By Guest Writer Randall Porter, Fashion Brand Strategist | Style Writer
This next theme is based on a true icon and she needs no introduction. Since her launch in March of 1959, Barbie has been the topic of body image, diversity, and influence.
At Art On The Rocks, guests will get to experience Barbie: Dreaming of a Female Future. Twenty participating artists, designers, and women-owned businesses are coming together to offer visitors the chance to consider their own relationship with the doll and the ways in which she may have impacted their perceptions of self.
The 15th season of the Art On The Rocks summer series presented by Dale’s Seasoning concludes this Friday, August 9th, by welcoming people of all genders, sexualities, and identities into Barbie’s dream house to dream about a female future.
Love or hate her, Barbie has maintained her status through the decades due to her ability to transform and adapt with the time and culture. And the doll’s looks and fashion choices are no different. Just as I said before, Art On The Rocks is one of Birmingham’s biggest nights blending art and fashion, and everyone wants to know what to wear. Below, I will showcase a few of Barbie’s iconic looks. It is so easy to recreate these looks. However, my motto for this whole season of #AOTR is to be the best you and wear whatever makes you feel fabulous.
Barbie #1 Look: Celebrity
Modeled after Elizabeth Taylor and Marylin Monroe, the original Barbie doll started the trend of showcasing the fashion reflections of the time. Barbie was the spitting image of a 1950’s glamorous super star. In 1967, supermodel Twiggy was the first celebrity to have her own barbie. Diana Ross, Beyonce, Cher, and Audrey Hepburn would later join the list of celebrities to inspire the doll. Styling yourself after this look could be fun and offers you a range of celebrities to choose from.
Barbie #2 Look: Inspiring Women in History
In 2018, Mattel released a new “Inspiring Women” collection that features three ground-breaking, history-making women—Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo, and Katherine Johnson. You don’t have to stop with these three. Barbie allows you to be any inspiring person you admire.
Barbie #3 Look: Working Woman
If there’s one thing Barbie has done, it’s work. She has always inspired young girls to be whatever they wanted to be. From an astronaut and a doctor to President of the United States, she has done it all.
Barbie #4 Look: Barbie Fashionistas
As I stated before, Mattel has been criticized over the years because of the lack of diversity and body types seen in the Barbie line. Because of this, Barbie Fashionistas were introduced to the world in 2016. They came in four body types, seven skin tones, 22 eye colors, and 24 hairstyles. This Barbie look is my favorite because you can come as yourself. You don’t have to change a thing. Everyone can be Barbie or find themselves in her. If you would like to style yourself like a Modern Woman Barbie, be sure to head to some of my local favorites such as Basic Shop, Soca Clothing, and Manhattan South.
Art On The Rock is the place to show up and out and let your creativity fly. “Imagination, life is your creation. Come on, Barbie, let’s go party! (ah ah ah yeah) Come on, Barbie, let’s go party! (ooh oh, ooh oh)”
Style on,
Randall
