The world has had our eyes peeled on the Barbie universe as of late, in part due to the film’s astronomical press tour that ensued at the end of June. The latest in Barbie town? The world premiere in Los Angeles, where a stupendous slew of stars—from its high-profile cast members to an esteemed celebrity set—descended onto the fabulous pink carpet designed exclusively for the show. Whilst there is no question that Greta Gerwig’s creative imagination of Barbie has been destined for greatness ever since its official announcement last year, this candy-coloured press tour around the globe has been absolute proof that its aspirational reach also revolves around the Mattel doll’s roots: playing dress-up.
All throughout the tour and even the moments in between, Margot Robbie—who stars as our titular character—has been making an indelible impact visually, via a fascinating cascade of Barbie-inspired looks. From the saccharine-sweet pink moments that she donned when emerging from airport doors to the stunning deliveries of actual ensembles modelled after looks the original Barbie dolls wore, the actor has been a walking masterclass for how to emulate Gerwig’s blonde muse—courtesy of none other than her stylist Andrew Mukamal.
Magenta tones ruled the roost as Robbie emulated the likes of ‘Day-to-Night’ Barbie at the Seoul premiere for example. A demonstration of how Barbiecore was not all about that particular fuchsia hue seemed necessary too—evidenced by a striped swimsuit referencing Mattel’s first-ever Barbie in 1959 (also seen in the film’s trailer) or the most recent Schiaparelli edition of the ‘Solo in the Spotlight’ Barbie outfit. The common thread across Robbie’s press tour looks, however? How the designers came out to play as well, snatching up the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dream up some of the most glorious head-to-toe ensembles for Robbie or give archival designs a new lease of life. Think the custom Balmain or Bottega Veneta ensembles spotted on the tour so far, or the numerous Versace looks reminiscent of the ’90s runways.
Indeed, should this press tour have served as inspiration for anyone, it would be for the countless individuals who once upon a time, had wished we could turn into Barbie girls ourselves. With Robbie’s eclectic array of outfits then, it seems now we can. Glean the best of Margot Robbie’s Barbie-inspired press tour looks—and take notes on how to properly emulate Barbiecore on your own, all below.
1 / 32
Margot Robbie in custom Emilio Pucci
For the press call in Mexico, Robbie’s ensemble was inspired after the ‘Totally Hair Barbie’ from 1992—sporting the same swirling print worn on the Mattel doll. The key point was doubt her perfectly-crimped blonde locks that was left to fall loose over her back. By way of accessories, her Chanel earrings and custom Manolo Blahnik pumps also took its cues from the original Barbie whilst Robbie took along with her a Chanel purse from the house’s fall/winter 2023 collection.
2 / 32
'Totally Hair' Barbie, 1992
4 / 32
Margot Robbie in custom Schiaparelli
In her most recent look at the world premiere for Los Angeles, Robbie stepped out onto the pink carpet looking all dressed to the nines in a custom-made number by Daniel Roseberry himself. Glittering in sequins with a tulle hem and a single red rose accent on its bed, the look is inspired from a very special ‘Solo In The Spotlight’ Barbie from the 1960s.
5 / 32
'Solo In The Spotlight' Barbie, 1960
8 / 32
Margot Robbie in custom Balmain
In Mexico City, the actor slipped into a custom Balmain look—fronting a strong fuschia hue from top-to-toe—modelled after the ‘Earrings’ Barbie from 1992.
9 / 32
'Earrings' Barbie, 1992
12 / 32
Margot Robbie in custom Versace
Robbie channelled the ‘Day-to-Night’ doll look to the tee—from the fedora hat to the phone-like accessory in hand. Whilst the clutch in hand was courtesy of Judith Leiber’s playful creations, the ensemble was full Versace, sans the custom pumps from Manolo Blahnik.
13 / 32
'Day-to-Night' Barbie, 1985 (Day look)
16 / 32
Margot Robbie in custom Versace
As for the Night version of the doll, Robbie was once again glittering in pink Versace—a custom look consisting of a crystal bodysuit and pouf-like skirt.
17 / 32
'Day-to-Night' Barbie, 1985 (Night look)
20 / 32
Margot Robbie in Moschino
The 1964 ‘Sparkling’ Barbie was the muse for this particular press conference look in Seoul—and the crystal-studded number was swiped off the Moschino spring/summer 2015 runway. Of course, the look was finished by a heart-shaped quilted purse from the house.
21 / 32
'Sparkling' Barbie, 1964
25 / 32
Margot Robbie in custom Hervé Leger
Mukamal called upon an iconic Barbie doll for the press call in Sydney. Conjuring up images of both the first teaser trailer and the first-ever Barbie doll from 1959, this striped bodycon dress was custom-made by Hervé Leger, and completed with a similar angular pair of shades from Jacques Marie Mage.
26 / 32
Mattel's first Barbie, 1959
29 / 32
Margot Robbie in Valentino
In Hollywood, the polka dots were resurfaced, inspired by the one and only ‘Pink and Fabulous’ Barbie from 2014. This look was taken from Valentino and enlivened with a yellow ‘Rockstud’ bag from the maison.
30 / 32
