Thursday, February 10, 2011

There's something about Barbie

Barbie is heading for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The iconic doll with a new outfit for every occasion has been acquired by the Museum for its big Fall show California Design, 1930 -1965: Living in a Modern Way. Wendy Kaplan, who is co-curating the show, says that Barbie helps tell the story of how mid-century manufacturers sold toys, furniture and fashion alike by selling the idea of a leisurely California lifestyle. "Barbie is emblematic of aspirations of the mid-century. Her house is a suburban ranch home, and her first outfit, so appropriate for California, is a bathing suit", says Kaplan. Read more...
Image: 1959 Barbie Teenage Fashion Model (Mattel)