Barbie girl in a fashion world? How the iconic doll dominates the style scene

The Aldo Barbie collection is described as fashion-forward and fun-loving. Photo: Aldo

The live-action Barbie film is due to be released next month – and already, the buzz surrounding it is in overdrive.

Especially so for fashion brands, with numerous collaborations announced in the past months.

Just recently, accessories label Aldo unveiled its Barbie capsule collection.

“Our goal with this collaboration was to ignite fun and nostalgia for our customers, by inviting them to reconnect with the beloved world of Barbie where self-love, empowerment and dreaming big rule,” says Daianara Grullon Amalfitano, Aldo’s chief brand and product officer, in a statement.

Ryan Gosling (left) and Margot Robbie pose for photos as they promote the upcoming film Barbie in April. Photo: AFP

She adds that the timing is right with the rise of Barbiecore.

Read more: Fashion's use of pink is leaving Barbie behind for a new meaning

What exactly is this fashion trend? Barbiecore involves the use of bright colours (pink, predominantly) to jazz up your wardrobe.

Its popularity is not all down to the new Barbie film though.

Back in 2022, Valentino released an entirely pink womenswear collection for Autumn/Winter 2022. Everyone went crazy for it, with images of the full pink runway in Paris and clothes shared all over social media.

The fashion house’s show notes reads: “Pink as a manifestation of the unconscious and a liberation from the need for realism.”

The stars of the upcoming remake are embracing the colour too. Margot Robbie (who plays Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (Ken) have been seen at red carpet events wearing pink.

In April, they kicked off the press tour in Las Vegas wearing complementary outfits.

Robbie was spotted in a matching pink gingham bra top and skirt by Prada, paired with pink heels by Christian Louboutin. Gosling donned a pink bomber jacket, and a T-shirt with the film director’s name (Greta Gerwig, in pink!) emblazoned on it.

That said, Barbie has indeed captured the imagination of the fashion world for the longest time.

A Karl Lagerfeld doll collection was released by Mattel in 2014, after it had been showcased at Paris Fashion Week. Dressed as the late fashion designer, it proved to be a hit.

Moschino showcased a Barbie-inspired collection for its Spring 2015 runway show. A Barbie capsule collection was later made available to the public by the fashion house.

Supermodel Gigi Hadid had a Barbie doll in her likeness launched in 2017. It celebrated her second capsule collection with fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger.

Balmain, Vera Wang, Zara, Coach, Juicy Couture, Diane Von Furstenberg and more partnered with Barbie too.

In Malaysia, several brands have released Barbie-inspired collections.

Valentino's all-pink collection was a hit on social media. Photo: Valentino

In 2018, Duck Scarves created limited-edition, Barbie-sized versions of its designs for young ones to style their dolls their way.

There are also other endeavours in the local fashion scene.

Read more: Barbie, Annabelle or M3gan? Women are dressing up like dolls for fashion's sake

Mattel Malaysia launched a competition in 2021, whereby six children were given the opportunity to learn from Kittie Yiyi and Min Luna. Kittie is a prominent young fashion designer, while Min has made her name in the industry as a celebrity stylist.

Last year saw Melinda Looi working with Mattel Malaysia. She made miniature versions of her couture pieces, which were then auctioned off for charity.

There is, however, no collaboration with a Malaysian designer yet to create an actual outfit for the doll that is commercially available – but one can still hope.