Photo credit: www.vogue.com
In an insightful interview, designer Anna Sui reflects on the profound impact of Barbie in her life and career.
Can you share your experience with Barbie?
I’ve always had a deep connection with Barbie. In my childhood, I initiated a Barbie club with my neighbor. Because she attended a Catholic school, our playdates were limited to weekends when we would create elaborate Barbie villages using doll cases as walls. When we received the Barbie Dream House as gifts during Christmas or birthdays, it became an exciting ongoing project. We would arrange furniture and park Barbie cars outside, building our imaginative worlds. Over time, we invited another neighbor to join, which turned our Barbie obsession into a lasting endeavor.
What was it like to have your own Barbie doll created by Mattel?
Being approached by Mattel to create my doll was a great honor. They captured every detail—from my bangs and hairstyle to my eyeliner and red lipstick. The doll features my green nails and rings, one on each hand. The outfit, including the dress and boots, is from my spring 2007 collection, and she sports jet earrings that express my signature style. The precision in how they depicted the boots and jewelry was remarkable; I couldn’t have asked for more.
You’ve mentioned that your younger self would be proud of your accomplishments. How have dreams influenced your career?
Barbie represented aspiration. She held various careers—whether as an airline stewardess, a homemaker, or even a nurse—allowing young girls to envision limitless possibilities for themselves. The allure was not in replicating the doll’s appearance but in the dreams she inspired. Barbie was a fashion model, a singer, or donned a glamorous gold lamé ballgown; these portrayals were pivotal in shaping my ambitions and creativity as a child.
Barbie has been criticized as a standard of beauty, yet she also represented diverse possibilities for women. How do you see this duality?
Barbie’s complexity cannot be overlooked. While she has faced criticism as an unrealistic beauty standard, she also embodied a multitude of roles and aspirations for women. This duality illustrates that she was more than just an idealized image; she represented the varied pathways a woman could take, offering much more than mere perfection.
Source
www.vogue.com