Barbie: The fashion icon turns 50

by Pranz Kaeno

As Barbie celebrates her 50th birthday, she unleashes her newest golden fashion with yet another definition of a woman. She may be 50, but girls will never feel a tinge of age gap as Barbie now comes with a fresh chic look that is a sure hit to the fashion scene.

Global birthday bash

Last February, the world celebrated in advance Barbie?s golden anniversary as every girl?s fashion icon with a grand birthday bash.

In New York, 50 models wore Barbie-inspired collection by designers including the Philippines? very own Monique Lhuillier and top designers Michael Kors, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang and Kenneth Cole. Models strutted in the runway with Barbie?s signature styles from head to toe. Ken was also in the scene with Barbie in which the Barbie real-life model wore a shirt that said ?Everyone needs a Ken.?

For the first time ever, 50 designers came together under one ?Tent? for Barbie?s first-ever runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York last month. 

The official lineup of designers who showcase one-of-a-kind, adult-size creations inspired by the renowned fashion doll included some of the most celebrated designers. The epic fashion event will celebrate the past, present and future of fashion, with Barbie doll as the muse. The show is part of a year-long, global celebration of Barbie?s 50th anniversary that includes pink carpet events, marquee partnerships, retail celebrations, must-have products and numerous tributes in design, fashion and more. 

The designers are Monique Lhuillier, Donna Karan, Kenneth Cole, Baby Phat, Badgley Mischka, Betsey Johnson, Diane von Furstenberg, Derek Lam, Vera Wang, Calvin Klein to name a few.

In the Philippines, last February, Richwell Trading Corp. and its affiliate Europlay Distributor Co. Inc. celebrated Barbie?s 50th anniversary with a Summer Tradeshow wherein they showcased this year?s coolest kids? must-haves in which Barbie was vividly included.

Also, in the said Summer Tradeshow, the first 1959 to 1980s Barbie dolls in the Philippines were exhibited.

The newest 50-year-old Barbie doll with a bright golden gown, fuller and long blonde hair, and elegantly young face, was also introduced.

The Barbie Collection

Mattel estimates that there are well over 100,000 avid Barbie collectors. Now, here?s the good news. Finally, Barbie fans can now complete their Barbie collection with the remake of the 1959 to 1990s Barbie: The 1959 Original Teenage Fashion Model, known for its black and white striped bathing suit, side-glancing eyes, pursed red lips and sassy ponytail; the 1962 Brunette Barbie Cut, known for its super short hair do and signature red bathing suit; the 1971 Malibu Barbie doll, a sun-kissed California girl; the 1977 Superstar Barbie doll, with its signature wide toothy smile, fuller hair, blue shimmer eye shadows and satin pink gown that were in-style for a disco glam look; and the music-crazed style Barbie.

This summer, Barbie also comes with new offers in fashion. The Barbie Feature Rapunzel is a sure treat for every Barbie-lover girl. With the pop-bead extensions, girls can add waves and braids, and grow Barbie doll?s hair as long as they wish. Also, treat your kids with the Barbie Day to Night 2-Party 2009 in which each doll include two outfits?one for day and one for the night?plus handbags and other party must-haves.

Barbie also shares stunning swimwears for kids to enjoy in their summer beach escapades with new Barbie clothes to come out in summer.

Barbie in 50 years

Barbie was born in New York in 1959. Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, introduced Barbie at New York?s Toy Fair in 1959. Myrna Yao, founder and chairman of Richwell Trading Corp., brought the very first Barbie in the Philippines in 1982. And the rest was history.

Over the past 50 years, Barbie has undergone controversies and lawsuits, literally. She also had several professions that helped redefine women?s stand and position in the society. She was dressed by various top designers in the fashion industry and even conquered the music and television scene. Barbie is, indeed, the ever-sensational fashion icon.

What and who will Barbie be to the future generation? That is a question yet to be answered in hopefully the next 50 or even more than 100 years because Barbie is never conquered by age. ? Marist Nagera, Catherine Tolentino and Antonette Vasquez