Balmain x Barbie NFT and Apparel Collection Is a Hot Pink Ode to Fashion

Balmain and Barbie have unveiled their new partnership that celebrates both entities’ contributions to fashion and culture. Featuring ready-to-wear pieces, accessories and exclusive NFTs, the collaboration marks the inaugural partnership between the French luxury house and one of the world’s most prominent fashion dolls.

With Olivier Rousteing’s signature opulent aesthetic, the over 50-piece collaborative collection is washed in “Barbie pink” and features a 1990s Barbie logo alongside Balmain’s marinière and Labyrinth patterns. Specifically, the offering includes an array of pieces from layered silk menswear suits to structured bodycon dresses for women. Accompanying ready-to-wear garments, the collection’s three NFTs feature Barbie and Ken avatars wearing different looks from the collection. Each NFT comes equipped with a bespoke set of doll-sized Balmain pieces.

“As our campaign images make very clear, Barbie and Balmain are embarking upon a distinctly multicultural, inclusive and always joy-filled adventure,” said Balmain’s creative director, Olivier Rousteing. “For this collaboration, we are building upon the New French Style of Balmain’s most recent collections, once again showing that Balmain is inspired by the truly diverse and exciting beauty found on today’s Parisian boulevards and avenues. This collection also rejects any arbitrary gender limitations—this is an almost 100% unisex collection.”

Bidding for the Balmain x Barbie NFTs begins Tuesday, January 11 on the Mattel Creations website. The ready-to-wear and accessories collection will release shortly after on Thursday, January 13 at Balmain stores, Balmain’s website and Mattel Creations’ website.

In related news, Studio Nicholson’s SS22 collection offers a modern take on Ivy League Americana.