The ‘Barbie: A Cultural Icon’ exhibition showcases over 250 dolls and highlights Barbie’s evolution in fashion and representation over 65 years.
Barbie, the iconic doll created by Mattel, continues to capture the public’s imagination with her latest exhibition, “Barbie: A Cultural Icon,” which is currently on display at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. This exhibition opened after her hit movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, was reprised in theaters earlier this year, illustrating the enduring relevance of Barbie in popular culture.
The exhibition features over 250 dolls and follows a timeline spanning Barbie’s 65-year history, starting from her debut in 1959 to the latest releases in 2024. According to the press release, while the exhibition celebrates Barbie’s sustained presence, it features a notable acknowledgment of her milestone birthday with a display of Barbie Signature 65th Blue Sapphire Anniversary dolls, hinting at her journey into senior citizenship.
Curated by fashion historian Karan Feder, the exhibition emphasizes Barbie’s role in fashion history, beginning with a showcase of the first 22 costumes designed by Charlotte Johnson for Mattel. The collection includes notable outfits such as “Barbie-Q” and “Roman Holiday.” A particularly engaging aspect of the exhibition is the presentation of Barbie dolls alongside full-size replicas of their outfits, allowing visitors to see the evolution of fashion over the decades. A standout is the “Belle Dress,” inspired by designs from Oscar de la Renta, which juxtaposes the doll and the designer’s life-size version, evoking a historical context for the audience.
The exhibition does not shy away from showcasing luxurious couture, featuring special collector dolls created by renowned designers like Bob Mackie, including “Fantasy Goddess of Asia Barbie” and “Fantasy Goddess of Africa Barbie.” One of the more eye-catching elements is Barbie’s hot pink synthetic leather outfit designed by Moschino, showcased next to a video from the brand’s 2015 fashion show inspired by Barbie.
In addition to fashion, the exhibition delves into the narrative of Barbie’s many careers over the decades, presenting notable outfits from “American Airline Stewardess” in 1961 to “Presidential Candidate/Future Leader” in 2024. Significant highlights include the “Miss Astronaut” costume from 1965, representing a time when Barbie was closely aligned with the Space Age ethos.
The exhibition also subtly addresses the evolution and diversification of Barbie’s representation over the years. The presentation features various body types, skin tones, and the introduction of innovative dolls like “Ken with a Prosthetic Leg” and “Down Syndrome Barbie,” showcasing Mattel’s efforts toward inclusivity in their product lines.
However, the exhibition does not entirely focus on its successes. Items of historical significance, such as the original inspiration behind Barbie—Bild Lilli, a German doll—are not mentioned, and the narrative around some controversial figures like “Growing Up Skipper” raises questions about omissions in Barbie’s past.
A striking interactive feature of the exhibition includes a life-size pink Corvette and opportunities for visitors to pose as “SIB” or “still in box” with life-size replicas of Barbie and Ken packages.
“Barbie: A Cultural Icon” is an expansive tribute to her legacy as both a fashion figure and a cultural symbol. The exhibition is open to the public at the Museum of Arts and Design (2 Columbus Circle, Manhattan) until March 16, 2024, providing a comprehensive look at Barbie’s impact on society and the evolution of her character through fashion and representation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
