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barbie
Barbie has kept the world talking about her for over half a century, and now, as in touch as she was back in 1959, she’s talking back (follow her on Instagram @barbiestyle). The doll’s taste is a closely documented phenomenon simply because of its incredible ability to shape the goals of consumers everywhere, from careers to cars to boyfriends, so we’re honored that for her frst candid interview as a social media star, Barbie chose V. For the exclusive, we asked artist Laurie Simmons—with whom Barbie is acquainted, as you can tell from the archival photo above—to assist some special friends in NYC with a selfe. Meanwhile, I called the box blonde herself out in Malibu to catch up on her style, her love life, and what’s up next. NATASHA STAGG V MAGAZINE 4 6
You’ve been extremely active during the big fashion weeks lately. Who are your favorite designers, and who are the coolest people you’ve met around the shows? BARBIE The whole dynamic of the international fashion weeks has changed so much since the salon-style presentations when I was born. I love the fact that when I look over the show schedules to decide which shows to attend, the breadth of fashion is all encompassing, from formalwear and party dresses to streetwear and even the more risqué oferings—I like to be challenged as a show-goer! I have so many favorite designers and of course lots of friends in the industry, including Karl Lagerfeld, who I collaborated with on Barbie Lagerfeld last year; Roksanda Ilincic, who designed a new Barbie Dreamhouse for me in collaboration with SHOWstudio; Nick Knight, who I’ve interned with; and many, many more. Since Jeremy Scott moved to L.A. we’ve been able to spend a lot more time together, as you know. I inspired his summer Moschino collection, which is such an honor. The frst designer I collaborated with in the mid-’80s was Oscar de la Renta, so it was very sad to hear of his passing last year. I think Peter Copping, who recently presented his frst collection for the house, is an inspired choice, and I loved it all.
You’re most defnitely a role model. Who are yours? B Thank you! I’m so proud of what women are achieving today and remain committed to helping inspire girls and boys, sparking their imaginations and showing them that anything is possible. I’ve always encouraged girls to create roles for themselves. It’s often overlooked, but I did go to the moon before man landed there, and I was even a presidential candidate several years before Hillary Clinton. I crashed the plastic ceiling early on in my career, so I have a lot of respect and time for women breaking barriers and achieving their own goals. I get really inspired when I see women in exceptional roles in what was once seen as a man’s world and even more excited when I see them inspire the next generation of young women, who will in turn create more opportunities for future generations. Do you have any favorite music or movie stars? B I like to be open-minded and try new things. I love movie soundtracks, especially if they have been scored by a great master such as Ennio Morricone. At the moment, through Ken’s friend Carri Munden of Cassette Playa, I’ve been listening to a lot of FKA twigs. I’d love to check out SXSW in Austin soon. I may be into all the latest tech, but I still like vinyl!
Artwork Laurie Simmons Photo assistants Mary Simpson and Dylan Nelson Retouching Feather Creative Special thanks Mandi Lennard, Sarah Allen, and Mattel
THE UBIQUITOUS AVATAR FOR GIRLS GETS CANDID WITH A LAURIE SIMMONS COLLABORATION AND A VERY RARE INTERVIEW ON HER LIFE AS THE MOST FOLLOWED DOLL