The Barbie doll has evolved through 63 years, taking on countless roles and even touching World War II history in its journey. Elizabeth appears in stories about her, yet the phenomenon now carries more fanfare than ever before. All of it fuels barb icore, or Barbiecore in English, a fashion mood that celebrates all things pink. From pink clothing and shoes to manicures, cosmetics, hair, furniture, and even entire pink-hued homes, the color defines the look.
Superstars in cinema and fashion have embraced this trend, especially after the quiet resurgence that followed the pandemic. Today, many fashion experts predict that hot pink will stay in rotation well beyond a single season. Online data supports this: on TikTok, videos tagged with barbiecore drew 17.8 million views; on the global platform ShopStyle, pink fashion surged with a 44% rise for dresses and 31% for suits. In Russia, reports from the first half of 2022 show a sharp climb in demand for pink apparel, shoes, and accessories.
In particular, early-season orders highlighted a surge in pink dresses, blouses, tops, cardigans, and skirts. Demand rose dramatically for turtlenecks, bodysuits, slip dresses, skirts, and tiaras in bright pink hues, underscoring a dynamic market shift.
Why is pink in fashion?
Much of the explanation rests on the influence of Pierpaolo Piccioli, the creative director of Valentino. For the Fall-Winter 2022 show, he crafted a distinctive pink shade with the Pantone Color Institute, calling it Pink PP. To amplify the moment, Piccioli invited top influencers and stars to sit front row in that signature pink, a move that aligned with leading brand marketing strategies.
Anne Hathaway wore a sequined mini dress with high platform shoes, while Zendaya appeared in a three-piece suit adorned with floral patches. Anna Wintour was unusually restrained in this trend at the show.
Piccioli’s concept spread widely: social networks overflowed with celebrity pink looks, and fast-fashion brands moved quickly to mirror the moment. Russian labels Zarina, Lichi, Lime, Sela, and To Be Bloom rolled out pink cashmere sweaters and wool dresses, expanding the color’s presence in mainstream wardrobes.
Polina Fedotova, a fashion expert at Lamoda, offers a take on barbicore’s rise. She notes that the trend was influenced by a nostalgic, childlike aesthetic and a hint of retro revival. In her words, cargoes, miniskirts, tops, low rises, sequins, and baby pink are back in the mix, possibly signaling one of the season’s most popular shades and a nod to the charm of early 2000s fashion. That discourse helped shape the name “Barbicore.”
What about cinema?
A fresh wave of interest in Barbie culture coincided with the release of the film Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken. Even ahead of its summer 2023 debut, promotional imagery of the stars in doll-like costumes swept the internet, stoking anticipation among audiences worldwide.
As fashion observers note, the moment signifies a broader shift toward a playful, nostalgic, and artfully curated aesthetic that thrives in social media. Celebrity looks, even if impractical in everyday life, become a spectacle that fuels the barbicore conversation. In fashion commentary, the trend is seen as a blend of childhood whimsy and an appreciation for the visual appeal of artificial design, a topic frequently discussed among stylists and historians alike.
Search trends reflected the surge: data from popular search engines pointed to a spike in interest for the term “barbicore” around mid-June, with continued growth in the following weeks. Conversations on social platforms highlighted the appeal of pinks on red carpets and movie sets, versus the more general fashion gala context. Some observers even noted Gosling’s pink wardrobe for other projects, while others highlighted Daniel Craig as a standout pink moment on screen in recent years.
How to trend without overdoing it
In everyday life, especially in Russia, a Barbie-inspired look at a street event can draw smiles and curious glances rather than serious attention, making it ideal for parties. The practical route is to embrace a few bold pink pieces rather than the full head-to-toe Barbicore transformation.
When considering total pink accents, glamorous fuchsia heels and tiny rhinestone bags are ideal for celebrations and occasions that invite a touch of self-indulgence. The idea is not to force a complete Barbie wardrobe in one go; instead, mix a baby-pink jumpsuit with a sharper accessory, such as a tuxedo-inspired jacket or a neo-Victorian dress for variety and balance.
Experts also suggest a safer entry by pairing hot pink with sportswear. Sneakers, leggings, swimsuits, or even Olympic jackets in Barbie style provide a playful entry point. The guidance is to aim for a look that feels fun and confident rather than contrived. In short, Barbiecore works best when worn by those who enjoy playful fashion and are comfortable with a bold, expressive persona. It’s a trend that thrives on self-expression and a willingness to experiment with color and silhouette.