If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Barbie is that girl. From her iconic dream home to her impeccable fashion sense, fans around the world have been in love with this doll since March 9, 1959. A fantastic date that her legions of admirers know today as National Valentine’s Day. Barbie and to celebrate all that is Barbie. From her movies to her Christmas couture, we take a look at some cosplayers who have proven that life in plastic really is fantastic.
the one that started it all
Every iconic toy has a beginning and this classic black and white swimsuit was just that for Barbie. Simple, but one moment she set this doll up for a lifetime of adoration.
In the lake
While the 2000s gave the world low-rise jeans, it also delivered important Barbie content in movies like ‘Barbie of Swan Lake.’ Fans now had another way to embrace Barbie’s look and have been flocking to the dreamy ways of ‘Swan Lake’ for nearly 20 years.
A must for the holidays
If there was one thing that made my day in the ’90s, it was walking down the Barbie aisle at Toys R’ Us and breathing heavily over the display case that housed all the Barbies I could never afford, including the Christmas Barbie. Barbie never failed to impress at that time of year, and apparently neither do cosplayers who embrace those unique looks like this one from 1994.
strike a pose
Simple but effective because we all know who this cosplayer is imitating with that pose in pink!
Your main squeeze
Despite shocking the world in 2004 with a breakup that was heard around the world, Barbie and Ken are a couple that will always be one of the most beloved couples in pop culture, which is why we couldn’t celebrate National Barbie Day without a side of Ken.
Princess Charm School Reality
If you haven’t already looked up the backstory of Barbie’s character, Blair Willows, do so now. It’s a wild ride set in pinks, purples and blues.
Rock out!
Some might argue that the true renaissance of Barbie was in the late ’80s and early ’90s. She really was going all out during that time, like delivering hair, hair, hair in rocker looks like this.
popping beggar
If there is a story that we have seen done over and over again, it is this one inspired by ‘The Prince and the Pauper’ by Mark Twain. You take a rich person and a poor person who look the same and make them switch places, but fans of Barbie will argue that his version is the best.
holly jolly time
If you wanted to stand out at your next holiday party, this 1995 Holiday Barbie look would do just that.
fun in the sun
Once it became clear that Barbie and pink would forever match together for all eternity, she just had to have a suitable outfit for the summer sun.
Sugar Plum Goodness
Barbie wasn’t going to do a lot of movies and neither was ‘The Nutcracker’, and her fans weren’t going to let her looks go unnoticed. Many have done cosplays based on this Barbie movie, and this is just one of many that are impressive.
girls on vacation
We’re not sure if Barbie and Ken are out yet, but we love to see them obviously enjoying each other’s company here.
barbie biker
There’s a 100% Harley Davidson-inspired Barbie, but this look celebrates her more environmentally conscious mode of transportation.
more lake please
We told you that Barbie fans rave about her portrayal of ‘Swan Lake,’ and we’re doing the same because just one look at this movie wasn’t enough.
fancy vacation
This ’96 Holiday Barbie look was beyond decadent and we’re beyond impressed with how well this cosplayer executed it.
just put
Not all Barbie looks are elaborate. Some of the best appear in everyday fashion that she always manages to make her look flawless like this cosplayer who works it.
Tell us a (toy) story
When ‘Toy Story’ came out in ’95, everyone was wondering where Barbie was. Mattel was quick to join in after seeing the success of the first, and Barbie was then a big part of the sequel, with fans getting a huge dose of Ken in the third installment. So yes, Barbie and Ken looks from the animated fan favorite are plentiful, but we couldn’t help but fall head over heels for this fun and cutesy couple.
work it!
These dolls are ready for their training!
poolside service
This cosplayer combined the initial look of Barbie with a moment in the pool and we are living for it.
Fairy tales
Barbie Mariposa would be proud to see this cosplayer take on her winged look.
Let it Snow
With ‘Frozen’ coming out the same year as this Christmas Barbie, it’s hard to say who inspired who, but all we know is that this cosplayer truly captured the wonders of winter.
barbie girl
All we can say is: “Imagination, life is your creation.”