Barbie, a versatile and powerful fashion doll synonymous with pink, was first introduced by Mattel in 1959, by creator Ruth Handler. Full name Barbara Millicent Roberts, the iconic Barbie was named after Ruth’s daughter. Most dolls at the time were baby dolls, so children were generally limited to playing as a parent (which the 2023 Barbie movie pays homage to).

Ruth noticed Barbara would give adult roles, such as jobs, to her paper dolls, and was inspired to create an alternative; Barbie. The rest is history. Since then, Barbie dolls have taken the world by pink glittery storm, attaining worldwide popularity. Over the decades, Barbie as a brand has evolved to become a momentous influence on fashion and society, particularly in relation to gender roles which were explored in the 2023 Barbie movie. Empowering the next generation to follow their dreams. Very mindful. Very cutesy. With over a billion sales since 1959, and more than one hundred dolls sold every minute, you can be anything.

Mattel's first Barbie doll - March 1959. Wearing the iconic black and white bodysuit. Image by Yvonne Hemsey/Getty Images

Of course, Barbie isn’t just a doll; she has pets, a family, a dreamhouse, and has acted in many movies, particularly the Barbie movie of 2023. What a dream! Barbie is a worldwide phenomenon, fighting for equality, awareness, and justice in society. There has been some controversy over the years surrounding Barbie's ethos, as she was originally viewed as promoting unrealistic beauty standards, causing women to feel insecure rather than uplifted, also a prominent idea in the Warner Bros. x Mattel 2023 Barbie movie. However, especially in recent years, her impact has been positive, including becoming more inclusive to represent more of society and promoting positive changes, particularly for women. She also has an amazing fashion sense. Because of this, she greatly impacts society in many ways—two of which are fashion and gender.

Fashion

Mattel’s Barbie dolls, merchandise, and the iconic Pantone 219C hot pink have influenced some of the most successful fashion brands over the years; we’ve seen collections from Balmain, Moschino, Gap, and many more. Barbie has always been influential. The dolls typically reflect the fashion and makeup trends of their time…and continue to redefine the future.

Margot Robbie wearing a bodysuit Influenced by the first ever Barbie doll in the 2023 Barbie movie. Image by Warner Bros. Jeremy Scott Moschino Spring/Summer Collection 2015

Model Devon Windsor wearing a Barbie-inspired pink vinyl dress and accessories at the 2015 Moschino spring/summer collection runway by Jeremy Scott. Photo by Alessandro Garofalo- indigitalimages.

Barbie on the runway (not the first time, of course). The Barbie empire has rose-tinted the fashion world; the 2015 Moschino Jeremy Scott Spring Runway Collection pays homage. This collection featured a range of looks showcasing the iconic pink hue we all associate with Barbie. Here we see Devon Windsor in heart-shaped glasses, a suitcase with the easily-recognizable repeating ‘Barbie’ monogram, which instead reads ‘Moschino’, a pair of chic rosy heels, a pink handheld accessory, and of course, signature Barbie blonde hair. This looks exactly like something a Barbie doll would wear; Barbie goes beyond a doll. Barbie is not limited to a toy; she has the power to influence runway looks and professional designers who (like much of the world) have fallen in love with Barbie and her fashion sense.

Barbie is influential enough in society that huge brands, such as Moschino, base their collections off her and her undeniably fashionable pink attire. Barbie as a doll, but also as a brand, has the power to shift the fashion world and our perceptions of clothing; who else do you think of when you see hot pink?

CHI x Barbie

Does my hair look ok?

Mattel’s original 1992 Totally Hair Barbie, with long, wavy, blonde hair and iconic swirl patterned dress. Image by Getty Images

Mattel’s Totally Hair Barbie of 1992 is the best-selling Barbie of all time, with over 10 million dolls sold and $100 million in revenue in 1992 alone. Did someone say trendsetter? Barbie doesn’t just have a say in clothes; she’s also a hair genius.

Totally Hair Barbie has beautiful wavy hair and a swirly patterned dress, which hair brand CHI has venerated with their 2023 CHI x Barbie Totally Hair Collection to celebrate Totally Hair Barbie’s 30th birthday. This features a triple barrel waver to get the Totally Hair signature waves, a ceramic styling iron, and a Travel Kit. The On the Go Travel Kit consists of a mini styling iron and dryer, and a Barbie travel case akin to Totally Hair Barbie's dress.

Barbie x CHI On the Go Travel Kit - matching the dress worn by Totally Hair Barbie and the 1990s aesthetic from the original doll. Image by CHI.

Barbie regulates the fashion world in many ways, from runways to hair products to makeup. Never underestimate the power of Barbie. Think pink!

Gender

This girl can. Barbie is an astronaut. Barbie is the President. Barbie is a lawyer. Barbie is a model. Barbie is…anything and everything. She must have a jam-packed resume, as since being introduced, Barbie has had around 250 careers, and shifts the stereotypes of typical ‘men’s’ and ‘women’s’ job roles in society. Barbie was first introduced as a fashion model; the career Barbie is infamously ‘known’ for. But this was only the beginning—her experience now covers innumerous sectors. Barbie continues to evolve to better reflect society and empower the younger generation, who hopefully will never have to grow up without a doll that looks like them, or without a doll of the career they dream of. At first, Barbie was perceived as an ‘aim’ for women in terms of career and appearance, however, over the years, she has progressed to support women and raise awareness of and fight against stereotypes, misogyny, and limits relating to career. The first Barbie career doll was released in 1963—Barbie had a university degree by then and was working her way through the corporate world. From then, Barbie has explored multiple careers, such as medicinal roles, being in the military, a pilot, a firefighter, and so on. Barbie has ambition and motivates women to follow their dreams, pulling away from the stereotypical housewife expectation of women in the 50s and 60s. You can be anything.

President Barbie

The 1999 President Barbie is one example of the presidential campaigns Barbie has run in. Barbie has run for president in every election since 1992. In 2016, Mattel released an all-female campaign, with a president and vice president—reminding young girls to unlock their potential. President Barbie was introduced to empower young women and girls, as politics is a typically male-dominated sector. President Barbie was also featured in the 2023 Barbie movie, as a reminder that you can be anything.

Issa Rae said that she was inspired by Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama when playing her dream-like role of President Barbie, which shows that ambition and fearlessness among women is contagious. Mattel aims to reduce stigma and encourages women to pursue their goals and passion; the Barbie movie was no different. Issa Rae as President of Barbie Land is an inspiration to young girls all across the world, particularly young black girls who may feel especially moved by Rae’s performance. Whilst the Barbie movie discusses serious topics such as gender inequality and self-worth, it is still humorous, which allows us to feel empowered and supported whilst also enjoying a movie about our favourite childhood toy.

Barbie Land HQ

Although Mattel strives for inclusivity and empowerment among young girls, the fictional Mattel Headquarters in the 2023 Barbie movie ironically was made of only men. Mattel doesn’t ignore the fact that society is still not perfectly equal for men and women in the working world. The quote “we had a female CEO in the 90s and another one…at some point.” speaks volumes to women. Consistently viewed as inferior to men in the workplace, this quote is unfortunately very relatable. In the ‘real world’, the executives of Mattel are male, which is a shock to Barbie in the movie. There is clearly a lot of work to do in society, and Barbie is a voice for a lot of women, as she speaks up and the movie addresses the inequalities women face, both in the workplace and everyday life. “Isn’t being a man enough?” - Ryan Gosling as Ken in the Barbie movie. In some parts of society, it is.

Mattel's fictional executives searching for Barbie in the Warner Bros./Mattel Barbie movie, featuring Will Ferrell as CEO. Image by Getty Images

The struggles of women are explored throughout the movie—real-life issues are discussed further during America Ferrera’s emotional yet iconic speech. “It is literally impossible to be a woman.” - America Ferrera. This speech is relatable for women all over the world, and women are brought together by Barbie, who influences us to fight against stigma and stereotypes. The treatment of Barbie in the real world in the 2023 movie, Barbie’s talk with a fictional Ruth Handler in the movie, and Ferrera’s speech have got to be the most heartbreaking yet saccharine moments of the whole movie; they are awfully relatable, yet unite women.

Overall, Barbie is powerful and has a profound impact on the world in so many aspects, including fashion and gender. She is an icon. I can’t wait to see what she gets up to in the future…who knows which designer she will work with next?...Who knows which career she will try next? You can be anything.

You Can Be Anything!

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