Barbie has apparently changed her look. When I saw this striking window display at the MAC cosmetics store at 113 Spring Street in SoHo, I felt a little foolish. I went inside and asked a salesperson what the theme was, and she said incredulously, “Why, it’s Barbie!” Barbie Loves MAC is one of the looks they are now featuring. Barbie is big right now – the current March 2007 Vanity Fair has a Q&A interview with the new MAC Barbie doll.
I’m fascinated with this country’s fascination with Barbie – she is a major icon with her share of controversy. This is way too large a subject to get into here – Barbie is a doll, a collectible, an idol, a role model, an industry, and a syndrome (Barbie Syndrome). She has a full name (Barbara Millicent Roberts), a birthday (3/9/1959), a birthplace (Willows, Wisconsin), a fascinating history, different looks and wardrobes, plenty of ethnically diverse friends, occupations, pets, and cars. And, of course, there have been parodies and lawsuits. There are Black and Hispanic Barbies. And pink is her color. For the first time, it appears she has some competition – Bratz is closing in…
Millicent? That’s fascinating. It’s one of those names like Hortense or Mildred–if Barbie had been born a little later, I can be pretty sure that her middle name wouldn’t be Millicent.
Doesn’t Barbie look a little like a cross between a blonde Morticia and Brittney? Not as wholesome as she used to be…
Yes, she definitely has some edge now, keeping with the trends. Much fuller lips.
Brian
oh no!! Barbie has had Botox!!!
I can’t believe she’s still popular.
Great photo, so colourful and the way the light hits her face does look sinister.
Angela
So funny! I had no idea that Barbie had a “birthday,” a “hometown,” etc.!
I do know that MY Barbie when I was young was single, independent and had her own apartment! Something I couldn’t wait to do myself! And I did. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that “work” came along with all those things! Sigh…..
The colors in this photograph are stunning.
I hate to blog and promote large retailers like MAC, but this window was stunning.
Brian