Cover Photo: Mattel Creations
Photo: Mattel Creations
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China’s first and only officially recognised couturier has partnered up with Barbie to celebrate the festive season
Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei is best known for incorporating her cultural heritage into her epic designs, from Song Zuying's shimmering dress with 200,000 Swarovski crystals at the 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony to Rihanna’s canary-yellow trailing dress for the 2015 Met Gala that took 50,000 hours to complete.
This year, she brings her vision to Mattel in a collaboration facilitated by the Asian Couture Federation with an exclusive design paying homage to the phoenix. A traditional symbol of rebirth and rising from the ashes that speaks to the optimistic mood of the new year, this motif can be found in every aspect of the collectible doll.
The Barbie doll wears a traditional Chinese dress in red, embroidered with a striking phoenix. The mythical bird also appears on the accessories, including the prominent gold hairpiece and shoes.
See also: 5 Red Packet Etiquette Tips to Follow For Chinese New Year 2022
Above Photo: Mattel Creations
Above Photo: Mattel Creations
Photo: Mattel Creations
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Above Photo: Mattel Creations
Above Photo: Mattel Creations
Photo: Mattel Creations
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This is not the first time the world-renowned couturier has ventured into this space. Last year, she designed the costumes for Moon goddess Chang’e in the award-winning animated movie, Over The Moon. She also dressed Mickey and Minnie Mouse in exclusive designs for Chinese New Year at Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney California Adventure Park.
See also: 5 Asian Designers André Leon Talley Championed Before They Were Cool
The Chinese New Year Barbie doll designed by Guo Pei launches online on January 24, 2022.
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Credits
Photography: Jason Tidwell
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Zue Wei Leong is the senior style writer at Tatler Malaysia. Read her stories on the latest in fashion, beauty and jewellery or follow her on Instagram at @fshnbrnr.
