Karl Lagerfeld Dresses Barbie on Her 50th Anniversary

Barbie and, later on, Ken, have always been the perfect example of dress-up and make-pretending. Toy maker Mattel, with some very inspired help from legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, has just taken make-pretending to the next level, by launching a special Barbie & Ken collection dressed by Karl, on the occasion of Barbie’s 50th anniversary.

Since Barbie turns 50 this year, Mattel has joined forces with Lagerfeld, who has designed an entire fashion collection especially for Ken and his doll partner. The collection will be displayed, according to Collette, between March 9-15, at 213 Rue Saint-Honore, Paris. Those interested will also get to enjoy a “high security exhibition of the very first Barbie and Ken dolls, only on March 12,” also at Collette.

To preview what Barbie aficionados are to expect from this one-of-a-kind collaboration, Collette has released a series of photos illustrating the creations Barbie has just received as a birthday present, with model Baptiste Giabiconi playing the part of Ken. All in all, fashion magazines are saying, this is as much a unique collaboration as it is inspired and mind-blowing. For starters, it has been noted that Lagerfeld has dressed up Ken (Baptiste) as himself, which has prompted many to note that the designer is slowly turning himself into the male doll.

“Colette welcomes the next installment of this never-ending birthday party. Karl Lagerfeld has dressed some Barbie and Ken couples to display in the windows of the Colette boutique in Paris. This might be the first installment of the birthday celebration that doesn’t annoy us. In fact, we’ll come right out and say it: We like it. It’s the Karl effect – just renders our better judgment useless.” the NY Mag adds in it’s fashion-oriented column, The Cut.

From a wedding gown to a stunning black cocktail dress, and ‘50s-inspired outfits, Barbie has just reached the height of class and elegance, thanks to Karl Lagerfeld’s genius, it has been pointed out. Given this, it’s no wonder that the collaboration is being hailed as one of the most inspired in decades. For more pictures of Barbie in her new gowns, please go here.