By Allen Voivod
Some people say that all good things must come to an end. But with the @BarbieStyle Fashion Doll Series, the release of the last fan-voted doll means the fun is just getting started! Barbie fans are getting a new opportunity to create their own photo-worthy moments, with unique outfits, accessories, and styling.
Having amassed over 2.2 million followers since its debut in 2014, the @BarbieStyle Instagram account gives fans a glimpse into the daily life of their favorite fashion icon. In 2020, we gave Barbie fans from all over the world the chance to vote on the elements of four dolls inspired by her chic social media serves.
Now, the @BarbieStyle Fashion Doll Series wraps it up with the final doll to be created by your votes! @BarbieStyle Doll 4 is a Gold Label doll, available for $100 in our online shop. Barbie Signature members have an exclusive window from February 23 to March 2 to add this doll to their collections before she's available to the general public on March 3.
Doll 4, along with the three previous dolls in the series, was "literally years in the making," says Barbie Design Manager Linda Kyaw-Merschon. "All the early concepts came in pre-Covid, a very different time and place! But we knew we would end with this doll years ago, and we're thrilled that it's finally available for fans to enjoy after so many years."
The dolls in this series set out to bring some of the @BarbieStyle Instagram channel’s most memorable looks to life. For this fourth doll, that includes five premium fashion pieces: a white tie-front top, shimmery midi skirt, varsity jacket, classic tee, and jeans. Complete any mixed-and-matched look with a pair of strappy heels or black sneakers, and accessorize with a white mini purse or iridescent handbag, slim shades, and a smartphone accessory.
The premium fashion pieces have been a hallmark of this line – for example, using real zippers instead of hook-and-loop fasteners. It sets the @BarbieStyle dolls apart in more ways than one. "It’s also the difference of feeling and being more relaxed, knowing you don’t have to sacrifice as much, and the ease of knowing you're delivering the very best under any circumstances," Linda says.
"There's been a lot more freedom with this line – which is an absolute dream to any creative, and that extends to all teammates for this doll," she adds, referring to the team of sculptors, painters, and other professionals who help bring Barbie dolls to life. "They were also more at ease knowing there were less restrictions. That can have its pros and cons at times, but in this case, it could be held up as an ideal fantasy standard for all processes."
That applies to the packaging as well, so let's also take a moment to reflect on the bento-style doll box created for each doll in the series by Key Lead Packaging Designer Vicky Gevorkyan. "The compartments and magnetic closure really help highlight and elevate the usability of the packaging for @BarbieStyle fans, so they can mix and match and fully play with it," Vicky says. "It's really about the experience each collector gets to have with opening up the package, to find a doll so reflective of the @BarbieStyle Instagram page, and also having a package with first-look, never-before-seen photography you would normally see on Instagram."
With this remarkable set of fan-voted dolls wrapping up, so to speak, we couldn't resist asking Linda to reflect a bit more on the series and the work that inspired it. She says, "It was more than six years ago since our humble @BarbieStyle channel arrived on Instagram, and years later it's stronger than ever with a real tangible product that our fans can experience. The whole experience has been quite rewarding."
The "tangible product" is meant to be taken out of the beautifully designed box, then dressed and posed with the aid of her Model Muse doll body, which makes it easy to start creating your own photo-worthy moments. That, according to Linda, has been the most rewarding part of this project.
"The fan engagement and love of these dolls have been the greatest moments these dolls could ever ask for," Linda adds. "We're so impressed with the creativity our fans have shown with their dolls. They've been taking these dolls to the next level, and we can’t tell you how proud we are to have the best fans in the world!"
Now it's your turn – get the fourth @BarbieStyle Fashion Series Doll while she lasts. And while you're waiting for her to arrive, start scouting out set locations and planning your own fabulous photo shoots!
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