Photo by Kaye Liautaud
It’s hard to walk down the bustling streets of Manhattan and not see bouts of pink in store windows. Rest assured, Barbie is taking over Manhattan. Barbie the movie is in theaters July 21st and has limited merch in stores, now. One of the stores that stood out during my quick pace in Times Square, is Gap.
Photo by Kaye Liautaud
Photo by Kaye Liautaud
Gap’s store windows didn’t count as icing on the cake. The core of this collection was brightly displayed as I made my way down the escalator; instantly grabbing my attention. I remember the feeling I got walking down the Barbie isle of K.B Toys (remember the 90s) with my dad as a child. My eyes would get so wide and I would be silent while my mind was taking in all the allure of dolls. After all, Barbie had taught girls they can be anything. It’s hard to choose everything with so many options. Those exact same feelings of awe and curiosity returned when I saw Gap’s elevated take on Barbie’s aesthetic.
The Barbie line includes classic Gap button downs, signature logo hoodies, and pink denim. What makes this line standout is Gap’s ability to stand by their timeless pieces that longtime customers have been familiar with for decades. Barbie and Gap fans alike, can be chic and fashion forward without drowning in the oversaturated Barbiecore trend that is dominating social media. Even kids can be trendy in Gap’s elevated version of the basic tee instead of the typical tee with a picture of the doll.
Photo by Kaye Liautaud
Photo by Kaye Liautaud
Mattel Creations has their own line of movie merch that includes t-shirts and baseball caps with “Barbie” slabbed onto the middle. It is lackluster and basic. The big screen is being graced with a live action Barbie movie. We can do better than lackluster and basic.
Photo by Kaye Liautaud
In addition to Gap’s pink display, they gave an impactful statement to customers viewing their in-store monitor. It showcased a diverse group of people, showing what it means to be Barbie. The video features young girls, women of different age groups and ethnicities, and men. Barbie has always been an icon of what it means to be female. She gave young girls inspiration as soon as they took her out of the box. While Gap is offering a pink, norm core lineup, Forever 21 has joined in on the Barbie craze as well, with more to offer than just clothes.
Photo by Kaye Liautaud
Forever 21’s Barbie Collection is offering more than just clothes; the collection features an array of accessories including, vinyl purses, glittering shoes, jeweled hair clips, and even dolls. 
Photo by Kaye Liautaud
Forever 21 has been a well known teenage fashion destination that continues to reign strong in providing affordable fast fashion. Their Barbie collection is epitomizing what it means to be dressed in Barbiecore. Barbiecore means to be infectiously dressed in pink to convey a realistic look of the infamous doll. With the anticipation surrounding the live-action Barbie movie, Barbiecore is infiltrating social media. Forever 21 has some eccentric items for those looking to dress up or just to have a quirky souvenir.
Photo by Kaye Liautaud
Photo by Kaye Liautaud
If you’re like me and never had a Barbie Dreamhouse, you can get this miniature version of the vintage 1979 Barbie Dreamhouse. You can customize your miniature Dreamhouse with the included furniture stickers and miniature doll.
Photo by Kaye Liautaud
A clip in hair extension adorned with Barbie charms is sure to grab the attention of movie goers while waiting in line for the live action Barbie movie.
Photo by Kaye Liautaud
It wouldn’t be an official Barbie collaboration without dolls. I was pleasantly surprised to see this, myself. Would teens and adults really by the dolls? Are these meant to be purchased for children? It shouldn’t matter. Barbie has been delighting the hearts of adults and children alike. Feel free to add these to your collection and enjoy them however you wish. The famed doll has been serving inspiration, style, and playful freedom since 1959 and these qualities are not limited to age.
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I’m a fashion enthusiast that strives to create looks that fit my persona, effortlessly. Art exhibits, reading, the news and anything peaks my interest and strikes creativity, are all put into my blog to share with you.
