Unless you live under a rock, or have a healthy media diet and are not chronically online, you’ve seen at least one piece of marketing for Warner Brother’s Barbie. The studio has been on a months-long promotional tour punctuated with stunts and headlines like a literal Malibu beach house and carefully curated red carpet looks. And other companies have gotten in on the action too, with limited-edition, co-branded releases across almost every industry (still confused about this one).
One could argue the Barbie mania represents a cultural shift in how some generations are defining and signaling their feminism. For this author, the franchise reclaims a presentation of hyper-femininity that’s often viewed as regressive. The film posits that Barbie can represent us all in her own way, fighting for equity and countering gender stereotypes head-on while wearing stiletto heels (or Birkenstocks). Her journey of self-discovery is relatable but even more compelling is that she doesn’t lose herself in the process.
Following that thinking, we’ve curated a list of pieces that push our imaginations and biases into the Barbieverse. Why can’t I rock fuschia Croc platforms while kicking ass in my corporate 9-5? Embracing pink doesn’t undermine one’s accomplishments or belittle one’s social and personal rights. So here are our picks to help you along your Barbiecore journey of self-realization.
Crocs x Barbie The Movie Mega Crush Clog
If you’re going all-in on the Barbie craze, you might as well do it in the almost two-and-a-half-inch Mega Crush Crocs. According to the brand’s press statement, the pair “celebrates confidence and self-expression,” and who doesn’t want to reflect those attributes? Sure, Barbie’s footwear of choice might not always be practical, but at least she’s having fun while living in her truth, and you deserve to too. The full collection features five clog and slide designs, each dressed in the color of the season and equipped with Barbieland-themed Jibbitz. Life in plastic? It’s fantastic.
Miu Miu Wander Matelasse Mini Hobo
Like Barbie, Miu Miu is having a moment. Within the last year, the brand skyrocketed from minimal fanfare to mainstream fame thanks to its playful take on preppier silhouettes. We can largely credit the fashion house’s youthful approach to design for the revival of satin ballet flats and micro skirts, and today, influencers and celebs can be spotted in Miu Miu campaigns, runway looks, and ready to wear. But even before the hype, the brand has consistently delivered an iteration of its iconic Wander Matelasse season after season. Like Miu Miu, even though Barbie’s popularity may waver, her core belief that you can do anything does not.
Mugler x H&M Mesh-Paneled Mini Dress
Mugler’s gift to its customer is the confidence their pieces evoke. The brand’s goal is to inspire you “to be whoever you want to be,” with daring pieces that challenge wearers to be bold and take risks. And we all know Barbie is never afraid of a challenge. I mean, she’s had over 200 careers including stints as a paleontologist, an arctic rescuer, and an African safari guide. That’s the resume of a woman who’s fully rejected the status quo and taken life by the reins. With that in mind, a Mugler piece had to make this list, and their collection with H&M is a budget-friendly entry into their universe.
BAPE x Barbie Doll
In case you forgot, there’s a wide range of collectibles up for trading on StockX, and since this list is all about Barbie, we had to include one of our favorites. Released in 2019, Mattel and renowned streetwear brand BAPE joined forces for a collection of hypebae dolls, apparel, and accessories. Leave it to Barbie to keep the world on its toes, trading in her high-heeled mules for the iconic BAPE STA sneaker, Ape Head tee, and Shark Hoodie in green, blue, and of course pink. Her interests are multi-faceted, just like her never-ending closet.
