The venerable Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris is mounting a breathtaking exhibition dedicated to Barbie. 700 dolls in 1,500 square meters along with objects from the museum and art works from contemporary artists that try and present the various aspects of "Barbie's lives". The show opens today and will be on display until the 18th of September. The opening fits right in with the Paris Fashion Doll Festival opening this Friday. The curator is Anne Monier, conservator at the department of toys in the museum and the set designer is Nathalie Crinière, who also designed the incredible Le Petit Théâtre Dior exhibition in 2014.
Catwalk set up with Silkstone dolls, evoking both similar set ups from Barbie Collector photo sets and old couture runway shows in France.
The exhibition is geared towards children and adults alike: it showcases both the iconic toy that spans so many generations and also the historical and sociological context of the various incarnations of Barbie. I think a trip to Paris is needed pronto. Check out the gorgeous set ups of the exhibition.
The atmosphere of a private atelier showing is next to the catwalk space above
And the seamstresses of the atelier are also shown on their sewing machines - brilliant!
Modern style display - the flying catwalk
Another aspect of the modern display
Various aspects of Barbie and Ken's incarnations through the years
Glass domes showcasing collectible Barbies. I bet the girl wants to take them all home!
The wall of clothes showcases various Barbie outfits in doll size...
...while life-sized versions of them are also on display
The design process is also displayed in a very interesting way
The boxes that Barbies come in are also given their own space
A display showing the variety of molds, skin tones and hair styles and colours
The much sought after queen incarnations of Barbie - I'm surprised Empress Josephine is missing.
And something more plebeian - a table football with Barbies!
Exhibition photos courtesy of Getty Images