I couldn't help but get swept up in Barbie Fever. Don't get me wrong, I was definitely raised by Bratz, but I had tubs of both these fashion and feminist toy icons growing up and I'd often play with them simultaneously, combining their worlds to imagine my own. The Barbie Train toy was the vessel I'd use to take my dolls on trips around the world (in my head of course), but I remember the joy of those adventures vividly. I also recall pink having a somewhat pivotal role in my fashion as a kid...
There's been a lot of hype building up over Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie and it's safe to say, I'm fully onboard. A chance to immerse myself in a masterpiece of fun, nostalgia and HOT PINK is certainly something I can get behind. But as we know by now, there will be more to this movie than just it's looks. Much like Barbie herself really. After all, Barbie's journey has been one of both positive and controversial influences.
For a long time, women were pigeon-holed. We were perceived as to only be able to pick looks or knowledge, because heaven forbid a woman can look good and be smart *eye roll*. But caring about your appearance does not make you shallow, not least dumb either. In fact, fashion is my source of power and confidence. I'm not putting myself on a pedestal as a fashion icon for others. I am my own fashion icon. I express myself through clothes and therefore fashion is a part of me that I refuse to minimise or dull down.
Life in plastic?
I wouldn't be doing by job as a planet advocate if I didn't of course play devil's advocate and address the elephant in the room. Barbie has been made of out of plastic materials since its inception. I'm not now going to sit and lecture you on the negative impact plastic has on our planet because, I sincerely hope, that anyone reading this is already aware. Plastic is a problematic material and although it's use in Barbie dolls trumps its single-use product counterparts, that doesn't mean it's use is justified today.
Barbie dolls are typically made out of plastic materials, with the most commonly used type of plastic being polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The hair of the dolls is usually made of synthetic fibres like nylon or kanekalon, while the clothes are made of various materials such as cotton, polyester, or satin.
Following historic critique of Barbie's lack of diversity, representation and inclusive offering, Barbie has proven it's ability to grow and diversify, as the Barbie’s “Fashionista” line, which launched in 2009, features dolls in 22 different skin tones, 94 hair colors, 13 eye colors, and five body types, as well as ones with wheelchairs and prosthetic legs. Which has been credited with Mattel selling more Barbies in 2020 than any time in the past 20 years.
Now it's time for Mattel to turn their attention to improving their eco-credentials too, seen as Barbie has been seen as a symbol of progression throughout the decades. Credit where it's due, Mattel have publicly shared their sustainability commitments regarding the future of Barbie, including achieving 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic materials in our products — and more than 75% fibres made of sustainable materials in its fashions, by 2030. Let's hope they are true to their word.
The role of a role model
The beauty of Barbie throughout the years is that she wasn't just a doll with perfect hair and a pretty face. Despite many believing the superficiality is what people were/are obsessed with. But speaking as a former Barbie doll owner, I can vouch otherwise.
Before we go any further, I want to offer a bit more context. I asked chatGPT to list some of the things women couldn't do in the UK in 1959, the year Barbie was first introduced. Here's it's response:
Limited access to higher education and certain professions.
Excluded from many high-level positions in the workplace.
Unable to open a bank account without a male relative's permission.
Limited control over their finances and property ownership.
Denied equal pay for equal work.
Restricted from serving in certain roles within the military.
Limited access to birth control and family planning resources.
Excluded from jury service in some cases.
Not allowed to apply for a mortgage without a male guarantor.
Restricted access to certain social and recreational clubs.
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