The creation of Barbie’s sensational apparel truly mirrors that of today’s most prestigious fashion houses.
With Barbie as their muse, it’s easy to see why designers graduating from Parsons and FIT, as well as those who’ve worked under names like Isaac Mizrahi, join the House of Barbie.
Like their counterparts in Paris and New York, fashion designers for Barbie sketch new concepts and bring their drawings to life using muslin fabric and Barbie-sized rubber mannequins. After several “fittings,” they work with pattern makers and textilers to finalize their vision.
Each outfit may be altered several times before a final look is sent to hundreds of seamstresses. No room for error! If stitching is off by even 1/16 of an inch, it can be a design miss.
No look is complete without the right accessories. Everything from earrings to shoes are sketched by hand and sculpted in wax to create 3-D models. Once approved by the lead designer accessories are produced and “dressed” on Barbie doll .
