Celebrating Arab Women of Colour: Barbie's Collaboration with Jean-Louis Sabaji

by Mashaal Hussain

Content created ahead of the SAG-AFTRA Strikes, we stand with the American actors' union and the Writers Guild of America who are fighting Hollywood labour disputes.

Barbie's latest collaboration with renowned Middle Eastern designer, Jean-Louis Sabaji, marks a historic celebration of Arab women's beauty and empowerment.

With a touch of alluring pink, this collection debuted during Arab Fashion Week in Dubai.

Barbie Mattel

For Jean-Louis Sabaji, Barbie holds a special place in his heart.

In an interview with Arab News, Sabaji commented, “My first-ever fashion experience was with a Barbie doll, and as a child, I used to dress them.”

Now, on the 10-year anniversary of his brand, the dream of collaborating with Barbie becomes a reality – a nostalgic and fulfilling moment for the visionary designer.

Having previously dressed iconic women of colour, including Beyonce, Cardi B, and Kelly Rowland, Sabaji feels the immense responsibility to embrace culture in his designs.

With the Arab Fashion Council's crucial support, this collaboration showcases the significance of presenting developing regional talent. It aligns with the values of millennials and Gen Z, promoting innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in fashion.

Sabaji's collection draws inspiration from the graceful flamingo, symbolizing love, equality, and female authority. Barbie's signature pinks dominate the collection, thoughtfully paired with black to create an eye-catching contrast.

The ensembles convey messages of empowerment and love for all, irrespective of body types.

The runway dazzles with Sabaji's versatile collection, celebrating femininity and charm. Feathers and sequins gracefully adorn the charming pink and black ensembles.

Heart-shaped bodices with daring necklines and cut-out detailing symbolize love and strength. The lineup includes floor-sweeping evening gowns, form-fitting dresses, and elegant cocktail dresses, echoing Barbie's essence.

According to Sabaji, fashion is a medium of self-expression for every woman. It enables them to convey their identity and strength to the world. This collection not only exudes power but also emanates playfulness, creating a truly iconic moment during the Arab Fashion Week.

Barbie's collaboration with Jean-Louis Sabaji stands as a tribute to the beauty and strength of Arab women of color.

The collection, inspired by love, equality, and empowerment, has etched its mark in fashion history. With inclusivity and creativity at its core, this collaboration sets an inspiring precedent for the fashion industry.

As we celebrate this iconic moment, we eagerly await more groundbreaking creations from Jean-Louis Sabaji.

Edited by Emily Duff

Fashion For a Cause: Brands That Stand with Palestine and the history of fashion as a form of Activism

by Oana-Maria Moldovan For over two months, there has been an ongoing genocide war in Gaza. To simplify a long and horrific issue, the situation that started, on a larger scale, around one hundred years ago, and has only become amplified since October 7th 2023. Taking place around the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Israel–Lebanon border, the armed conflict is between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups. The problem is about “stolen” land. Said land is seen as an important holy part of both religions involved. But really, how holy can we consider a land to be, if people kill other people for it? It’s important to remember that this genocide is about three things: forced occupation, zionism, and religion. It’s also important to remember what ethnic erasure is. This terrible expresion, also known as cultural or ethnic assimilation, refers to the process by which the distinct cultural or ethnic identity of a particular group is gradually diminished or erased, often due to...

Now What? The Aftermath of the 'Manic Pixie Dream Girl'

by Susan Moore Here is a bit about me: I am an open, excitable, creative AFAB who is also moderately attractive. I have a unique sense of personal style and a personality that on the surface can only be described as “bubbly” and “quirky”. For this reason, dating is a nightmare. To be sure, I do not have a hard time finding dates or potential suitors. The problems arise when said dates spend some time with me and decide that I am a rare specimen, and the connection they feel with me is “unlike anything they have felt before”. Then, things go one of two ways. Either a) they decide I am too high maintenance and no longer palatable, or b) they choose to never look further than the surface and are content to date the idea of me rather than the real me. There is something rather interesting, perhaps funny, about my situation. It is in no way unique. I have met so many people who constantly dealt with the same problem. Even funnier still, is the fact that there is a trope that simu...

‘Make Tattooing Safe Again’: Sheffield Based Tattoo Artist Exposed for Indecent Behaviour

by Emily Fletcher TW: SA, Animal Abuse, Transphobia Photo Credit: @ meiko_akiz uki Recently, an Instagram account has been created to provide a ‘space to safely give a voice to those who want to speak out about the behaviour of one, Sheffield based tattoo artist’. A total of 40+ posts have been made by the above social media account regarding one of Sheffield's most popular tattoo artists . Thankfully, all posts are prefaced with a Content Warning prior to sharing screenshots of the messages that have been sent anonymously to the page. The majority of Content Warnings refer to sexual behaviour, abuse, and sexual assault. It is clear that there is a reoccurring theme within each submission, as many clients appear to have had the same experiences with the tattoo artist. Women, mostly, are being made to feel uncomfortable while being tattooed. One of the most vulnerable positions anyone can be in, tattoo artists should make their clients feel ...

Darling Magazine

Search This Blog