Margot Robbie plays real-life dress ups
The Australian actor has dug into the toy box to pay homage to different dolls over the decades. See all of the classic looks.
For the Barbie press tour, Margot Robbie sought outfit inspiration from the toy box.
The Australian star, who also served as an executive producer for the film, collaborated with celebrity stylist Andrew Mukamal – who counts Billie Eilish, Carey Mulligan, and Zoë Kravitz as clients – to curate a series of elaborate looks that pay homage to the enduring history of Mattel’s beloved doll.
During the press tour’s first stop in Sydney, Robbie appropriately donned a minuscule Hervé Leger dress, reminiscent of the swimsuit worn by the original 1959 doll. Since then, a profusion of stunning and sickly Pink ensembles has graced the scene, celebrating the iconic Barbies of yore, culminating in a custom, sparkling Schiaparelli gown worn by Robbie at the Los Angeles premiere on Monday.
If you feel like you‘ve been living in the Barbie Dreamhouse for an eternity, you’re not far off. The frenzy surrounding Barbie has been in overdrive ever since paparazzi snapshots emerged in June 2022, capturing Robbie and her co-star Ryan Gosling skating along Venice Beach in fluorescent spandex.
Since then, it has been an all-out marketing extravaganza. Mattel orchestrated a wave of anticipation, introducing Malibu Barbie Cafés and forging partnerships with brands like Bloomingdales, Crocs, Krispy Kreme, and Xbox. While Airbnb is offering fans the opportunity to spend a night in a life-size Barbie condominium on the picturesque California coast, complete with an infinity pool, disco dance floor, and private theatre. The emergence of the “Barbiecore” aesthetic movement on TikTok has only added to the fervour. And the film itself sparked a global shortage of Pink paint.
If projections hold true, with an anticipated $55 million opening weekend, the hype surrounding the Barbie movie will have paid off. Despite its release being scheduled for July 20, cinemas across Australia are already fully booked for opening week screenings. In Sydney‘s Randwick Ritz, five theatres have been reserved for the highly anticipated “Pink party” preview nights, where around 1,600 eager filmgoers are expected to immerse themselves in the Barbie experience.
However, for Mattel, Barbie is merely the beginning of an even more ambitious endeavour. A recent report from The New Yorker has shed light on the company‘s grand plan to establish its own Marvel-like cinematic universe, revolving around its extensive range of toy products. Currently, there are 45 films in development, with 13 of them already announced. These include Daniel Kaluuya’s portrayal of Barney the Dinosaur, a Polly Pocket film directed by Lena Dunham, and a Hot Wheels film with J.J. Abrams attached.
Solo In the Spotlight, 1960
After weeks of shocking pink, Robbie made a striking shift to demure glamour, opting for an elegant black ensemble at the Los Angeles premiere of the film. Arriving at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, the actor paid homage to the 1960 “Solo in the Spotlight” Barbie. Robbie’s stylist, Andrew Mukamal, worked with the French House Schiaparelli to create the custom, sparkling gown. The ensemble was completed with black Manolo Blahnik heels, a four-strand crystal choker from Lorraine Schwartz, black opera gloves, and a single red rosette – the spit of the original.
Totally Hair, 1992
In which Robbie makes a convincing case for dusting off the hair crimpers. During the Mexico press date, Robbie embodied the “Totally Hair” Barbie, in a psychedelic, long-sleeved Emilio Pucci minidress, hot pink point-toe pumps by Manolo Blahnik, and Chanel accessories. The doll, released in 1992, is the best selling Barbie of all time.
“Day to Night” 1985
At the Seoul press event, Robbie went method and recreated the 1985 “Day-to-Night” Barbie doll beat for beat, with two different Versace looks. The original doll featured two outfits: the first, a strictly business fuchsia Pink power suit for the day; the second, a sparkly dress for the night. Robbie accessorised with Pink Manolo Blahnik mules and a blingy Judith Leiber phone bag, true to the brick cell phones of the ‘80s.
“Pink & Fabulous” 2015
At the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, the actor channelled the “Pink & Fabulous” doll in a custom-made hot Pink, polka-dot halter dress by Valentino. Robbie accessorised with white leather Manolo Blahnik BB pumps, and a gorgeous and garish yellow Valentino Garavani Rockstud shoulder bag. The dress was also a wink to supermodel Karen Mulder, who was called “real-life Barbie” in the ‘90s. She wore a similar design on the Valentino runway in 1993.
“Earring Magic” 1992
At the Mexico City premiere on July 6, Robbie wore a Pink leather mini dress, and corset bodice from Balmain — inspired by the “Earring Magic” Barbie doll from the ’90s.
“The Original” 1959
It’s a classic. On the first stop of the Barbie press tour, Robbie visited Bondi for an activation which saw the iconic Icebergs Pool branded with the doll’s logo. She donned a black and white striped Hervé Léger dress that, while not crocheted, unmistakably paid homage to the original Barbie doll. Complementing the ensemble were Manolo Blahnik mules and white-framed cat-eye shades from Jacques Marie Mage.
Baby Pink gingham has been a recurring motif during the Barbie press tour. In April, Robbie graced CinemaCon with a delicious tease of her upcoming looks, wearing a charming bustier co-ordinated set from Prada, matched with rose petal Louboutins. Barbie dolls have incorporated the print since at least 1973, when the Quick Curl doll was released.
“Sparkling Pink” 1964
A thoroughly modern take on the 1964 “Sparkling Pink” Barbie. The actor wore a custom, crystal embellished Moschino set, paired with a matching pillbox hate and heart-shaped purse. She accessorised with a pair of Manolo Blahnik open-toe mules, and jewellery by Tiffany & Co.
Barbie hits Australian cinemas on July 20 after the premiere in Sydney on July 17.
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