Pink Crash
Courtesy of Warner Bros.
The year's top-grossing film, Barbie, sparked a trend that defined 2023 - the widely embraced phenomenon known as Barbiecore. This fashion craze permeated every corner of society, adorning individuals from everyday pedestrians to royalty, gracing runways, and dominating storefront displays. However, as of early December, Barbiecore has officially met its demise, at least according to certain fashion news outlets. Allegedly, Margot Robbie, the live-action Barbie herself, opted to wear clothes that deviated from the trend, signalling its end. While one may argue otherwise, the undeniable truth is that Barbiecore left an indelible mark on 2023, captivating the fashion world. This article explores the global impact of this trend and delves into the reasons behind its remarkable influence. Barbiecore’s profound impact traces its roots back to a rich history, with its global dominance solidifying in 2023. The iconic Barbie doll, created in 1959 by American businesswoman Ruth Handler and distributed by Mattel, became a worldwide sensation. What sets Barbie apart is not just her cultural universality but the feminist vision that propelled her creation. Forbes reports that Handler designed the doll for her own daughter, intending to instil the belief that “she could aspire to a life and career that extended beyond taking care of babies.”
Ruth Handler posing with a collection of Barbie dolls, 1961. Originally published by the Los Angeles Times. Photographer unknown.
In an era marked by entrenched prejudices and stringent societal norms for women, Barbie emerged as a symbol of empowerment, embodying the concept of an all-encompassing power woman. Barbie effortlessly juggled various roles, showcasing that women could excel in diverse fields while maintaining a fashionable appearance. The evolution of Barbie reflects a deliberate effort to represent all cultures and people worldwide. It is not without significance that this mere plastic doll found a place on Forbes’ list of the most powerful women, sharing the ranks with names like Taylor Swift, Kamala Harris, and Oprah Winfrey. Barbie’s inclusion in such an esteemed company underscores her cultural impact and enduring relevance as a symbol of female empowerment across the globe. In 2023, Barbiecore expanded its influence to encompass more than its original intentions. It transcended the confines of being solely for girls and became a symbol for individuals of all ages, genders, and sexualities. While initially conceived to promote female empowerment, Barbiecore evolved into a movement advocating for the empowerment of everyone who has faced a loss of power. The phenomenon was not limited to a specific demographic; it resonated universally.
Courtesy of Valentino
The onset of the “pink fever’ began several months before the film’s premiere, but the Barbie fever took over the summer. Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli played a pivotal role, allegedly igniting the trend with an all-pink collection in mid-2022. The surge in popularity was further fueled by the resurgence of Y2K nostalgia, contributing to the overwhelming presence of Barbie fever. This convergence of factors transformed Barbiecore into a cultural force that not only broke gender norms but also appealed to a diverse audience, making it a symbol of empowerment for people of all backgrounds. Critics seemed to overlook the noteworthy detail that Margot Robbie, while not exclusively wearing pink, has consistently incorporated Barbie-inspired outfits into her wardrobe. The oversight appears to stem from a narrow interpretation of Barbiecore as merely a colour trend rather than a broader movement centred around empowerment and the celebration of femininity. Just remember that the original Barbie doll did not even wear pink initially, and it was not until the 1970s that the iconic all-pink look emerged. Given that hot pink was officially recognised as the signature colour of the renowned doll by Mattel in 2008, the trend did not acknowledge outfits lacking pink, despite Barbie having donned iconic looks herself. As if to reinforce this point, Robbie was spotted in an all-pink ensemble just days ago during a night out in New York City after The Gotham Awards. This recent appearance suggests that the Barbiecore trend might not have fully faded away, challenging the premature claims of its demise. In September, Vogue France questioned the continuity of the Barbiecore trend with the inquiry, “Is the Barbiecore trend still a thing?” Fast forward to December, and it appears that Barbiecore is not entirely extinguished, but rather undergoing a subtle decline. The all-pink aesthetic is undergoing adaptation to align with the festive season, suggesting a potential transformation rather than an outright disappearance. While the trend may not be on the brink of extinction, there is certainly a shift. Recent trends on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, highlight an increasing fascination with the colour red. Could this be the new trend that will take over Barbiecore in 2024?
