Runway to Retail – Barbiecore

Mattel’s Barbie doll was first launched in 1959 and grew to become an
American icon alongside Mickey Mouse and Coca Cola.
Pre-Pandemic, Warner Bros announced that they would be releasing a
movie called ‘Barbie,’ directed by Greta Gerwig, and starring Margot
Robbie and Ryan Gosling. The news inspired a TikTok trend called
‘Barbiecore,’ with the hashtag #barbiecore having had over 300,000
views.

Over the past four years, Barbie-influenced fashions have been seen
all over the runways. It’s an aesthetic that exudes positive energy,
and is the perfect antidote to the generalized anxiety manifested by
the Pandemic and the societal shifts afterwards. The trend appeared to
reach its peak in the summer of 2022, however the imminent release of
the movie, slated for July 19, 2023, has renewed interest, both on the
runways, and in stores.

Michael Kors SS20

For the SS20 season, Michael Kors presented a collection of American
sportswear favorites. Look 76 was a three-piece ensemble that included
a bra top, tap shorts and a one-button blazer, all in red and white
gingham check. He accessorized with white platform sandals and a
wicker bag.

Moschino SS21 – designer: Jeremy Scott

Jeremy Scott presented 40 looks shown on puppets. With most of the
world still working from home and wearing sweatpants, Scott envisioned
a post-Pandemic world where women would once again like to dress up.
Looks 19, 21 and 39 were Haute Couture-like outfits that perhaps
Barbie herself would wear.

Brandon Maxwell SS22

Maxwell has been described as ‘print-adverse,’ but was clearly
influenced by the Barbiecore trend when he presented his spring 22
show. The collection was brimming with bright colors, shiny materials
and inviting prints and patterns. Look 34 consisted of a nylon
windcheater and drawstring waist shorts over a bodysuit; all rendered
in a pale blue and white gingham check.

MSGM SS22 – designer: Massimo Giorgetti

Massimo Giorgetti is a designer who often appears to embrace the
Barbie aesthetic, with acidic color palettes and lively prints, albeit
perhaps unknowingly. His spring 22 Collection was no exception. Right
out of the box, look 1 consisted of a neon green and white gingham
bodysuit under a wrap-front mini skirt in an oversized hot pink and
white plaid. Accessories included neon green slides and a gingham
mini-bag.

Valentino FW22 – designer: Pierpaolo Piccioli

Pierpaolo Piccioli adopted an extreme color strategy for Valentino
fall ready-to-wear. The first 40 looks were rendered in head-to-toe
hot pink. Many of them were pure Barbiecore. Look 38 was a matching
hot pink jacket and dress in embroidered satin, accessorized with hot
pink gloves, tights, platform boots and a mini-bag.

Elie Saab SS23

For spring 23, the Lebanese designer presented a fresh collection full
of bright white eyelet dresses, ombré peach and white separates and in
one instance, a head-to-toe look in neon green. Look 15 consisted of a
long-sleeved silk georgette button-through shirt, tap shorts, bra and
scarf. A shoulder bag and sandals were shown in the same color.

Paul & Joe SS23 – designer: Sophie Mechaly

Designer Sophie Mechaly’s collection for spring 23 was inspired by the
idea of the ‘secret garden’ and the imaginations of Lewis Carroll.
Look 5 consisted of blue and white gingham overalls, with a floral
long-sleeved blouse underneath, and a matching ‘kerchief. A round toed
pink patent t-strap shoe completed the ensemble.

Versace pre-fall 23

Donatella Versace collaborated with pop star Dua Lipa to present a
‘see now, wear now’ collection for pre-fall 23 at the Cannes Film
Festival. Dua Lipa’s role in the upcoming Barbie movie is greatly
anticipated and a ‘Barbiecore’ influence on the show was marked. Look
5 consisted of an oversized pink blazer, matching short shorts and a
pink sequined bra. The ensemble was heavily accessorized with pink
metallic cowboy boots and shoulder bag, a gold body chain, two gold
necklaces and earrings.

Look 17 was a one-shouldered top in a multi-colored print top and a
blue metallic mesh mini skirt with butterfly details. Accessories
included aviator sunglasses, mesh bag, chain belt and bracelets and
Greek style sandals.

Chanel resort 24

Virginie Viard presented the Chanel collection for resort 24 in Los
Angeles. A star-studded front row included Kristen Stewart, Riley
Keough, Issa Rae, and Marion Cotillard and Margot Robbie, star of the
upcoming ‘Barbie’ movie. The designer claimed to have taken
inspiration from the Venice Beach boardwalk, playground of the
original Barbie and Ken characters. Look 20 was true Barbiecore: a
cropped knit jacket with matching cropped top and short shorts, all in
pastel pink and yellow stripes. Accessories included pink fur
bracelets and earrings, a crossbody mini bag, charm necklaces and
pearl colored point toe shoes with large black bows.

Barbiecore in retail stores

Several retailers including Gap and Kendra Scott have current
collaborations with Barbie and Mattel. ‘Barbie The Movie x
Bloomingdale’s’ is another example. Dresses and separates in this
collection for women and girls are rendered in shades of pink, and
blue.