From ‘Pink and Fabulous’ to ‘Solo in the Spotlight’: Decoding Margot Robbie’s dream wardrobe inspired by the original 50s Barbie

Margot Robbie and her stylist Andrew Mukamal recreate iconic Barbie-themed looks inspired by the OG 50s Barbie. Image credits: Andrew Mukamal

Barbie fever has hijacked pop culture with its pink dreamscape. Directed by Greta Girwig, the film is a warranted revival of the 50s teen-age fashion doll, that remains a staple in the toy industry. Mattel, the American toy company launched the first Barbie on March 9, 1959 and since has dished a billion of these chic adult-figured dolls.

Bringing Barbiecore fashion back like a boomerang is the film's lead - Margot Robbie who is touring the world in the bright affluence of pink. Joining her at the Barbie London Premiere yesterday was the ‘Ken' doll played by Ryan Gosling, singer Dua Lipa who has performed ‘Dance the Night' for the film, Leomie Anderson, Issa Rae, Jourdan Dunn and many more in thematic outfits.

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Enchanted Evening Barbie, 1992

Robbie and her stylist, Andrew Mukamal are racking up the dream wardrobe with nostalgic Barbie dolls from the vintage era. At the Barbie London Premiere, Robbie embodied the ‘Enchanted Evening' Barbie, the special edition Mattel doll released in 1992. She wore a stunning floor-length gown crafted by the English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, a pearl choker by Assael Pearls and slip-on mules by Christian Louboutin.

Original Barbie, 1959

At the Sydney Premiere, Robbie embodied the Original Barbie that was launched in 1959. Mukamal brought to life the black-and-white zebra striped swimsuit by the designer Herve Leger combined with peep toe heels by Manolo Blahnik and a signature topknot ponytail. The OG Barbie was marketed as a "Teen-age Fashion Model", with her bodycon outfit created by Mattel fashion designer Charlotte Johnson.

Pink and Fabulous Barbie, 2015

Another iconic dress crafted by Mukamal referenced the ‘Pink and Fabulous' Barbie doll, released by Mattel in 2015 as part of the Barbie Fashionistas line. This line aimed to celebrate diversity and inclusivity by featuring dolls with different body types, skin tones, and hairstyles. The ‘Pink and Fabulous' Barbie specifically embraced a glamorous and stylish aesthetic. Robbie's dazzling outfit was designed by Valentino while the white pumps are by Blahnik for a photo call in Hollywood.

Day to Night Barbie, 1985

Continuing with the onslaught of pink for the Seoul carpet, the next pair of outfits are based on the ‘Day to Night' Barbie, 1985 which celebrates women's workplace revolution. Acing the wardrobe transformation, Barbie swiftly switches from her pink power suit into a shirred skirt for her night ensemble. Robbie's garb was custom designed by Versace, the bag by Judith Leiber, the stilettos by Blahnik and the earrings by Taffin jewellery.

Sparkling Pink Barbie, 1964

Robbie continues to play Barbie at the press conference held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul. This time, her outfit sprung from a ‘Sparkling Pink' Barbie set that dazzled girls in 1964. Dressed in a pink jersey swimsuit, it came with an evening coat, wrap skirt, bolero, blouse, hat, shoes and faux pearl earrings. Robbie's suit is credited to the 2015 Moschino Spring collection while her pink peep toes are another work of art by Blahnik.

Earring Magic Barbie, 1992

Channeling her inner Barbie at the Mexico Premiere, Robbie garbed the iconic ‘Earring Magic' Barbie from 1992. The standout feature of this doll was its earring transformation. The doll came with special earrings that could be worn by the doll and the child playing with it. This particular Barbie has been attributed to shaping the youth of many young girls worldwide. French fashion designer Balmain designed this gleaming dress for Robbie.

Totally Hair Barbie, 1992

One of the most popular ‘Totally Hair' Barbie was released by Mattel in 1992 which swept away the millennials with its long, flowing blonde hair. The outfit was marked by neon shades that came in pink and blue. The ‘Totally Hair' Barbie doll was highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts owing to its extraordinarily long hair. At the photo call in Mexico, Robbie carried the outfit designed by the Italian Emilio Pucci along with pink pumps by the resident designer Blahnik.

Solo in the Spotlight Barbie 1960

If they ever gave away the Oscars to the stylists, Mukamal would have his moment in 2023. Capturing the essence of glamour and performative arts, his next look is inspired by the ‘Solo in the Spotlight' Barbie from 1960. Mukamal drapes Robbie in a custom Schiaparelli gown for the Barbie World Premiere pink carpet in Los Angeles. The American bespoke high jewellery designer, Lorraine Schwartz designed the neckpiece for the ensemble.

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