Barbie x Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is born: high fashion meets pop culture The French designer dresses Barbie and Ken with his most famous creations
Mattel, a world leader in the toy and entertainment sector for families, combines its iconic Barbie brand with the legendary French designer and artist Jean-Charles de Castelbajac for a new collaboration of the Barbie Signature line, bringing the designer’s creative and unmistakable universe into the world of Barbie and Ken.
Barbie x Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is born
Defined by bold colors, playful images and an extraordinary sense of imagination, Castelbajac’s aesthetic is reinterpreted through two collectible dolls inspired by some of his most iconic garments. Barbie wears a vibrant oversized teddy bear coat embellished with miniature bears, combined with a high-neck t-shirt dress covered with lively illustrations in perfect Castelbajac style and complemented by denim boots. Ken proposes a more minimalist approach with an oversized ivory coat, always in teddy bear style, combined with dark super-baggy jeans, white sneakers and a t-shirt with graphics.
Art, fashion and pop culture: the vision of Mattel Creations
Born as part of Mattel Creations, the company’s platform dedicated to high design collaborations, the partnership unites Barbie and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac in a joyful celebration of fashion, art, nostalgia and pop culture. Combining two icons of creativity, the collection reflects the mission of Mattel Creations: to reinvent the most loved brands through unexpected collaborations capable of inspiring collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
“Working with Barbie and Ken was a unique opportunity to unite two worlds founded on imagination and creativity.Creating these impactful looks inspired by my career, I wanted to invite Barbie and Ken into my playful and colorful universe, to celebrate art and fashion.” – Jean-Charles de Castelbajac
A playful encounter between fashion and art
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac established himself on the international scene in the late 1970s. In 1987, when he unveiled his now iconic teddy bear coat, he had already defined a unique visual language, characterized by bright colors, inventive silhouettes and an ironic and light-hearted approach to fashion. Over the decades, Castelbajac has influenced entire generations with its artistic creations and highly successful collaborations. His ability to blend high fashion, art and pop culture makes him the perfect creative partner to rewrite the imagination of Barbie and Ken. From collaborations with Miu Miu, Billie Eilish, MoMA and Vexx, Mattel Creations continues to position Mattel’s iconic brands at the intersection of culture, design and collecting, signing limited editions that conquer fans, collectors and fashion aesthetes.
