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The Best Fashion at the Barbie Movie’s LA Premiere

by Kerenza Willcox

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.


On July 9th we saw the much anticipated world premiere of Greta Gerwig’s star-studded Barbie movie. 


Dozens of cast members and celebrities appeared on the pink carpet in LA, wearing everything from Barbie pink gowns to lavender co-ords. Here’s a rundown of our picks for best dressed:

 

Margot Robbie

 

Unsurprisingly, Margot made the list! Surprisingly, wearing black. 


Onlookers were shocked by the Barbie actress and co-producer, who wore a stunning strapless trumpet gown to the event. 


While not the Barbie pink colour we expected, this look still paid homage. The custom Schiaparelli dress was inspired by a vintage 1960s Barbie doll: “Solo in the Spotlight” Barbie. 


Not a detail was missed, with Robbie’s dress including the same sequinned black fabric and tulle flared hemline as the original. 


Her stylist Andrew Mukamal recreated the original look perfectly, adding black opera gloves, peep toe heels, and a large diamond choker. Her hair was slicked back into a classic vintage ponytail, and her simple makeup, consisting of a red lip and rosy cheeks, was an elegant choice.



Ryan Gosling

 

Allowing co-star Robbie to shine, Gosling kept it simple with a relaxed blush pink Gucci suit and cream dress shoes. 


Paired with a lighter pink shirt, he oozed the Ken-ergy we’ve seen in the trailers. The shirt was unbuttoned just enough to show a pendant necklace with an ‘E’ in the classic Barbie font, a sweet nod to his wife Eva Mendes who wasn’t at the event.

 

Greta Gerwig

 

After a press tour filled with neutral outfits, the director who caused a world shortage of pink paint finally donned the shade herself for her premiere. 


Gerwig stepped onto the carpet in a monochromatic pink Valentino outfit, making a statement in the colour that took Paris Fashion Week by storm in 2022. 


The look consisted of a pussybow blouse tucked into a satin maxi skirt, and an oversized blazer resting on her shoulders. Pairing the look with even more of the iconic pink, Gerwig wore pointed heels and a mini Valentino handbag.

 

Kate McKinnon

 

McKinnon plays ‘Weird Barbie’ in the movie, inspired by the doll everyone practised their hairdressing skills on as children. 


The actress wore a custom bright pink waistcoat and tailored trouser set by Kallmeyer, which was thankfully not destroyed by a child beforehand. Inside the waistcoat was a hidden detail; a label embroidered with “gay barbie”. 


The styling was kept simple, letting McKinnon’s smile do the talking, with a pair of silver pumps contrasting her vibrant outfit.

 

America Ferrera

 

The actress, who plays Gloria, a human Mattel employee in the Barbie movie, wore a custom blush pink set by St. John. 


Her outfit consisted of a satin corset crop top and matching maxi skirt. 


Stylist Karla Welch paired Ferrera’s look with a bright pink Kate Spade bag to add a pop of barbie pink to her look, and a pink opal choker from Irene Neuwirth in the same shade as the two piece.

 

Issa Rae

 

Rae, who plays President Barbie in Gerwig’s movie, wore a Barbie pink velvet gown. 


The custom Marc Bouwer dress featured a high neck, keyhole cutout, and a big pink bow between the collarbones. She oozed power in the floor length gown, aligning with her Barbie character. 


Styled by Youri Vice, the addition of a mini pink clutch tied the look together. With her hair in a sleek ponytail and makeup inspired by Barbie dolls, featuring a matte lid, pink crease, and bold black winged liner, the result was on point.

 

Nikki Minaj

 

Minaj’s love for Barbie is no secret, her fans are even nicknamed ‘Barbz’, making this a major moment for the star. 


The rapper, who teamed up with TikTok sensation Ice Spice on a track for the movie, wore a lavender two-piece by Alaïa for the premiere. 


Her outfit consisted of a high neck sleeveless crop top and a floaty wrap skirt, accented with a black leather belt to match her heels. Blonde, straightened hair reached to below her knees, stealing the show, and seemed to be a nod to Barbie dolls.

 

Dua Lipa

 

Not just contributing to the movie's soundtrack, the singer also stars in the film as Mermaid Barbie. 


She brought this mermaid energy to the premiere, baring all in a custom Bottega Venetta sparkling chainmail dress with a deep scoop neck. 


The only thing beneath the dress was a pair of white underwear. Stylist Lorenzo Poscolo kept her in silver accessories, with pointed chrome finish kitten heels, silver rings and earrings and a rhinestone choker.

 

Alix Earle

 

Recently graduated TikTok star, Alix Earle, made an appearance on the pink carpet as a Warner Brothers partner. 


Opting for a long, gold Lanvin dress with a square neck and ultra thin halter neck straps, she looked glamorous in the cinched number. Her hair was styled in a sophisticated side part, and she kept her accessories simple, with a few silver rings, and some nude strappy heels.

 

The film hits cinemas on July 21, so make sure your diary is clear and put on your most Barbie-esque outfit!


Edited by Emily Duff

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