From Barbiecore: Barbie Pink Collection doll number 4

In the fashion world, what do you think of when you think “pink”? For millions of people around the world, from high fashion designers to doll collectors and multi-generational fans, the number one answer is "Barbie." So when Barbie's vice president of design, Robert Best, set out to create a follow-up to his Barbie Fashion Model Collection, he was inspired by the Barbie doll's signature color.

Their bold celebration of the hues that helped make Barbie doll so iconic continues with the launch of Pink Collection Doll 4, a Mattel Creations exclusive. Retailing for $125 in our online store, this Gold Label doll has an initial purchase limit of three (3) per person. You'll want to move fast to get yours, because collectors have been talking about this one for months.

Initially revealed at the 2022 Barbie National Doll Convention in Chicago last July, the look of the doll that caused such a sensation was her boots. And that is the reaction our team expected. “This design really focused on the boots,” Robert reveals. “It's a little unusual to draw attention to the dress, but in this case it felt justified. “I love the dress, but I intentionally kept it very simple.”

With this fourth creation, Robert reveals a modern and spectacular silhouette in pink taffeta. Barbie doll wears a red carpet-ready dress with pleats and ruched details, a matching belt, and a flowing train. The full-skirted high-low design serves as an anchor to showcase your over-the-knee boots.

The boots! Barbie fans around the world have been breathlessly discussing them on social media since the convention was revealed. Boots made with satin, and boots that rise that high, are unusual for a Barbie doll. But this pair pulls out all the stops. “The material is embroidered satin, and the embroidery is inspired by very classic traditional jewelry, with pink stones embellished with silver and crystal embellishments,” says Robert. “I also love that the black satin really brings out the jewel-like quality of the embroidery, as if [the stones and embellishments] were displayed in a jewelry box.”

The doll's jewelry set includes sparkling rhinestone drop earrings, framed by her swept-back afro ponytail hairstyle. She features our patented Silkstone doll body with Model Muse details, which Robert says is part of a larger attempt to expand Barbie Signature's Silkstone library. “We are now offering more dolls in this material, including antique reproductions and this collection,” explains Robert. “The Barbie Fashion Model collection used to be the flagship collection with Silkstone, and it feels good that we continue to have unique offerings on a premium material that we know collectors value.”

To ensure that collectors get a "premium" feel from the entire Pink Collection experience, we also ensured that the packaging offers a next-level presentation of the dolls. Key lead designer Vicky Gevorkyan has created all four doll boxes for the Pink Collection so far, and says this latest one “is similar in package design [to the previous three]. “It is in a bright fuchsia pink color that matches the doll's fashions very well and uses a gold foil logo to complement the doll's details.”

If there's one area of packaging that creates a dilemma for collectors, it's the question of whether to remove the doll from the box for display or keep it pristine inside the package. Fortunately, there is a way to balance those competing concerns. “The package lends itself to display because of the front window panel feature,” says Vicky. “The package opens easily, like a book, and has a magnetic closure for easy opening, so the packaging won't end up damaged. “It’s very easy for a collector to take the doll out and put it back inside.”

Now that she knows all about the fourth Pink Collection doll, a Mattel Creations exclusive! – You have to add it to your collection when it arrives on 9/28 at 9am. PT. But if you need one more reason, here it is: this doll is the last in the collection that Robert will design (at least for now). With his work now complete, we ask him to reflect on the series to date.

“I like that all four dolls are unique, but still feel like part of a collection,” he says. “I think they show a range of diverse styles and moods that reflect my own feelings and different ways of expressing style and design. They all feel very central to Barbie too. I guess for those of us who permanently live and breathe '#Barbiecore', it's nice to see the rest of the world catching up!

Translation and adaptation of the article published by Mattel Creations Staff 5 September 29, 2022

Written by Allen Voivod