Lucas Neo
Image credit: Barbie SEA (Facebook)
Move over Merlion, there is a new face in town.
In an unlikely twist of events, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has teamed up with a very interesting partner: Barbie. Through this partnership, STB hopes to bring home-grown talents to the spotlight. This identifies with the brand campaigns of both STB and Barbie – Passion Made Possible and You Can Be Anything.
The collaboration marks the first between both brands in Singapore, and is in line with Barbie’s 60th anniversary this year. As part of the collaboration, there will be a showcase of 60 Barbie dolls dressed in locally-inspired outfits. 18 local creatives and design brands are in charge of coming up with the outfits, allowing them to fully utilise their creativity as they give Barbie a local twist.
Here is a sneak peek into some of the designs:
Image Credit: Mattel Southeast Asia
This Barbie’s outfit is the brainchild of local fashion designer Josiah Chua. He created the outfit using references to Singapore’s national flower, the orchid, paying tribute to Singapore’s nickname as a Garden City.
Image Credit: Mattel Southeast Asia
As one of the top barbie collectors in the world, Jian Yang definitely has an eye for spectacular Barbie outfits. This one in particular is made using the brown paper commonly found in takeaway packaging. Now that’s definitely local and chic!
Image Credit: Mattel Southeast Asia
Finally, how would an outfit be uniquely Singapore if it did not include Singapore’s number one dish? That is the inspiration behind this outfit, which was created by the founder of local sneaker and streetwear brand Sole Superior, Dexter Tan.
Follow Barbie Around the Lion City
Image credit: Barbie SEA (Facebook)
As part of the collaboration, there is also a social media campaign of Barbie shot in popular and well-loved landmarks across Singapore. This includes the iconic Sentosa Merlion and the vibrant Joo Chiat Terrace. You can follow her around the city by following the hashtag #BarbieVisitsSingapore.
For those to want to see these unique Barbies up close, they will be on display at *SCAPE Singapore throughout the month of November.
