Is the Barbiecore aesthetic here to stay?

Apparently, it’s time to think pink…

It’s become very hard to miss the in-your-face bold pinks and feminine aesthetics of the Barbiecore trend this season.

Aside from being curious about the upcoming Barbie movie ever since we saw pap pics of Margot Robbie roller blading in her nylons, Barbiecore is also literally being written about by everyone on the internet and featured everywhere on social media.

It’s also not just the upcoming film by Greta Gerwig that has inspired this bold trend. In August, Nicki Minaj was a hot pink ICON when she performed at the VMAs (her Instagram handle is literally Barbie). And, who can forget Florence Pugh absolutely rocking her stunning magenta gown at Valentino’s Haute Couture show (P.S f*ck the haters and free the nipple). It really seems like everyone’s thinking pink on pink this year.

Barbiecore is bold and seriously taking the world by storm. But what do we know about this unmissable trend and should we all be wearing hot pink right now?

What is Barbie core?

*Disclaimer: I am a late-millenial and definitely do remember singing “I’m a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world” circa 1998 in my bedroom. This is not something I thought I’d be writing about two decades later… but after researching this new trend I’m so here for it.

Barbiecore is a bold, feminist statement in response to everything happening in our world right now. Basically, it’s so much more than it’s millenial counterpart. In fact, you’d be wrong in thinking that Barbiecore actually has much to do with striving for impossible plastic bodies and poker straight blonde hair at all. Barbie has become a power symbol.

Of course, this is a movement that celebrates the bold, unmissable “girly” pinks of a Barbie mattel doll. However, the loud colours and jawdropping dresses also gives off serious Elle Woods vibes from Legally Blonde. And (just like Elle) it also exudes the bad-ass, unapologetically yourself image as well. It’s the Hot Girl Summer on steroids.

Barbiecore has also allowed a generation that’s been living in joggers throughout a two year lockdown to redefine what is expected of them as they step out into society. And at a time when women’s right are genuinely being challenged around the world, this display of bold, brave feminine strength is exactly what we need to see.

How is Barbiecore shaping our world this year?

Barbiecore is certainly having a moment and this is actually doing a lot to shape the world around us. From our catwalks to our shopping habits, Barbiecore is serving us up with a bold vision about feminism in 2k22.

What’s more it’s not just shaping womenswear. Barbiecore is increasingly welcoming a bunch of famous male faces to the fold as well. The cultural impact of this trend has huge, longstanging potential.

According to ClearPay, purchases of fuscia and neon clothes increased by 44% not long after BTS shots of the Barbie movie emerged. Aparently, scrunchies and leotards also spiked around the same time. What’s more, another report found that there was a 60% rise in searches for pink lipstick. As always with any hot trends, it’s impacting consumer habits quite dramatically.

Aside from the fashion world, this hot pink hue is also being talked about in interior design and makeup. And if I’m honest, I don’t see why hot pink electric cars couldn’t be next.

I also think its quite interesting to note the direction that the Barbie brand has also shited into alongside the Barbiecore hype. It seems now more than ever, Mattel is also challenging the stereotypes once associated with their designs. Redefining expectations is, I believe, a big part of Barbiecore’s mission.

Just a few months ago Mattel introduced their new “Barbie Eco Leadership Team,” which includes four dolls made out of recycled plactic that included a Conservation Scientist, a Renewable Energy Engineer, a Chief Sustainability Officer and an Environmental Advocate. This year, Barbie also partnered with Balmain to launch a collection of NFTs proving that high-fashion Babie is also tech savvy-when it comes to her investments.

Barbiecore in your beauty routine

Barbiecore in beauty takes the form of pink make-up, accessories and even hair colour.

However, unlike old school “Barbie beauty” there’s some seriously modern twists on Barbiecore that are bringing this beauty style firmly into the mainstream.

We’re talking bouncy, healthy hair, a bold blush, a strong lick of eyeshadow and maybe an even bolder lip to really make a point. Whatever fuscia tones you choose to go for, there’s an overt femme-ness to these looks that can (and should) feel empowering.