Today, August 15th, marks the launch of an amazing new fashion and beauty collection celebrating Barbie’s 65th anniversary. This is more than just a launch; it’s a historic collaboration that brings together five dynamic, female-led Canadian brands to pay tribute to Barbie’s iconic style and influence through the decades. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this collection so special and why it not only pays tribute to fashion history, but also celebrates female empowerment and creative synergy.
In an unprecedented move, Mattel has partnered with five pioneering women-founded brands: Hilary McMillan, ai, Paris Jewelers Canada, Cheekbone Beauty and Sol Kist. The collaboration is an industry first, bringing together the unique perspectives of these brands in a collection spanning Barbie’s 60-year history. From chic jewelry and makeup to stylish ready-to-wear, the collection demonstrates the power of women supporting women.
“We’re celebrating Barbie’s incredible 65-year journey and her role as a fashion icon and symbol of empowerment,” said Jennifer Gileno, head of licensing and retail development. Mattel Canada“This collection is a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together and push the boundaries in the fashion and beauty industries.”
The collection features eight coordinating looks inspired by Barbie’s most memorable dolls, each representing a different decade. Think classic 1959 Barbie in timeless outfits, playful 1960s Twist and Turn, bold 1970s Superstar, stylish 1980s Black Barbie and Totally Crystal Barbie. 1990s Totally Hair Barbie is also on display, with ready-to-wear outfits, accessories, jewellery and beauty products that perfectly capture the essence of each era.
The colors and designs pay homage to Barbie’s iconic style, from the black-and-white chevron of the original 1959 to the vibrant pinks and oranges of the 1980s and the textured greens and cherry reds of the 1990s. This collection isn’t just a trip down memory lane, it’s a celebration of how far fashion has come.
Empowering through collaboration
This collaboration is a powerful example of how competition can turn into collaboration. In a historically competitive industry, these five female-led brands have come together to promote inclusivity, diversity and female empowerment. Each brand brings their own unique vision to the collection, creating a tapestry of designs that are innovative yet reflective of their individual values.
Known for her bold, inclusive fashion, Hilary McMillan said she was proud to be part of the initiative: “When women support women, we all succeed. Collaborating with these incredible brands and Barbie has been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Hannah Kim love echoed this sentiment, saying, “This collaboration is a full circle moment for us. Barbie has always been a source of childhood nostalgia and now we get to contribute to her legacy.”
Paris Jewelers Canadais a family-owned, primarily female-run business and is thrilled to be involved in this project. “We’re honored to collaborate with other incredible women-led brands to capture the magic of Barbie through jewelry design,” said co-owner Chau Liu.
Cheekbone Beauty Jen Harper added: “Our collaboration with Barbie demonstrates our commitment to meaningful representation of beauty. Every face tells a story and this collection celebrates that.”
Finally, Megan Victoria Sol Kist Highlighting the special nature of the partnership, he said, “It is symbolic that Canadian women entrepreneurs are coming together to celebrate Barbie’s 65th anniversary and highlight our collective achievements.”
How to Shop the Barbie Collection
Today at 11 a.m. ET, this groundbreaking collection will launch simultaneously across all participating brands’ websites. The unified web experience makes it easy for shoppers to navigate and shop across each brand, making it easier than ever to celebrate Barbie’s heritage and the incredible achievements of these female-led brands.
Celebrating Barbie’s 65th anniversary, the collection not only celebrates the past, but also paves the way for a more inclusive and empowering future — a collection that truly celebrates fashion, beauty and the indomitable spirit of female entrepreneurs.
Even more exciting?! The entire clothing line is available through Hilary McMillan in sizes up to 4X!
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
