As a child, I created worlds with my Barbie dolls. younger sister, faithI created intricate worlds, sewed tiny garments from vibrant fabrics, and made furniture from corks, toothpicks, and bottle caps. These early experiences taught me the magic of design and inspired me to become a designer and artist. Barbie Style He contacted me about a dream collaboration. Jungalow designing rooms for Barbie’s Dreamhouse !!!
Photo credit: The Awesome Mattel Team
I had my first call with the Mattel team (such kind and creative people!) on a Friday, and by the following Monday I was in their office poring over their archive of vintage Barbie furniture and shopping for my dream home! I even got to take Aida with me! It was an incredible experience. The artistry and attention to detail that goes into making (or in some cases sourcing) everything Barbie is truly inspiring.
We could choose from a variety of doll heads, body types, and clothing (oh, the clothing!).
It’s so amazing to see all of Barbie’s heads! Her hair and makeup are always perfect!
How much fun was this wardrobe selection?! We couldn’t stop saying “Wow” while selecting. So much fun!
Aimee (left) from the Jungalow team found a pair of Barbie pants in our size! And Piper (right) from Jungalow had fun being Barbie’s stylist for a day!
Afterwards, we went back to Jungalow Studios and I started concepting. I gathered inspiration images and rendered a room where Barbie and her friends would be partying. The amazing Mattel team helped me bring my concept to life (the photo at the top of this blog post is not photoshopped! It was actually made to Barbie’s size, the fabrics and textiles were actually made with our prints, and they even made tiny versions of my book! Wow!). Now I want to lounge there with Barbie all day!
“My hope was to create a space where Barbie could embrace her individuality and be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of textures, colors and plants. We salvaged vintage furniture, upcycled and reinvented it, just like Faith and I did as children. But this Dreamhouse is more than just a playground; it’s an invitation for Barbie, her friends, and all of us to foster our creativity, celebrate our uniqueness, and indulge in the magic and fun of free self-expression.
So let’s play, create and celebrate our inner wild child in this world. A Jungle-licious Barbie Dreamhouse!
Source: Justina Blakeney – blog.justinablakeney.com
