Cover Story
Balmain Paris and Barbie bring us the flamingo-pink capsule release of our girlhood dreams. Plus, a Harrolds in-store dollhouse
Dress as Barbie would, for the boardroom, the beach, the bar, and beyond…
3 Minute Read
Barbie. We all knew her, spent considerable amount of time with her as fledgling humans, and she brought the best thing out in our feeble minds: imagination. Playtime and pretend with our platonic, pink-clad lover was defined by costume changes, elaborate make-believe plotlines and occasional rendezvous with Ken. She rode cars and went to cabanas and now she does way more impressive and purposeful things like representing diverse humans and careers. Barbie has come a long way, and now her synonymous verve and vibe have been channeled by none other than French design house Balmain, for a limited-edition, larger-than-life capsule for the real-world Barbie girl or guy.
It’s Barbie’s world, and we’re just living in it
The capsule will be easily distinguishable at Harrolds for its hallmarks, like bright and Barbie-approved shades of pink, button detailing, ritzy badges and bespoke hangtags.
White and pink are the iconically Barbie tones defining the collection, with an occasional splash of pastel blue and yellow, while gilded lion buttons roar Balmain. Badges play on Barbie’s cult typography, with max embellishment and razzle-dazzle.
A cornerstone piece of the capsule is the embroidered dress: a remake of the infamous FW12 runway’s head-turner. The original was also worn most notable by Kim Kardashian at her Parisian Bachelorette Party, but the 2022 era rendition of the dress is crafted from pearls and stars, embroidered over a vinyl base in a quintessential Barbie pink. Textural, glamorous and glittering, the garment’s inspiration comes straight out of the Palace of Versailles — think sparkling chandeliers, and remarkable architecture, à la Barbie in French couture form.
The maxi monogram so intrinsically tied to Balmain’s identity features on the knit pieces in the capsule, from a cropped cardigan to a long-sleeved mini dress and lurid leggings. There’s even a belted-down ski-like jacket, complete with the adornment of that opulent lion hardware.
On the laissez-faire dressing front, slip into striped silk shorts in vertical pink stripes: made for beaching or bar-hopping or lounging, it’s up to you.
For more off-duty Balmain-meets-Barbie outfitting, topstitched colour blocking denim cuts bring rosy looks to your everyday. Nylon tracksuits make a welcomed cameo, too, for trackstar chic looks served fresh to your athleisurewear arsenal.
Playtime and pretend with our platonic, pink-clad lover was defined by costume changes, elaborate make-believe plotlines and occasional rendezvous with Ken
A truly retro look emerges in a trio of asymmetrical off-the-shoulder tops — two cropped and one long-line. Pair with a striped knitted mink skirt to truly channel your material girl instincts.
And if you’re a corporate Barbie, a sure-favourite satin blazer matched with high-waist pleated satin pants will make for the most charming pink-collar ensemble we’ve ever seen.
Harrolds is thrilled to be bringing the collection to life with an “out of this world Balmain x Barbie box, and a human-size Harrolds barbie” in store, as explained by Lead Visual Stylist Joel Rankin.
Olivier has dreamt up a collaboration that brings fun and freedom back to fashion, and that is exactly what we need right now
“We are hoping this pop-up inspires our customers to live in that Barbie fantasy-land, and escape the real world for a moment. It’s been such a joy to design and conceptualise. I was always so jealous of my sister’s Barbie collection growing up (and forever stealing her vintage peaches ‘n cream doll), but this display has allowed me to dress up a barbie on a scale like no other.”
On why he thinks the collection will feel relevant to the Harrolds’ customer, Joel speaks to the playfulness of fashion that we’ve been missing.
“Olivier has dreamt up a collaboration that brings fun and freedom back to fashion, and that is exactly what we need right now,” he says.
It’s Barbie’s world, and we’re just living in it. Explore the Balmain capsule collection now at Harrolds in-store and online, for a good time, not a long time.
