Fashion
Unique Vintage Celebrates Barbie’s 60th Anniversary The Size Inclusive Way
Unique Vintage has proven that we all have a little “Barbie” in us.
In bonor of the iconic doll’s 60th anniversary, the brand has launched a collection of styles recreated from 12 original Barbie looks, inspired by the dolls of the early 1960s to the 1980s.
Barbie holds a special place in many hearts for being aspirational but the doll has also come under a fire over the years for promoting an unrealistic body ideal, potentially sending the wrong message to young girls about beauty standards.
To counter this and evolve with the times, Mattel has reinvented Barbie over the years to where she has become a more realistic figure, including their collection of Curvy Barbie dolls.
Unique Vintage wanted to take it a step further with this collection, making it available in plus sizes up to a size 5X. THAT’S MAJOR!
Think about those of us who grew up plus size, playing with Barbie and not seeing ourselves reflected in her… now we can twin with Barbie. This is yet another step in the evolution of the iconic doll and what she represents for all of us.
Katie Echeverry, Founder, CEO and Creative Director of Unique Vintage said in an official statement:
“As one of the largest in the vintage reproduction apparel industry, our collaboration with Mattel was a natural fit. Our consumers are real women with real careers, who, like Barbie, range from computer engineers to surgeons and everything in between. We recognize the limitless potential of every woman to create her own universe and fully express herself in whatever ways are unique to her.”
YES!
The 60th Anniversary Spring Collection includes the following items, inspired by the Barbie dolls of the corresponding year:
- Barbie x Unique Vintage Pink Satin Strapless Enchanted Evening Gown & Faux Fur Stole – 1960
- Barbie x Unique Vintage Light Blue Malibu Barbie Swimsuit – 1971
- Barbie x Unique Vintage Black & White Chevron Stripe One-Piece Bathing Suit – 1959
- Barbie x Unique Vintage Peaches ‘N Cream Chiffon Dress – 1984
- Barbie x Unique Vintage Rose Coral & White Busy Morning Sundress – 1963
- Barbie x Unique Vintage Black Apple Print Sheath Dress –1959
- Barbie x Unique Vintage 1960s Style Swirly Cue Shift Dress –1968
- Barbie x Unique Vintage Red & White Gingham Woven Picnic Blouse and Dark Blue Denim Picnic Capri Pants – 1959
- Barbie x Unique Vintage Rose & White Gingham Barbie-Q Swing Dress –1959
- Barbie x Unique Vintage Pink Fashion Luncheon Sheath Dress & Jacket – 1966
- Barbie x Unique Vintage Light Blue Barbie Vacation Adventure Swing Skirt – an original print of various Barbie dolls and beach gear from years past.
- Barbie x Unique Vintage Retro Barbie Doll Face Handbag – appliqué image of the original Barbie face
To coincide with the launch, Unique Vintage also partnered with Glamour Magazine to feature one of the dresses in their fashion video series featuring women sizes 0 to 28. And yes, that’s me as the size 28!
You’ll also spy plus size model Faith Costa as the size 26. You may have seen her modeling for Torrid on their ecommerce website.
The dress featured is the Barbie x Unique Vintage Peaches ‘N Cream Chiffon Dress from 1984.
What do you think of this collection? Which Barbie is your favorite?
Click here to shop the new collection at Unique Vintage.
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Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@panamakish
@felicityhayward
@nizzymacc
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Feature
SwimStar All Stars Partnership With Renowned Plus-size Model and Swimsuits For All Ambassador, Denise Bidot
Inclusive Swimwear Brand Collaborates with Prominent Plus-Size Model Denise Bidot to Empower Aspiring Models…
Swimsuits For All, a pioneer in inclusive swimwear, proudly introduces its inaugural SwimStar All Stars campaign in partnership with renowned plus-size model and Swimsuits For All ambassador, Denise Bidot. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, nearly a decade following Denise’s groundbreaking “Beach Body, Not Sorry” campaign with Swimsuits For All in 2015, which showcased unretouched imagery aimed at promoting unapologetic confidence.
Denise Bidot and Swimsuits For All have jointly unveiled the SwimStar All Stars nationwide search, dedicated to discovering emerging talent in the realm of swimsuit modeling. Encouraging aspiring models to share their personal narratives, the initiative aims to inspire women of all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. Following a rigorous selection process, Brittany Wilborn, Camryn Henry, and Sharon Clawson emerged as the chosen winners. In January 2024, these models embarked on a transformative journey to Harbour Island, where they had the unparalleled opportunity to shoot alongside Denise under the expert direction of internationally acclaimed photographer and director, Ben Watts.
Reflecting on the initiative, Denise Bidot remarked, “This was a truly exceptional opportunity to celebrate the diversity of plus-size models and cultivate an atmosphere of support, empowerment, and knowledge sharing. The camaraderie on set was palpable, and I am deeply honored to impart the wisdom and insights I’ve garnered throughout my career. Opportunities like these are scarce for plus-size models in the industry, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with the exceptional team at Swimsuits for All to bring this campaign to fruition.”
The models showcased the latest swimwear offerings from the Swimsuits for All 2024 collection, featuring innovative designs tailored to meet the diverse needs of women, including:
Feel-good Fits: Addressing common concerns such as tummy bulges and fit issues, Swimsuits for All offers a range of fits designed to instill confidence and comfort in every body. Incorporating features like Power Mesh for a smooth, flattering silhouette, and adjustable straps for customizable support, the collection caters to various body types.
Bold Prints & Colors for Summer: The summer swimwear collection boasts vibrant colors and captivating prints, injecting excitement and personality into beach and poolside attire. From vivid neon hues to tropical motifs, the collection encourages self-expression and style experimentation.
Liquid Shine: Introducing Liquid Shine, a striking swim fabrication characterized by a glossy, liquid-like finish, adding an edgy allure to beachwear. Available in multiple silhouettes, including bikinis, Liquid Shine ensures you stand out with confidence.
Bikinis that Suit You Best: The Mix & Match Bikini collection offers a personalized approach to swimwear, allowing individuals to mix and match colors and silhouettes for a bespoke look tailored to their preferences.
Beyond showcasing inclusive swimwear designs, the SwimStar All Stars campaign embodies a celebration of women uplifting one another in an industry often marked by competitiveness. Throughout the week-long shoot, models engaged in one-on-one sessions with Denise, fostering meaningful dialogue about the evolving representation of plus-size bodies in swim and fashion.
Jordan Hauser, Senior Director of E-Commerce & Marketing, expressed, “This campaign transcends conventional notions of body positivity and representation in the swim and fashion industries. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and authenticity in reflecting the diverse experiences of our customer base. We are committed to fostering a movement where women find strength in unity, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey alongside Denise Bidot, one of the industry’s foremost advocates for inclusivity.”
The summer 2024 swimwear collection is now available. For further details about Swimsuits For All and the SwimStar All Stars campaign, please visit www.swimsuitsforall.com.
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@plussizewildflower
@msgigggles
@talitakate
@valeriemaroneyy
@curvy_ambassador
@nativeactress
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@pridantas93
@shunitawynne
@nostalgic_nayok
@dlovecurve
@ariwearsthings
@thickfitdee
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@amandaneumanoficial
@aaliyahrenaa
@iheartcandyboo
@organiccurves_
@annemanyi
@johanamaya81
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