Barbie Style

I have never owned a Barbie doll.


Not one.

This was because my Mother was of the mind set that Barbie was a bad role model, portraying unrealistic ideals of feminine perfection (it was the late 70's and early 80's). Funnily enough, despite my Mother's reservations about Barbie's lack of positive career role modelling, she has had every one of the careers that my Mother's three daughters have all grown up to have - Engineer, Architect and Vet. And at last count Barbie has had over 200 different careers, which is far better than any of us.


Of course banning her just left me craving Barbie dolls as a child, and I'd play with them obsessively when let loose with a friend's collection - especially all those tiny plastic shoes. Now with a daughter of my own, I have taken a more relaxed approach to Barbie's physical perfection and I'm fairly ambivalent  - my daughter has one or two Barbies given to her by friends, but is at any rate more interested in dressing up her bigger dolls.


So while I feel no inclination to purchase a Barbie doll of my own now as an adult, I do, however, find myself hankering after her Wardrobe. Forget the Fashion Insta bloggers - I've been following Barbie Style. Barbie sports the latest looks from all the big name designers, including perfectly accessorised shoes and bags, and of course never has to suffer the horror of a Bad Hair Day. She also seems to jet off to all the major Fashion Weeks, regularly attends Gala Balls and generally seems to have a far better life than anyone else I follow on Instagram.

But aside from any inspiration Barbie's high fashion style might afford, I came across this recently released ad, which I loved so much I thought I'd post it here. It perfectly captures the big world view of possibilities ahead for a child without the cynicism of the adult projected on it.