'Barbenheimer' fashion: Red carpet square-off between 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer'

Cillian Murphy (left) has even been dubbed as the "anti-Ken", in comparison to Ryan Gosling's style. Photo composite: AP, AFP

Two films and two sets of fans, but one release date of July 21. The internet phenomenon known as "Barbenheimer" really took off recently.

Oppenheimer and Barbie are at different ends of the spectrum when it comes to genre – with one being a serious biographical thriller and the other, a fun fantasy comedy.

The aesthetic (and fashion derived from it) is vastly contrasting too. This can be seen on the red carpet, where the two films' cast dressed up to fit the theme.

From London to Los Angeles and more, it was like night and day.

At the premieres of Oppenheimer, stars the likes of Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Mate Haumann and Josh Hartnett were spotted wearing sombre outfits.

The colour palette comprised shades like black, grey and crimson. The styling, as well as accessories, pointed to it being a sophisticated occasion.

Think a fancy cocktail party or fine dining event. Hence, everyone made sure to be on their best behaviour.

The Barbie premieres however, were all kinds of fun. The film's cast at these events showed off a more kooky personality with their getups.

Pastels were the main choice – aside from pink being the main star, of course.

Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu and Emma Mackey brought a casual glamour vibe to the red carpet. It looked like they were gathering for a pool party.

The portmanteau "Barbenheimer" was created initially due to the rivalry between the two groups of fans. It has spawned countless memes on the internet over the aesthetic differences from one film to the other.

Posters featuring both the Barbie and Oppenheimer characters have also popped up, to the amusement of social media users.

It does however display how versatile fashion can be.

The usual big brands like Gucci, Prada, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Versace and more were spotted on the red carpet. Yet, from one film premiere to another, the designs appeared as total opposites.

Murphy has even been dubbed as the "anti-Ken", in comparison to Gosling's character.

Where Gosling wore suits in cotton candy hues, Murphy instead was clad in predominantly black.

The buzz created for the fashion industry in this regard? A great one, if the "likes" on social media keep on pouring in whenever a red carpet look is shared – and reshared, again and again.