit reminds me of Cher and Diana Ross, and my cousin who sang and danced with me in the living room; We felt like stars on stage. Thank you, Barbie.
The Glamorous Era: 1980s to 1990s
The 1980s and 1990s were a golden age for haute couture Barbie dolls as she collaborated with some of the most prestigious designers and fashion houses in the world. She also introduced new lines and collections that showcased her versatility and sophistication. Isn’t she so fashion-forward?
Barbie’s fashion journey continued with the Designer Originals line in 1983, featuring European-inspired outfits made of luxurious fabrics and materials. One of them was the Evening Enchantment ensemble, a black velvet gown with gold embroidery and sequins that evoked the elegance of Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, and my grandmother, who used to wear similar gowns at parties. In 1985, the Designer Series showcased outfits created by famous designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, and Bob Mackie, who would have his own line with her in 1995. Some of them were replicas or adaptations of their real-life designs. One example was the Gold Brocade Gown by Oscar de la Renta, a stunning piece with a gold brocade bodice and a white satin skirt. In 1992, the Classique Collection reflected the trends and styles of the early 1990s, such as floral prints, metallics, and pastels.
The Modern Era: 2000 to 2014
The 2000s and beyond have seen Barbie continue to collaborate with some of the most influential and innovative designers and fashion houses in the world. She has also introduced new lines, collections, and media that reflect her diversity. Even at 40, she doesn’t stop progressing with the world.
Launched in 2000, the Barbie Fashion Model Collection had outfits that were inspired by the vintage glamour of previous decades. The outfits were made of high-quality fabrics and materials, such as silk, wool, tweed, and leather. One sophisticated outfit was Joyeux, which had a white strapless evening gown with a rhinestone-studded tiara. In 2009, she teamed up with Christian Louboutin, who designed shoes ranging from classic pumps to edgy booties, and outfits like a safari-inspired khaki dress, a leopard print catsuit, a glittery silver gown, and a pink ruffled dress that you’d think this doll was Carrie Bradshaw instead. She also celebrated her 50th anniversary with a runway show at New York Fashion Week, where over 50 designers created unique outfits for her.
Today: 2015-present
Barbie is a modern girl with an aspirational lifestyle—from having her own Instagram account, Netflix specials, and YouTube channel. She also collaborates with various brands in fashion, furniture, makeup, food, and even Airbnb. Most importantly, she is starring in her first live-action movie, which has been viral since 2016. Margot Robbie, do her justice, because even today, Barbie is powerful.
Barbie has worn some of the most beautiful and amazing outfits ever created by some of the most talented and famous designers in the world. She has also worn outfits that reflect the trends and cultures of different eras and places. She has shown me that fashion is not just about clothes, but also about expression, identity, and joy.
This is my love letter to Barbie and her haute couture outfits. These are the outfits that made me gasp, smile, and, most importantly, dream. To put it simply, these are the outfits that made me fall in love with fashion.
Photos BARBIE MOVIE (via Instagram) and BARBIE WIKI (via website)
The post How Barbie Became a Fashion Icon: A Love Letter to Her Haute Couture Outfits appeared first on MEGA.
How Barbie Became a Fashion Icon: A Love Letter to Her Haute Couture Outfits
Source: Insta News Pinoy
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