Barbie at the forefront: A fashion and design icon celebrates 65 years

  • Home
  • Barbie at the forefront: A fashion and design icon celebrates 65 years

Barbie at the forefront: A fashion and design icon celebrates 65 years

The London Design Museum unveils an unprecedented retrospective on the world’s most famous doll.

Since her inception in 1959, Barbie has been more than just a doll: she has become a cultural symbol, caught between admiration and controversy. Today, the London Design Museum pays tribute to this icon with a remarkable exhibition, “Barbie The Exhibition”, commemorating the emblematic doll’s 65th anniversary. The exhibition, which runs from July 6 to February 23, 2025, is a collaboration between the museum and toy giant Mattel. It offers a dive into Barbie’s evolution, featuring over 250 exhibits, ranging from the earliest editions to the most recent models, showcasing the brand’s adaptability and constant innovation.

Photos : © Mattel, Inc./Design Museum/DR

Many ethnicities represented by Barbie

Key pieces include the very first hand-painted Barbie, clad in her striped swimsuit, as well as prototypes and editions that have made history, such as the 1985 “Day to Night Barbie” and the 1992 “Totally Hair Barbie”, the best-selling to date. The exhibition also highlights diversity and inclusivity with dolls representing different ethnicities and abilities, thus reflecting today’s society. Visitors will also explore Barbie’s extended universe, including her friends, family, and even the famous Dreamhuse.

Fashion, an integral part of Barbie’s identity, is prominently featured with iconic outfits, some of which have inspired renowned designers and have even been embraced by celebrities like Billie Eilish. Finally, the exhibition provides insight into Barbie’s influence in popular culture, with original costumes from the 2023 “Barbie” movie and architecture designed by Sam Jacob’s studio, creating an exhibition space as bold and creative as the doll itself.

“Barbie The Exhibition” is a celebration of design, fashion, and the cultural impact of a doll that continues to captivate and inspire after more than six decades.

Photos : © Mattel, Inc./Design Museum/DR

Opentimes

10:00 – 17:00 Mondays to Thursdays
10:00 – 18:00 Fridays to Sundays

The museum is open every day including bank holidays.

.Design Museum  224 – 238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG, next to Holland Park.

  • Share

oxiane

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Oue Social Medias

Archives

Catégories

January 2025
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031