Barbie Fans Brave Rain for Book Release Celebrating Doll’s Fashion History
Despite a heavy rainstorm, around 200 dedicated Barbie fans gathered at the Rizzoli bookstore in Manhattan on Wednesday evening for the release of a new coffee-table book that celebrates the iconic doll’s fashion history.
The event was a pink paradise, with attendees donning their best Barbie-inspired outfits, from pink skirts to scarves and blazers. Pink velvet cupcakes and rosé were served as guests mingled and awaited a panel discussion.
The book, titled “Barbie: The World Tour,” was authored by Margot Robbie and her stylist, Andrew Mukamal. It delves into Barbie’s status as a style icon, featuring stunning portraits of Robbie in outfits inspired by various Barbie dolls, including designs by Givenchy and Miu Miu.
During the panel discussion, Mukamal shared that the book was a way to showcase looks that never made it to the red carpet due to scheduling conflicts. Fabien Baron, the art director, added that he wanted the book to feel like a diary, with handwritten tributes from designers like Donatella Versace and Manolo Blahnik.
One fan raised a question about the absence of outfits from the “Dolls of the World” Barbie collection in the book, to which Mukamal explained the potential for misinterpretation and the desire to avoid controversy.
The evening concluded with the panelists signing books at a table covered in pink sequins. Among the attendees was Sally Singer, a former Vogue editor, who expressed her admiration for Barbie as a symbol of creativity and individuality.
Fashion consultant Michelle Mackliff shared her personal connection to Barbie, highlighting the doll as her first feminist symbol and recalling the nostalgia of receiving her first Barbie as a Christmas gift in Ecuador.
The event was a testament to the enduring influence and appeal of Barbie, with fans of all ages coming together to celebrate the beloved doll’s fashion legacy.
