PREVIEW

The Design Museum in London has unveiled a major exhibition celebrating the Barbie brand, marking its 65th anniversary. Titled "Barbie: The Exhibition," the showcase is presented in partnership with global toy company Mattel and features over 180 remarkable dolls, including rare and unique pieces. Visitors will be able to explore a vast array of Barbie dolls and accessories, tracing the evolution of the brand from its inception in 1959 to the present day. Highlights include some of the most recognisable and best-selling dolls, such as the 1971 'surfer girl' Sunset Malibu Barbie and 'Number 1 Barbie' from 1959, hand-painted and displayed in a black-and-white bathing suit. The exhibition also showcases groundbreaking dolls that reflect a diverse society. Additionally, there is a dedicated section for Ken, tracing his evolution since his introduction in 1961. A standout feature of the exhibition is the Samantha Cristoforetti Barbie, which spent six months aboard the International Space Station in 2022. This doll, modeled after European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, marks Barbie’s continuing association with space travel and will be on public display for the first time. The exhibition, which opened on 5 July, runs until February 2025.