This award is “to celebrate Barbie’s influence on American fashion and her role as an inspiring icon around the globe." A fitting motivation for the doll that is “designed to inspire."
Barbie has inspired and been inspired by some of the world’s leading fashion brands and notable figures, including former president of the CFDA Diane von Furstenberg, the late Karl Lagerfeld, and Moschino under the creative direction of Jeremy Scott.
According to the CFDA, Barbie has collaborated with 75 designers and influencers such as Gigi Hadid with the brand’s first designer partnership being with Oscar de la Renta in 1985 as well as Bob Mackie who collaborated with Barbie on a collectors' doll in 1990. Bob will be honoured at this year’s awards as well.
While Barbie has endured much criticism about the messages she portrays, there have been efforts to position the doll as an empowering figure for young girls and women. The very first career doll was a fashion editor released in 1960 “to inspire girls and support more women entering the workforce”. Since then, Barbie has had more than 200 careers, including astronaut Barbie, pilot, CEO, and computer engineer Barbies.
READ MORE: Barbie wants you to stop saying ‘sorry’, but say thank you instead
Of course, in 2019 Barbie also has a stunning Instagram page with the trendiest looks and has a YouTube channel as a lifestyle and motivational vlogger.
Prepare to be influenced:
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Other stars receiving awards from the CFDA this year are J.Lo for the Fashion Icon Award – an honour previously awarded to Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Beyoncé. And veteran costume designer Bob Mackie will receive the CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, which was previously awarded to bridal couture designer Vera Wang.
The 2019 CFDA Fashion Awards will take place on 3 June 2019.
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