Come on Barbie, let’s go party!
Last year’s Barbie movie has reignited our love for the world-famous doll. Are you also a Barbie fan? Then there is great news: soon we can enjoy the largest Barbie exhibition ever in the Netherlands! The exhibition takes a look at Barbie’s evolution, from a stereotypical “dumb blonde” to an emancipated, working woman. Go Barbie!
Always a doll moment
Barbie, the iconic doll that conquered hearts worldwide, is central to the latest exhibition in the Stedelijk Museum Almelo. The exhibition is called “Barbie 65 Years, Always a Doll Moment”.
What exactly can you see? Lots and lots of Barbies. The collection shows how Barbie has not only become a fashion icon over the decades, but also a symbol of emancipation, inclusivity and diversity. The recent Barbie movie already showed us that Barbie was way ahead of her time, but this exhibition now brings this to life!
Barbie as fashionista
The exhibition delves deep into the world of Barbie’s wardrobe: from underwear to beachwear, and from sportswear to bridal fashion. It’s a real journey through time, showing how Barbie’s clothing style has evolved over the years. Including shoulder pads in the 60s and iconic nineties belly tops!
Did you know that Barbie has been styled by more than seventy famous fashion designers? Iconic creations from Dior and Bob Mackie, among others, can also be admired in the museum.
Barbie from the 60s
Barbie from the 70s
Barbie dressed in Dior, 1995
‘Madame Du’ Barbie by Bob Mackie, 1997
‘Goddess of Africa’ Barbie by Bob Mackie, 1999
‘Le Papillon’ Barbie by Bob Mackie, 1999
‘Heidi Klum’ Barbie, 2009
Emancipation and inclusivity
What else makes the exhibition so great? It reflects Barbie’s diversity and inclusivity! From her former African-American girlfriend Christie to the introduction of dolls in different body shapes, skin colors and hairstyles in 2016!
Social changes, such as emancipation, are also highlighted in the exhibition. Barbie not only rocks different looks, but also all kinds of different careers and ambitions. Archaeologist, astronaut, veterinarian or president? Barbie can do it all!
Julia, Barbie’s girlfriend, 1969
Curvy Barbie, 2016
Barbie as an astronaut, 1985
Barbie as a pediatrician, 2003
Guinness Book of Records
The exhibition shows more than 1,200 Barbie dolls, plus all kinds of objects such as cars, horses, dogs and houses. In addition, Barbie’s friends and family members, such as Ken, Skipper, Midge, Christie, Francie, Blaine, and Julia, will of course be present!
The Barbie dolls in this exhibition come from the largest collector in the world, Bettina Dorfmann. With her more than 18,500 Barbie dolls she is in the Guinness Book of Records.
The exhibition Barbie 65 Years, Always a Doll Moment can be seen from January 27 to September 8, 2024 in the Stedelijk Museum Almelo.
Source & Image: Stedelijk Museum Almelo
