How The Fabulous Fashion Of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie Gives Satire, Ken-ergy, Chanel, And The Perfect Pink
The year so far has been all about the anticipation of 2023’s most-awaited movie–Barbie. Painting our screens pink, the film contributed to a lot of buzz and was appropriately marketed to inject the shade in your veins. From exciting silhouettes, mood bursting colours to Margot Robbie and her Ken Ryan, the movie built up the hype, which of course was worth the wait. And as per my expectations, it was all things magical. Last night, I stepped inside the cinema hall, eagerly waiting for a trip back to nostalgia, in a haute pink satin top and a matching pair of pink heels punctuated with a denim jeans. With popcorn and a Diet Coke in hand, fumbling with treats from Warner Bros, the wait was finally over as I watched the life-size doll on the big screen.
#Barbie/#BarbieTheMovie is bursting at the seams with extravagant creativity. Greta Gerwig made a summer bash soaked in fun and empathy. Margot Robbie is stellar, but Ryan Gosling steals the show. Magnificent production design. pic.twitter.com/HmR9v5Di4C
— Jeff Nelson (@SirJeffNelson) July 14, 2023
The enthusiasm was visible through the cheers, and people whistling as if Shah Rukh Khan had made a blockbuster entry. No one knew, Margot Robbie could pull Indian audiences from their seats to scream. With backdrops that resembled paper cutouts from a summer holiday, school scrapbook and ensembles that came straight from the archived closets of Chanel and Dior, Mattel’s new-age Barbie was modern and mended the wounds it was accused of in the real world. This Barbie had a feminist, love-lorn Ken, who got dismantled in the man’s world. From swimsuits to the 60s-inspired disco chic and beachwear, everything was garnished with a dream-like ingredient.
#BarbieTheMovie is a pure delight! Bright, bubbly, effervescent, hilarious. One of the funniest movies in years — and one of the most emotional, touching and meaningful. Clever parody, punchy commentary — this IS a Gerwig film!!
Margot and Ryan ARE Oscar-worthy! A ‘23 fave!! pic.twitter.com/WvDZpc7ivZ— Dave Lee (@daveleedwnundr) July 17, 2023
Greta Gerwig’s most-awaited piece of work was beautifully dressed in costumes by British designer–Jacqueline Durran. The Oscar winner and period drama style expert took only eleven weeks to carve the fabulous fashion of the cult-favourite character. Less in number, but big on impact, the fantastic world of plastic dolls was embellished with many shades of pink. From President Barbie to the stereotypical doll, everyone was dressed in the most chic outfits. Delusional to real-like ordinary was a journey that Barbie took us on, through heels and Birkenstocks. The culturally-relevant essence was readily available through references that mirrored the Barbie dolls in a box. Everything that we, as children dreamt of.
Margot Robbie as Barbie perfectly took centre stage in our universe. From sailor girl to an astronaut, Robbie’s antics and attires enveloped this imaginary world. With references to real-life dolls, every look paid homage to iconic looks created by Carol Spencer–designer of the original Barbie clothes. High fashion brands like Dior, Chanel, and Balenciaga were as important in the film costumes, as they were for the Barbies in a box. Bridging the gap between the real and plastic world, highlighter hues created the fence that drew a difference between the two. From a million outfits that the actual Barbie dolls are known for, Durran frantically shortlisted a roster of twenty or so. Most of which included the signature gingham, shell necklaces, hats, big hair bows, bib collars and tons of tulles.
Heels are NOT for the weak. 💅 #BarbieTheMovie pic.twitter.com/IaQtjMw0Vt
— Barbie Movie (@barbiethemovie) July 20, 2023
The journey between soft and sexy was fulfilled through iconic pieces and interesting accessories like roller blades, berets, barrettes, and bags. Besides Robbie, Ryan Gosling as Ken was not just funny but wittily stylish. His sartorial choices indicated some sort of satire, signalling the importance of men in the Barbie Land. The Ken-energy was prevalent in the second half of the film, when signs of patriarchy entered the plastic side of the world. The tragic transformation was visible through the change in colours, and elements, swiftly switching from sorbet hues to dark black. From Chevrolet Corvette to beast trucks, Ken consciously carved a new world through muscle, beers, horses, fringes, and fur.
Ryan Gosling deserves an Oscar nomination for his role as Ken. And "I'm Just Ken" deserves one for Best Original Song.
Just saying.#BarbieTheMovie pic.twitter.com/8mslYo0Zyn
— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) July 21, 2023
Also Read: Guess What Happens When You Google Greta Gerwig Or Barbie Movie’s Cast Names? It’s So Cute!
This passionate effort made by the film fuelled the idea of what we know as Barbiecore today. Besides a specially-designed colour palette, typography in the signature Barbie font took some significant spots in men’s clothing. Ken reflected his mood through terms like–Kendom and Ken-energy, painted all over his chest. These remarkable elements, pocketed in his wardrobe were another fantastic efforts made by Durran. Fashion in the dollhouse was top tier with marvellous colours, accessories and subtle makeup on Margot and her fellow Barbies. A similar energy surrounded Robbie, when she stepped out in the real world to promote the film in iconic Barbie outfits, designed by Vivienne Westwood, and Schiaparelli.
What better pink carpet inspiration than Barbie herself! 💁♀️ Tell us which dolls Margot styled these looks after below! #BarbieTheMovie 🤩💗 pic.twitter.com/V5iDdHFsgQ
— Barbie Movie (@barbiethemovie) July 19, 2023
The cast of #BarbieTheMovie painted the town pink at the European Premiere in London 💖 pic.twitter.com/7PJGOdaKGE
— Warner Bros. UK (@WarnerBrosUK) July 12, 2023
Also Read: How To Get Picture-Perfect Doll Like Heels As Margot Robbie In The Movie Barbie
Reminiscing the golden words of Gloria Steinem–“Barbie is … everything the feminist movement was trying to escape,” Greta’s diligent efforts helped in changing Barbie’s magnetic statement fashion to understated garments with a tad less fluff. Like the film’s surprising feminist subject, Barbie through the eyes of the modern world changes gears from candy colours, and unattainable standards to ordinary and relatable fashion. From her first outfit soaked in glitter to her last in denim casuals, the evolution of Barbie for young girls is impressive. Top-tier fashion in Barbie, assures you a fantastic roller coaster ride. Through the eyes of Gerwig, we witness this upgraded version of every girl’s tiny pal, who rules this embellished world, but finds matters of the real world, imperative too.
Barbie movie is finally in theatres. So, hurry up and book your tickets, because I am heading for a second watch.
First Published: July 21, 2023 4:14 PMWhat To Watch This Week Of July 17 To July 23: Barbie, Oppenheimer, Bawaal, And More
