New York magazine has a sneak peek at Barbie, Assouline’s $500 128-page book. Yona Zeldis McDonough follows the icon through 50 years of designer outfits and career changes. Everyone from Givenchy and Versace to Vera Wang and Zac Posen has put their mark on Barbie.

The name might not carry the classy, luxury car effect like Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, but come February, Mattel, in partnership with CFDA will host a Barbie inspired Fashion Week. New York Magazine seems a bit apprehensive about a plastic doll being linked to the fashion industry, but I actually think think this could be a cool concept. Afterall, Barbie really is a symbol of all that is fashion and femininity in America. Fern Mallis, Fashion Week master of ceremonies, thinks Mattel Fashion Week will be a big hit: “For many young girls, [Barbie is] their first association with fashion and dressing up and changing clothes.” Let’s face it, all girls have played with a Barbie doll at some point, so why not rekindle the childhood fashion flame? 

Mattel also plans on throwing a “life-size” Barbie runway show featuring 50 looks from different designers. Quite a cool concept if you ask me! But I will agree with NY Mag in saying that Mattel’s plans to launch their “Plastic Smooth” makeup line is a bit overboard. Sorry, I don’t want to look like you can peel chunks of plastic off of my face! 

Thanks NY Mag! 

Thanks NY Mag!