Deep dive into the pink plastic universe charts society’s cultural, design, fashion and body-image changes – reflected in the life of the world’s most popular doll
he has had more than 250 careers, lived in over 50 different houses and has a shoe collection that would makeenvious. Now, at the age of an eternally youthful 65, Barbie has taken over the Design Museum, filling its galleries with a behind-the-scenes look into the creation of her pink plastic universe.unleashed by last summer’s hit film, don’t turn away just yet.
“This was the socially conservative era of Reagan and Thatcher,” says Thom. “We see Barbie’s world become much more suburban and opulent, reflecting upper-middle class aspirations of the time.” Kenneth Sean Carson’s name might never appear on the Dreamhouse title deeds, but there is a small section dedicated to Barbie’s dream man in the show. Just like the Barbie doll, it shows how attitudes to masculinity have changed over the decades, from the dawn of chiselled-jaw, broad-shouldered New Good-Lookin’ Ken of the 1960s to the decidedly ambiguous Earring Magic Ken of 1993.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
When was the first Black Barbie made? Later than you think, as we learn in this new Netflix documentaryFrom 'a friend of Barbie' to Barbie's babysitter to Barbie in her own right, a new documentary tells the decades-long story of how Black Barbie came to be.
Read more »
This is a monumental exhibition worthy of its monumental subjectPharaoh – the British Museum’s largest-ever loan exhibition – is quite exceptional. A monumental subject has brought forth a monumental feat of exhibition design.
Read more »
This is a monumental exhibition worthy of its monumental subjectPharaoh – the British Museum’s largest-ever loan exhibition – is quite exceptional. A monumental subject has brought forth a monumental feat of exhibition design.
Read more »
Photography exhibition shines light on international workers' experience on Australian farmsA photography projects offers new insight into the lives of seasonal fruit pickers, including the lighter parts of a job known for its tough working conditions.
Read more »
‘Bigger than Barbie’ Italian movie wins Sydney Film Festival competitionThere’s Still Tomorrow has a surprising light touch for a film about a woman trapped in a toxic marriage.
Read more »
Photoespaña: the exhibition where the staging is as impressive as the artMadrid’s yearly photography festival has shone light on new photographers, established industry names, and artists whose work has gone unrecognised for decades
Read more »