Barbie, America’s First Plastic Sweetheart Makes it Even Bigger at 50:

Barbie in a custom emsemble designed by my mom.

Vogue.Uk reports that Mattel will embark on a three-year partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America from next February (the first toy company to do so) as well as sponsor New York’s IMG organised Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

It’s about time that Miss B hits the tents in style. “For many young girls, [Barbie is] their first association with fashion and dressing up and changing clothes,” Fern Mallis, senior vice president at IMG Fashion in New York, explained in the Vogue interview.

Barbie was certainly my introduction to playing fashionista! I can attest to proudly stockpiling 17 Barbie dolls in my collection and grew up as a feminist too!

My mom used to design custom ensembles for my Barbie dolls as gifts for special occasions. Please take notice of a favorite Barbie (pictured) who still rocks a spot in my office. Barbie models a golden hand knit sheath dress with matching hand knit coat and its luxurious brocade lining, custom made by mom… the camera is still around her neck, but the white pumps are MIA. You know I will be following this story.

What are your favorite Barbie stories?

>> POSTSCRIPT: See photos from the Barbie Runway Show

FocusOnStyle-Sharon

Resident fashion expert- With just about 20 years experience in the glamour industry as a New York-based photography fashion stylist, syndicated columnist, contributing editor, lecturer, on-air television/radio fashion expert, and founder/ style director of FocusOnStyle.com, Sharon Haver knows what the modern-thinking woman wants– easygoing style that suits her individual needs, spiced with just the right amount of flip and wit.

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Last 3 posts by FocusOnStyle-Sharon

• It or Miss: The Exposed Bra Back - July 3rd, 2009
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