Hi Barbie!
‘Barbie is many things - a brand, a fictional character, and a cultural reference point.’
Growing up, playing with Barbies was my thing. I had over 100 dolls and LOVED creating characters, storylines, outfits for them - it would always feel like my own mini production and the world I created with my Barbie dolls was so special to me.
At some point during my teenage years, I remember feeling embarrassed over my love for all things girly - Barbies or the fact that my favourite movie was Legally Blonde; I was worried it made me look 'unserious' and tried my hardest to stifle these natural interests I had. So to see the Barbie movie BLOW UP the way it did in the summer of 2023; making $1 billion at the box office and become a cultural phenomenon with pink being the official colour for that era was an otherworldly experience to say the least. I genuinely felt like I was living in some form of a simulation cause I couldn't believe that all the things I felt embarrassed about were suddenly being heralded and enjoyed on a mainstream level. I was so excited to dress up in a cute pink outfit to see the movie and watched almost every single interview and looked forward to see which Barbie Margot Robbie and her stylist Andrew Mukamal would be referencing on the red carpet. Summer '23 was a TIME. And so, to re-live it through this exhibition was such a thrilling experience!
The exhibition was staged at The Design Museum - it was my second time visiting and I'm always in awe at its sleek interiors and inviting atmosphere. I was blessed to go with my bezzie-mate Vanessa, who was just as excited as I was to enter the world of Barbie and get educated on her history. It was one of my favourite days during Summer ‘24, truly.
Me and my beautiful friend. Vanessa
‘Barbie is many things a brand, a fictional character, and a cultural reference point.’ She is no doubt an icon - but of course her history is wrought with a lot of question marks, controversy and lack of inclusion. What I enjoyed the most was seeing how things have changed over time and how the vision has responded to representing a more diverse audience. Now that doesn't necessarily mean it's perfect, but I know a younger Tolz would be beaming at the doll with braids and to see her at the front and centre of their 65th anniversary campaign.
If anything, what I'm grateful for when it comes to Barbie is the amount of creativity involved in designing her but also thereafter; the invitation to BE creative and to spark a sense of storytelling especially for young girls whom Barbie is primarily marketed to. That was always my favourite part growing up and that hasn't changed and I hope it never does!
S I C K L E S E C R E T S
So it was a really warm (& somewhat sticky) summer day. I didn't need any thermals but I'm glad I brought my trench coat as it was light enough to help when it got a bit windy. This was a great day for intentional dressing because I felt ready to tackle the colder temperature indoors (because of course that AC was very much ON) while feeling free to enjoy the sun while I was outdoors.
In terms of mobility - there weren't as many seating opportunities as I would've hoped but I guess I was running high on adrenaline because I don't recall needing to pause for a moment. I kept hydrated and was fueled by a lot of excitement. Overall I'd give it a 6/10 mobility rating.