13 Things I’m Buying from the New ZARA x BARBIE Collection

When is Zara x Barbie collection available?

The new limited collection is available Online at Zara.com & in-stores starting Monday, July 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, just in time for the “Barbie” Movie which premieres on Friday, July 21st, 2023. The full collection includes over 80+ pieces including dresses, swimsuits, shoes, perfume & accessories. You can shop it HERE.

Are there Zara x Barbie pop-ups?

Yes! There are currently two pop-ups run by Zara where you can experience the Barbie universe in the real world. The first one is in Paris, at Zara Champ-Elysee. And the second in is New York, at Zara Soho. They both run from July 17th to July 30th, 2023, so you need to hurry if you want to catch them in person.

The story behind “Barbie”:

Barbie, the iconic fashion doll, was brought to life by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Inc. Debuting in 1959, Barbie quickly captured the hearts of children and collectors alike with her sophisticated appearance and endless possibilities for play. The doll’s name was inspired by Ruth Handler’s daughter, Barbara, and from the beginning, Barbie represented an adult, independent woman, setting her apart from the traditional baby dolls of that era.

Over the years, Mattel has continued to expand the Barbie line to reflect the diverse world we live in. Barbie now comes in various ethnicities, body types, and cultural representations, aiming to promote inclusivity and positive self-image among children. As a versatile character, Barbie has embraced a wide range of careers, from a fashion model to an astronaut, inspiring young minds to dream big and break gender stereotypes.

Barbie’s influence extends beyond the toy industry, with appearances in movies, television shows, and video games, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

2023: The Summer of “Barbie” Collaborations

To promote the upcoming “Barbie” movie (out on July 21, 2023), the stories toy franchise has partnered with a number of brands in addition to Zara to create special editions, themed collections, and limited-edition products. Some of these collaborations include:

1. “Barbie x Crocs” – This collection includes hot pink clogs with a stylized Barbie logo at the heel strap and customizable Barbie charms. Get them HERE.
2. “Barbie x Burger King” – This collaboration from Brazilian Burger King has Twitter split down the middle with some praising the “pink” sauce burger and some being turned off by it.
3. “Barbie x FUNBOY” Pool Floats – This collection offers pool floats shaped like surfboards and pink yachts. A perfect addition to any pool that captures that Malibu spirit. Get it HERE.
4. “Barbie x Balmain“. The luxury French fashion house’s collection offered “hybrids of Balmain’s signature bags and Barbie packaging. Much of this limited-edition collection plays with new spins on familiar Balmain signatures, including the house’s iconic marinière and its mesmerizing Labyrinth pattern.”

See also: What is a “Soft Girl”? Explaining the New Fashion Trend Popularized by TikTok

What movie franchises has Zara previously collaborated with?

Barbie is not the first movie that Zara has done a special promotion with. The fashion retailer has partnered with a few movies for special promotions or collections inspired by the films over the year:

1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (2011) – Zara launched a limited-edition collection inspired by the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” which featured pirate-themed designs and accessories.
2. “The Addams Family” (2019) – Zara released a capsule collection inspired by the animated film “The Addams Family,” featuring clothing and accessories with spooky and Gothic elements.
3. “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” (2019) – Zara collaborated with Disney’s “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” to create a collection influenced by the movie’s dark fantasy aesthetic.
4. “Mickey Mouse” – Zara has released several collections over the years inspired by Disney’s iconic character, Mickey Mouse.

These collaborations typically result in collections that blend the signature aesthetic of the designer with Zara’s more accessible, affordable, and fast-fashion approach to clothing.

See also: 10 Things I’m Buying From Zara x Rhuigi Collaboration