LOS ANGELES: Head to any clothing store this summer and you are likely to be hit with an explosion of pink.
Barbiecore outfits, focused on the doll's signature color, are dominating the fashion scene for a second straight year, helped by Mattel Inc's all-out marketing blitz to build buzz for the "Barbie" movie.
There are Barbie sneakers, Barbie backpacks, Barbie swimsuits, and Barbie hoodies for your dog. There are rhinestone-studded water bottles, neon yellow roller blades with pink wheels - and much more.
"There is not a corner of the globe that hasn't turned pink," Richard Dickson, Mattel's president and chief operating officer, said in an interview.
Couture designer Valentino kicked off the recent pink wave by dressing models in head-to-toe fuchsia for a March 2022 runway show. That sent celebrity stylists scrambling to find looks in the can't-miss color.
A few months later, photos showed Barbie movie star Margot Robbie on set in a hot pink Western jumpsuit. The "campy style" went viral at a time when Western wear and sparkly Y2K fashions were trending, said Madeline Hirsch, news director for InStyle.
It also coincided with many people returning to offices after COVID-19 lockdowns.
"People were craving joy, color and new clothes to wear out again, and the effervescent appeal of Barbie was easy to latch on to," Hirsch said.
As the style took off, fashion magazines chronicled celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Harry Styles in bright Barbiecore outfits.
PINK GLITTER POPCORN
Barbie is one of Mattel's top three brands. The toymaker trademarked the term Barbiecore in 2022 and partnered with companies such as high-end French designer Balmain, jewelry maker Kendra Scott and loungewear company Barefoot Dreams.
Those efforts went into overdrive in 2023 with more than 100 partnerships tied to the movie. Items currently available range from a $20 Barbie T-shirt at Old Navy to a $1,550 sweatshirt with the Balmain logo in the Barbie font.
Mattel also collaborated on many products outside of fashion, such as an Instagram-perfect pool float from Funboy and a pink Microsoft X-box gaming console that rests inside a three-story Barbie Dreamhouse.
Barbie-inspired foods include an ice cream flavor and a Barbie burger with pink sauce sold at Burger King in Brazil.
Robbie, who rotated through Barbie-inspired looks during the movie's publicity tour, even rolled pink suitcases through the airport in Sydney.
Barbiecore encompasses more than just pink, Hirsch said. "Think more is more in terms of color pairings - aqua, purples and yellows," she said. Ryan Gosling, who plays Ken, has sported looks in that color palette.
The Barbiecore frenzy appears to be boosting interest in the "Barbie" film from Warner Bros. Women are planning Barbie-inspired outfits to wear to screenings, and theaters are hosting special events to attract ticket buyers.
Maryland-based Warehouse Cinemas has sold out its Thursday night "Malibu Beach Party" screenings featuring pink cocktails served in flamingo floaties, said president and CEO Rich Daughtridge. Guests who bring a Barbie, or dress like Barbie or Ken, upgrade their popcorn for free with strawberry powder and edible pink glitter.
Barbie is likely to beat its main box office competition for the weekend, which is Christopher Nolan's drama "Oppenheimer" about the man behind the making of the atomic bomb, according to box office analysts.
Forecasters predict "Barbie" will haul in anywhere from $80 million to $150 million-plus at domestic theaters from Friday through Sunday. That would top the $55 million in U.S. and Canadian ticket sales collected last weekend by Tom Cruise's latest "Mission: Impossible" movie.
Filmgoers also are likely to post their Barbiecore looks on social media, sparking more interest in the movie, said Jeff Bock, senior box office analyst at Exhibitor Relations Co.
"This has the potential to break out in ways that we can't fathom yet," Bock said.
Reuters
Fri Jul 21 2023
Barbie is likely to beat its main box office competition for the weekend, which is Christopher Nolan's drama "Oppenheimer" about the man behind the making of the atomic bomb, according to box office analysts. - REUTERS
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.