First came cottage-core, which filled our feeds with English countryside landscapes, cute cottages and homemade bread and butter perfectly placed on a dark wood table. Then we had ballet-core, reminding us that tulle skirts are not only for Carrie Bradshaw and dancers. And how could we forget about the coastal grandmother trend that had us all dreaming about living by the beach in our very own cream-toned house? Now, with Greta Gerwig’s Barbie arriving in cinemas in July, it’s time for Barbie-core.
What is Barbiecore?
As the name suggests, Barbiecore is a viral fashion trend inspired by people’s all-time favourite doll: Barbie. The trend is built on the classic codes of Mattel’s doll – the iconic colour pink, more than anything else – and mixes them with more modern fashion rules and different aesthetic elements.
This unique style has gained popularity in recent years due to the announcement of a new Barbie film coming to cinemas in July 2023. The film is directed by Greta Gerwig and will be starring Margot Robbie as the ‘main’ Barbie and Ryan Gosling as the, let’s say, alpha Ken. Other actors include Emma Mackey, Simu Liu, and Issa Rae.
Another significant contribution to the rise of the Barbicore trend in fashion was Valentino’s Fall 2022 runway show which was a flamboyant celebration of hot pink. From then on, shades of pink have been inundating red carpets – from film premiers to the Met Gala – social media feeds and, of course, fast-fashion shops.
What is Barbiecore all about?
At its heart, Barbiecore is all about embracing a feminine, glamorous aesthetic with a touch of whimsy. This trend often features bright colours (mainly hot pink), bold patterns, and plenty of sparkles and sequins. Think hot pink, glittery accessories, and lots of Barbie-inspired prints and logos.
One of the key elements of Barbiecore is the use of vintage and retro styles. This includes everything from 60s mod dresses to 80s power suits, all with a modern twist. Accessories like oversized sunglasses, hair bows, and statement earrings are also popular within the trend.
In addition to fashion, Barbiecore has also made its way into home decor and beauty. Home decor elements such as pastel-coloured furniture, neon lights, and Barbie-themed wall art can be found within the trend. Makeup and beauty trends inspired by Barbie include bright pink lipstick, heavy winged eyeliner, and glittery eyeshadow.
Which celebrities have embraced Barbiecore?
Since Pierpaolo Piccioli bought pink back in its Valentino Fall 2022 collection, many celebrities have been spotted wearing the signature hot pink colour that has been Barbie’s signature for decades. From Zendaya, Jenna Ortega and Anne Hathaway to Lizzo, Gigi Hadid, the Kardashian sisters and Harry Styles – everyone has turned hot pink.
To give you some inspiration, we have selected the best look worn by celebrities, even before Barbiecore was a thing. Head to our Barbiecore Pinterest board linked below to see them all.
Our picks to recreate a Barbie-inspired look using only sustainable brands
Recreating viral trends is fun, and it’s possible to do it without supporting fast fashion. We’ve selected a few pieces from sustainable brands that will make recreating your favourite Barbiecore look a walk in the park.
