We’re Living In a Barbie World: The Origin of ‘Barbiecore’

If it’s pink, girly and cute, it’s Barbiecore. The principle is in the name; if Barbie would wear it, then it’s Barbiecore. Celebrities, influencers, and fans alike are all embracing the trend. But where does this trend actually come from? And what counts as ‘Barbiecore’?

High fashion brand Valentino has driven the trend to its height today. The luxury brand’s signature hot pink and the launch of their abnormally large heels have gone viral online. The famous Valentino palette debuted at the Fall 2022 runway, with critics praising the singularity of the vision. Fashionista said that Valentino’s now famous shade of hot pink is “daring and modern, an eye-searing highlighter tone that commands attention.” While Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, Jenna Ortega, Sebastian Stan and many more have represented Valentino’s take on Barbiecore, many other stars have adopted the distinct Barbie look from other brands too. Sabrina Carpenter wore a beach style version of the Barbiecore vibe to the 2023 Spotify Best New Artist Party. With enormous pink heels, a pastel tank and short sheer beach skirt, Carpenter understood the Barbie assignment. Since the beginning of her career, rapper Nicki Minaj has been associated with Barbie and the plastic aesthetic; even her fans are called “Barbz”.

While short skirts and dresses with heels is the ‘classic’ Barbie look, some influencers have adopted the trend in their own way. With hot pink oversized jackets, platform sandals, sparkly cowboy boots and even rollerblades, lovers of Barbie and her aesthetic have embraced their femininity in many different forms. Short skirts and thick heels are not the only examples of Barbiecore, some stars are matching all elements of an outfit to create their material world dream outfit.

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Of course, it's hard to not mention Margot Robbie when discussing Barbiecore. Not only has she been dressed head to heels in Barbie, she quite literally looks like the iconic doll. With never ending legs and perfect blonde hair, Robbie has been an ideal model for the trend. On the press tour, Robbie’s stylists have even dressed her in outfits seen on different variations of the Barbie doll from the 50s all the way through to the 80s. In essence, the pinker, campier, bolder and more feminine the look, the more you will be living in plastic and living fantastic.