BARBIE AND THE BOY

Barbie has had a huge influence on life. Every Summer when I was a kid, once school let out I would seek out the neighborhood girls to play “Barbie”.  The Shultz girls, Cindy and Candy were twins a few months my juniors , their basement and backyard was Barbie heaven. Much to my fathers disdain I spent countless hours with my new best friend Barbie. In due time it would pay off.

Hence, I’d shyly knock on the twins door and Mrs. Shultz would guide me through the kitchen to the basement stairs . It was here in a small room between the garage and furnace that the world of Barbie existed .  Together the girls and I would pull a large trunk to the center of the room . Hence another day of Barbie began. While the girls set out, Barbie’s apartment and pink convertible  I went straight to Barbie , never Ken rarely Skipper, but Barbie .

Therefore the rest of the summer  was dress after dress , maybe a tiny pair of culottes a little Chanel suit , handbags and more. Then out of the blue the Shultz girls would go on three weeks vacation and gone was Barbie. However I remember one Summer I snuck one of the dolls home. Of course I couldn’t sneak the wardrobe. However necessity called,  it was then my fashion career began.

BARBIE CLOTHES

Since my mother was an avid home seamstress , providence allowed me to develop my skills. Certainly the scraps from my Mum’s sewing room would not be missed . I gathered my tools and fabrics and the rest of that summer was   learning to be Barbie’s couture.

Moreover with glue , needles , thread and passion, I created what was nothing less than a magnificent wardrobe. I looked at my mothers patterns and dogeared her magazines . Under my own tutelage I developed my eye for fashion. In fact I was already aware I had a natural fashion sense. However this was a time to hone my skills, I started to learn how patterns worked, draping, color and silhouettes. I carefully made beautiful creations . Furthermore I quickly learned to perfectly fit the garments on Barbie. I was in heaven . I had created my first collection.

WHAT BARBIE TAUGHT ME 

I CAN TEACH YOU

Darlings a long time has passed since that Summer of designing . However what I taught myself that summer is with me to this day . Of course I have learned much more in the decades since, but my fashion foundations I owe to my Barbie summer. Therefore I have selected pieces that will help you select the best wardrobe staples and bring some of mine and Barbie’s style into your life !

BRETON TOP ala Barbie

This classic French inspired striped shirt has been worn by every artist , author, actor and Bardot look-a-like in the 20th Century. You’ll have to stop yourself from wearing it everyday. But please don’t, variety is always your friend . While it was an outfit that early Barbie wore , I think this clean top may have been inspired by Brigitte Bardot. Since it is still as popular today as it was in  the 1960’s , make sure you add a couple to your wardrobe.

Tommy Hilfiger

Velvet

Acne Studios

Comme Des Garcons

LEATHER MOTTO JACKET BARBIE STYLE

Instead of thinking about owning a great leather motto jacket, just do it. You won’t regret it, especially since you’ll wear it constantly. Although Barbie didn’t have a fabulous leather motto jacket back then she does now.! There are certain things that you should have in your wardrobe this style of jacket is one of them.

MANGO

AllSaints

Genuine People

Tory Burch

CHIC DAY DRESS BARBIE STYLE

Darling’s you and Barbie are both out in the world making your way, and there are certain things you will need. First, in my opinion is a well fitted day dress . I have made many and the key to this dress is in the fit. Therefore since you don’t have a Barbie couture you will need a good seamstress to do small alterations. Furthermore  the length is up to you however I recommend knee length.

Black Halo

Ann Taylor

Tory Burch

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESSES , BARBIE LOVES

Whenever I think of my Barbie Summer, I can’t help but think of a little black dress I created . In fact the dress was like one of those wonderful tulle creations by designer Molly Goddard. Although maybe not in the spirit of the traditional LBD.  Notably the LBD is a black evening or cocktail dress , cut simply enough to carry you through the seasons. However often the LBD is a black day to evening dress. Whatever your take on this dress every girl needs at least one.

RED Valentino

Alexander Wang

Self-Portrait

Alexander Wang

Cinq À Sept

EVENING DRESSES FOR BARBIE

In my opinion, my designing Summer was only made complete by the amazing evening dresses. Therefore darlings, indulge me and let me show you some wonderful evening dresses. While many of you may think “why do I need an evening dress” , until you say “I need an evening dress” . Since Summer and Fall wedding’s are in full force consider choosing from my Barbie collection.

Glamorous

Oscar De La Renta

Needle & Thread

Theia

Needle & Thread

Needle & Thread

Zimmermann

Dolce & Gabbana

Valentino

Sachin + Babi

IN CONCLUSION

Since the days I played and designed for dolls a lot of time has passed . Moreover during that time I have attended University , worked as a theater costume designer, and created this blog. Of course I have done many other things and certainly have had many great accomplishments ( to be revealed at a later date ) . However I still credit that long ago Summer with making me a fashionista . Therefore for those who have a son who loves to play with dolls don’t freak out, let life progress he’ll be fine .

CIAO FOR NOW JANDREW