Image credit: Getty Images
Barbie fever is at an all-time high. Perhaps we’ve moved past Barbiecore version 1.0—that wave of hot Valentino pink that washed over Hollywood thanks to one blindingly monochrome collection from Pierpaolo Piccioli—but that’s not to say it’s quelled. We’re simply stepping into a new chapter of Barbie frenzy as the premiere date of Greta Gerwig’s Margot Robbie-fronted flick draws closer.
The proof? It’s in the ultra-pink pudding. Robbie stopped off at CinemaCon earlier this year in Las Vegas with co-star Ryan Gosling, and set off (wittingly, might we add) an internet firestorm. The culprits were the His-and-Hers outfits: Gosling, baring a T-shirt emblazoned with ‘Greta Gerwig’ in Mattel’s signature Barbie font; Robbie, in a ’50s-style balconette bra and mini skirt in pink and white gingham, courtesy of Prada. It was as sincerely sweet as it was tongue-in-cheek—the pinnacle, as Gosling later said, of brazen “Ken-ergy”.
In all her Barbie-related appearances since, Robbie has adhered closely to the same dress code: vintage silhouettes that hark to the namesake doll’s heyday and pinks of all strains, from fuchsia and peony to bubblegum pastels. A square-necked Valentino, cap-sleeved mini dress and heels on The Kelly Clarkson Show came in a rich magenta; then, another custom Valentino creation at a junket in Los Angeles, which doused Robbie in hot pink polka dots. She cut a plastic-fantastic figure in an ’80s halter neck and white heels, with a pink Chevrolet Corvette at her back—the ultimate accessory.
Indeed, Robbie is presenting a most convincing case for working our vehicles into our wardrobes. She repeated the trick in a pastel Bottega Veneta twinset a day later, posing in ’60s shades and open-toe Manolo Blahnik mules alongside a matching convertible. Pristine blonde locks and a megawatt smile are other fundamentals of the Barbie uniform that Robbie’s serving in spades. In channelling the Mattel doll, the actress isn’t merely paying homage to her project, but tapping into a specific childhood nostalgia—how the simple act of dressing a doll taught millions about their own potential, and possibilities.
“She opens the doors, all she needs to do is look at it, gives a spin, and then it’s on her body and she walks off, and her outfit for the next day is sitting in the wardrobe behind her,” explained Robbie of her Clueless-inspired closet in the film. Clearly she’s applying the same magic to her real-life fashion. It’s enough to tickle anyone pink.
Below, discover all the press tour looks Robbie has worn for Barbie to date.
