Hardcore Barbie fans have a treat in store next Saturday, May 30th, when Dublin’s BT2 unveils a special window display celebrating the blonde babe’s 50th birthday featuring four life-sized original Rootstein mannequins.
Made by the creative director of Rootstein, Kevin Arpino, these represent four of the most popular Barbie dolls released since her launch in 1959: the original Barbie from 1959 in her striped swimsuit; the 1971 Malibu Barbie with trademark blonde hair, tan and sunglasses; the Superstar disco Barbie from l977; and the l986 Barbie The Rockers Doll. There will be all sorts of Barbie memorabilia on sale, including limited editions of the popular originals, as well as Barbie-inspired bags and wallets, limited-edition skater dresses and three copies of a coffee table book on the doll. The Barbie show car, a Fiat 500 in nail-varnish pink valued at €100,000, also goes on display complete with crystal decor and a glove compartment stocked with lip glosses. I saw the display in Colette in Paris during Paris fashion week and it caused traffic jams on the Rue St Honore for the whole week. The installation will remain in Dublin for the month of June.
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