While this is certainly not a first, the Balmain and Barbie collaboration has us rubbing our hands with glee. The Parisian fashion house has announced a new capsule collection to celebrate the iconic doll and her partner Ken, and of course the label. Available from January 13, the 50-piece collection will include ready-to-wear apparel and accessories, and before you ask, yes they come in human size.
The brainchild of Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, the capsule collection will also include three NFTs that will go on auction on January 11. The NFTs which feature diverse versions of the doll, will also include physical clothing.
“It’s a dream come true, since a kid I always loved Barbie and I’m so proud to be part of the Barbie world, thank you so much…” said Olivier in an Instagram post on his page. “I l feel so proud of this collaboration with a whole new unisex collection,” he added.
To say Rousteing is a Barbie fan would perhaps be an understatement. In 2021, he created a look for the Claudia Schiffer Barbie. He went a step further and had Barbie and Ken in the front row seats at the Balmain digital fashion show.
However, over the years several famed designers have created looks for the iconic doll, these include Michael Kors, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Diane von Furstenberg, Karl Lagerfeld and the inimitable Donatella Versace.
Mattel, the creators of Barbie, aren’t new to collaborations with high-end fashion houses. either. In the past its teamed up with Gucci to produce a limited edition Hot Wheels Cadillac by Gucci model car – expectedly, it sold out within minutes.
While the Barbie collection will be significantly more expensive, our guess is it too will sell out rather quickly.
