This Barbie is all about Sustainability
By: Kavita Mishra- Sustainability Intern
The Craze that's Sweeping the Nation
The release of the highly anticipated movie, "Barbie," in July’23 has ignited the sensational ‘Barbiecore’ trend. This megatrend, characterized by an explosion of everything pink, glamorous, and reminiscent of the iconic Barbie doll, is taking the world by storm. It seems like summer is embracing the Pink-ier side of life, as the trend extends itself from fashion to everyday items, turning the world into a vibrant and playful Barbie-land.
Fashion brands across the globe have been quick to capitalize on the Barbiecore mania, recognizing the immense appeal of this nostalgic and fun-loving trend. Apparel brands like Primark, Zara, and H&M promptly jumped on the bandwagon, releasing their very own Barbie-themed capsule collections. Footwear giants Crocs, Vans, and Superga unleashed a delightful range of Barbie-themed products that allow fans to literally walk in Barbie's shoes. Accessory aficionados are not disappointed either with brands like Aldo, Pacsun, Kendra Scott, and Béis presenting an array of Barbiecore-inspired handbags, jewelry, and travel essentials.
Not just limited to fashion, the Barbiecore trend has infiltrated the world of personal care as well. Brands have launched Barbie-themed toothbrushes, makeup collections, and fragrances, allowing Barbie fans (and everyone else) to immerse themselves in the trend in every aspect of their lives.
At movie theaters, the Pink-Fever craze is at its peak. It has become almost a cultural norm to dress up in Barbie or Ken avatar when heading to watch the movie, as people eagerly anticipate enjoying the film in full thematic style. The fashion frenzy is further fuelled by robust brand marketing and influencer promotions on various social media platforms, intensifying the excitement surrounding this trend.
Let's be honest, we've all had the temptation and excitement of watching that long-awaited movie, which often leads to a spontaneous shopping spree for some instant fun. Even those of us who managed to resist couldn't escape the peer pressure of buying and dressing up in theme-appropriate outfits.
There's an undeniable thrill in embracing the latest fashion craze and feeling like we belong to a larger community that shares the same interests. However, in our pursuit of staying on-trend, we often unintentionally become contributors to the cycle of fast fashion and mindless consumption. The desire to fit in, stay stylish, and be part of the trend can overshadow the awareness of the consequences of our choices.
How to be a Sustainable Barbie
But as consumers, we do have the power to make informed decisions and break free from the allure of mindless consumption. The new Barbie movie advocates equality and inclusiveness, which can inspire us to get creative with our fashion choices. Instead of impulsively buying fast-fashion items, we can explore more sustainable options while still being in the trend league.
Embracing a green route to the Pink trend is not as challenging as it may seem; all it takes is a willingness to be bold, guided by intent and creativity. By choosing sustainable and conscious fashion choices, we can fully immerse ourselves in the delightful world of Barbiecore while making a positive impact on the environment.
A simple and effective way is to swap wardrobes with our siblings or friends, allowing us to satisfy our desire for Barbie-inspired outfits without guilt (while being easy on the wallet!). This not only adds a social and interactive element to our fashion choices but also helps to reduce waste in the long term. Moreover, sharing and borrowing outfits for special occasions could be a great way to strengthen our connections and build a sense of community.
Instead of simply following the crowd and buying whatever is readily available, we can get creative with our existing wardrobe. There's no need to stick solely to pink; other hues and styling variations can be just as glamorous and stylish to create our own distinctive Barbie look.
Opting for thrifted items or fashion rental services offer smarter alternatives to reduce excessive consumption and last-minute shopping while still participating in the trend.
And, if we do decide to make new purchases, investing in versatile items that can be worn beyond the Barbie fad is a wise choice. Buying items that can be mixed and matched for various occasions ensures we get the most out of our wardrobe, reducing the need for constant new purchases.
By taking an intentional green route to the Pink-fever, we not only celebrate our love for Barbie but also become conscious consumers who contribute positively to society and the planet. It's a journey that celebrates individuality, creativity, and mindful choices, making the entire experience of fashion more meaningful and fulfilling.
So, let's be bold, let's be creative, and let's embrace sustainability as we revel in the joy of the Barbie-inspired trend!