BARBIE MADE ME A FASHIONISTA

BARBIE

The sensational blockbuster of 2023 is none other than "Barbie," and the box office figures undeniably support this claim. Margo Robbie effortlessly breathes life into the iconic Mattel doll, infusing her with joy and panache. Meanwhile, Greta Gerwig's film beautifully captures the essence of Barbie and Ken, weaving a tapestry of imagination and wonder. However, beyond the glitz and glamour, the true power of Barbie lies in her ability to inspire young girls (and even some boys) to dream big. Allow me to share my own personal tale of how Barbie left an indelible mark on my life.

BARBIE AND THE BOY

Barbie has exerted a tremendous influence on my life. As a child, when school ended for the summer, I would embark on a quest to gather the neighborhood girls for an epic Barbie playtime. The Shultz twins, Susan and Colleen, a couple of months younger than me, possessed a basement and backyard that could only be described as a Barbie paradise. While my brothers and neighbor boys busied themselves with road hockey I searched out the company of girls and dolls. Despite my father's disapproval, I shamelessly devoted countless hours to my newfound BFF, Barbie. Little did I know this investment would eventually yield fruitful results.

THE BARBIE BASEMENT

I would timidly tap on the twins' door, and Mrs. Shultz, with her graciousness, would lead me through the kitchen, unveiling the path to the basement stairs. Ah, it was in this humble abode, nestled between the garage and the furnace, that the enchanting realm of Barbie came to life. Together, the girls and I would summon a colossal trunk, dragging it with determination to the heart of the room. And so, another glorious day in the Barbie universe would commence.

While the girls busied themselves with setting up Barbie's luxurious apartment and her flashy pink convertible, I, being the loyal companion, would devote my attention solely to Barbie herself. I would carefully arrange her wardrobe, sportswear, day dresses and finally evening gowns.

The rest of the summer was a whirlwind of dresses upon dresses, with the occasional appearance of a tiny pair of culottes or a darling Chanel suit. Handbags and more adorned the scene, creating a fashion frenzy. But just when Barbie had become an integral part of our lives, the Shultz girls would be whisked away on a four-week vacation, taking away my access to Barbie.

BARBIE FASHION SCHOOL

Ah, but there was one glorious summer when I managed to sneak one of those coveted dolls home. Oh, the thrill of it all! Alas, I couldn't smuggle her entire wardrobe, but necessity, my dear friends, is the mother of invention. And so, my fashion career was born out of sheer need and resourcefulness.
Picture it: a young fashionista armed with only one doll and a world of imagination. With limited resources, I had to get creative. No longer bound by the constraints of Barbie's pre-packaged ensembles, I became a master of mix and match, a curator of couture. Every scrap of fabric, every ribbon, and every button became a potential masterpiece.

Growing up with a mother who was a sewing enthusiast, fate smiled upon me and granted me the opportunity to nurture my skills. Surely, the scraps from my dear Mum's sewing room wouldn't be missed. Armed with my trusty tools and an array of fabrics, I embarked on a summer adventure that would transform me into Barbie's very own couturier.

Moreover, with glue, needles, thread, and passion, I created what was nothing less than a magnificent wardrobe. I looked at my mother's patterns and dog-eared her magazines. Under my own tutelage, I developed my eye for fashion. In fact, I was already aware I had a natural fashion sense. However, this was a time to hone my skills. I started to learn how patterns worked, draping, color, and silhouettes. I carefully made beautiful creations. I quickly learned to fit the garments perfectly on Barbie. I was in heaven. I had created my first collection.
As I meticulously crafted miniature garments, my passion for fashion grew. Each stitch was a step closer to my dreams, and every outfit was a testament to my ingenuity. The world may have seen it as a mere childhood pastime, but little did they know that within those tiny threads lay the seeds of a future fashion career.
So, my friends, never underestimate the power of a stolen doll and a dash of necessity. For it is in those unexpected moments that our true talents emerge, and our destinies take shape. And thus, my journey into the glamorous world of fashion began, all thanks to a daring act of doll-napping, a love of fashion, and the spark of creativity that ignited within me.

Barbie's Fashion Tips: Building a Remarkable Wardrobe

Hey there, my awesome friends! I often reflect on that cool summer of creativity. I've gained a ton of fashion knowledge over the years, but it all started with that magical Barbie summer. So, I've put together a collection of Barbie inspired pieces that will help you create an amazing wardrobe. Many of the items I have chosen are inspired by the Barbie movie. For those who love fun , fresh, and frivolous fashion , these looks are for you.