However, the first promo image of Robbie sitting in a hot pink Corvette released in April 2022 and the subsequent set photos that included Robbie’s Barbie and Ryan Gosling’s Ken decked out in neon and rollerblading through the streets didn’t just catch the attention of film lovers. The bright colours and prominent use of pink led to an increased interest in the appropriately named ‘Barbiecore’ trend, whose hashtag currently has over 250 million views on Tiktok.
Barbiecore is all about embracing hyper-femininity and, inspired by Mattel’s fashion icon, almost everything has to be pink. Barbie has been a source of inspiration in the fashion world since her creation in the 1950s and countless generations of young women have aspired to achieve a lifestyle akin to hers. Barbie really does have it all. She’s got the perfect boyfriend (Ken), the dreamhouse and, with her blonde hair and thin figure, she is the epitome of the beauty standard. Her influence was also particularly prevalent in the Y2K era which could be seen through iconic characters such as the Plastics from Mean Girls and pop culture legend Paris Hilton.
Valentino’s Fall/Winter ‘22 PP Collection was so well received that, following its debut, searches for pink rose by 152%
Barbie pink was already making a comeback before those on-set photos sent Twitter in a spin as many designers had already begun to embrace this return to bright colours and feminine aesthetics and this was especially evident in Valentino’s Fall/Winter 2022 PP Collection. The collection was so well received that, following its debut, searches for pink rose by 152% and has been worn by countless celebrities, including Gigi Hadid, Florence Pugh, and Anne Hathaway. Hathaway’s all-pink look in particular caused an online frenzy with many calling it one of the best looks of her career.
There is some valid criticism of this trend because of its roots in western beauty ideals that celebrate being white, blonde, thin, and ultra-feminine
Despite its popularity among celebrities, Barbiecore is incredibly easy to recreate because it only requires one thing: pink. Hot pink is the shade that is more often associated with the fashionista and the trend that she has inspired; however, any shade of pink will do. You also don’t have to dress like Anne Hathaway or look like the newest addition to the Plastics by wearing pink head-to-toe, this look can be achieved by incorporating pink and girly accessories into your everyday look to join in on this trend. Or you could go full Paris Hilton and wear an all-pink Juicy Couture tracksuit. Whatever works best for you.
Although many are celebrating the rise of Barbiecore as a method of reclaiming femininity, there is some valid criticism of this trend because of its roots in western beauty ideals that celebrate being white, blonde, thin, and ultra-feminine, thus excluding entire groups of society. Nevertheless, the trend is not going anywhere anytime soon due to the upcoming release of Gerwig’s Barbie, which promises exciting new feminine looks that are guaranteed to be recreated. So, let’s hope that her retelling does take on a more diverse and feminist approach that many are expecting to make Barbiecore a trend that everyone can get on board with.
