Since the first Barbie dolls were introduced in 1959, Barbie has worn many different looks. In fact, one estimate suggests that more than one billion outfits have been manufactured to fit the iconic doll. A few of these outfits were even created by notable real-life fashion designers, becoming some of Barbie’s most famous looks. Keep reading to learn more about the best Barbie styles from real-life fashion designers and celebs.
45th Anniversary Barbie by Bob Mackie
The 45th Anniversary doll wears a full-length black formal gown with white accents. The headpiece is a black-and-white train that flows down to the feet. Released in 2003, the doll is prized by collector’s for its understated elegance and creative accessories.
Mackie also designed the 40th Anniversary Le Papillon Barbie, which features a black dress and an exquisitely detailed headpiece. In this case, the gown has butterfly-like wings that fan out from the shoulders and extend above the doll’s head, towering over the antennae-shaped hat.
The Elton John Barbie
This fun and colorful doll utilizes fashion trends of the previous century, with bell-bottom jeans, oversized pink shades, and a poufy 80s hairstyle. She also wears rainbow-striped kicks and an “Elton” bomber jacket with stars on the sleeves. Paying homage to both the legendary singer/songwriter and the fashion trends of earlier year, this Barbie has unforgettable style.
Jesus Ibarro and Bertholdo Barbie
In 2009, this doll was created for a Barbie 50th Anniversary celebration in Mexico City. Designers Ibarro and Bertholdo are best known for their architectural dresses, and they created a skyscraper of a dress for this Barbie. The bright pink gown has a towering empire waist and a large, billowing skirt artfully draped in folds that resemble a rose. Not to be outdone by the dress, Barbie wears an eye-catching hairstyle of pigtail coils, earrings, and a bracelet.
Marie Marquet Barbie
MiniMe Paris’ founder Marie Marquet was delighted to design a Barbie years after playing with and making dresses for her own childhood Barbies. Her design evokes images of an impressionist painting, with soft pastels dotting the full-length, poufy skirt, and whimsical purple and blue streaks in the doll’s hair. A large white hat is perched atop Barbie’s head with feathers, eyes, and what appears to be a bird-like beak.
Andre Barteniev Barbie
One of the more unusual designs on the list, this doll was created by designer Andre Barteniev for Barbie’s 50th anniverary, but it calls up memories of the era when Barbie became popular. The black-and-white tube dress has a 60s mod look that envelops the doll down to her knees. Dark eye makeup and high heels complete the avant garde look.
Vera Wang Barbie
In 2021, Mattel celebrated the work of famed fashion designer Vera Wang by creating a Barbie in her image, wearing one of her designs, a gauzy black dress with puffy sleeves and ankle boots. Part of the Tribute Collection, the doll honored Wang as a female visionary.
Diane von Furstenberg Barbie
Belgian designer von Furstenberg, best known for her flowy wrap dresses, joined with Mattel in 2007 to create a Barbie who looked like her with long brown hair. Decked out in one of her signature wrap dresses in bright pink, the von Furstenberg Barbie is accessorized with a stylish white bag, pumps, and a suitcase.
