Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

I ♥ Barbie



I first knew Robert Best from the third season of Project Runway.

He was a confusing guy. He was professional, stylish, and fabulous. But his designs on the show were boring.



Well, the fashion designer has stepped up his game as the principle designer for Barbie recently.

There is absolutely nothing boring about his fashion designs for our favorite doll. His gowns for Barbie are so glamorous and stunning, I wish I could fit into them all myself!

Here are some of my favorite Robert Best designs for Barbie:













You can see even more of Robert's designs in his 2011 Barbie calendar:



While admiring these gorgeous designs, it is easy to disregard how much work goes into each piece. Although the design process is quick (usually about two weeks from sketch to prototype), it can take up to two years to get from the concept to the toy store.

As the principle designer, Robert is responsible for everything: hair, makeup, shoes, jewelry, clothes, and accessories. He also oversees the packaging.

One of his most proudest accomplishments was a gown called the Generation of Dreams, which featured images of Barbie throughout the years.





So, what do you think? Isn't Barbie a lucky girl?

115 comments:

Devea said...

I love his designs!

David Macaulay said...

I can share you love of Morrissey Jennifer but I'm afraid Barbie leaves me cold.

Tanvi said...

Wow ... these are spectacular. Specially the last two ones!

CINCHED AT THE WAIST said...

those sketches are beautiful!

ugh i love barbie, she does have the best life!

Jenn @ Peas and Crayons said...

ohmyfreakinggawd!!!!!!!!!

in. love.

Ton Amour said...

The dress with Barbie throughtout the years is AMAZING! Nice topic choice my dear.

Alicia said...

The only Barbies I ever got were the sport playing Barbies or Doctor Barbie who was very focused on her career and was in no need of Ken With Real Hair, no matter how chiseled his abs. Maybe if I'd had one of these Barbies my fashion sense would be a bit more advanced.

indianmakeupways said...

those designs are fabulous!!!! too bad tat my 'barbie doll' era is over lol

Unknown said...

what a dream job! barbie has never looked better ;)

xoxo

Andrés Corella said...

Oh wow he has truly stepped up his game...cause you were right his designs on the show were so boring I dont even remember them...The first gown is A M A Z I N G!!...Barbie...you lucky girl!!

xx
Andy

A BRIT GREEK said...

Miss Fabulous, seriously how amazing are these designs and sketches?! I love 'em all, but i love anything Barbie really!
x.o.x.o

Ashley/ MILK TEETHS said...

aw the generation of dreams dress is such a cool concept--i'm glad it got past the sketch stage! Ooh and that black gown is seriously incredible :)

xx
MILK TEETHS

Sarah said...

These are amazing!
somehow-someday.blogspot.com
x

Vanilla said...

Wow these are amazing designs :)

Love, Vanilla

http://vanillaheartsstyle.blogspot.com/

Phil said...

Where was the doll that I liked, only because they have lots of clothes to play, cheiguei myself to make clothes for my Barbie lol ...

Sherin said...

Yet again, I am jealous of Barbie. The dresses are gorgeous. He's clearlly such a talented designer. I love the black dress.

Vix said...

I don't share the Barbie love although the outfits are cool! xxx

Rafael Franco said...

Hello!

I'm not a big fan of Barbie, but I love this ilustrantions. And the clothes are amazing!


kisses from Brazil*


http://neopopculture.blogspot.com/

Courtney Erin said...

I had this calendar on my Christmas list and no one bought it for me! Boo - it's gorgeous!

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Twenty.Something said...

Yes, Barbie is such a lucky girl! These designs are fabulous... so detailed. Beautiful!

Cafe Fashionista said...

Is it wrong that I actually want to be Barbie? I swear that girl has such a fabulous wardrobe - it's simply not fair! :)

M said...

i wanna be barbie!!!!!!
and love the pic of the boy! heheh made me laugh!

xx.M

www.bellesandrebelles.blogspot.com

Morella said...

I love your blog! Cute pictures


If you like, check out my blog:
http://xoxopinkky.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I love those designs!

http://buscando-miestilo.blogspot.com/

daisychain said...

I love Barbie, what a fabulous post xox

glee said...

haha! I love barbie too. Believe me, I've got a collection of her. :)

Thank you so much for your comment on my wedding post. I'm glad you liked my idea of being an offbeat bride. I believe it's just as fun and as meaningful as very expensive traditional weddings. :)

Viv said...

beautiful pictures! ridiculously gorgeous




myblissisthisway.blogspot.com

Andrea said...

You post the most amazing picture, and what girl doesn't love barbie ;)

I'm following your blog, hoe you will consider following mine!

http://toexpressnotimpress.blogspot.com/

Cybelle e Fabi said...

His designs are gorgeous!!!
xoxo Cybelle & Fabi

http://www.fromustwoyou.com/

Tights Lover said...

Barbie really is a lucky girl. I guess I never really thought about how much goes into what she is wearing all of the time.

Kinda makes me jealous. I mean really, a doll gets her own fashion designer and I gotta figure out what to wear every morning? I think I wanna be reincarnated as a doll, right? That would be good, I think.

...maybe not. But I'm still jealous.

Lilly said...

Thanks for your lovely comment,
I love these barbie designs <3
Liebe Grüße
Lilly
http://pre-accession-strategy.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

amazing designs

Aimee said...

beautiful illustrations, i love his designs! xx

Jolijn said...

Barbie must be lucky.
this designs are great.
<'3

Oh to Be a Muse said...

Generation of Dreams--wow! what a gorgeous dress for Barbie!

Oh to Be a Muse

mirjam schuurkamp said...

i love barbie 2!
i did a barbie shoot today me as barbie:P so im gonna post the pics tommorrow!
you got a great blog!
love to reead nd see it
thanks for commenting

xo model from holland

www.mirfashion.blogspot.com
everyday new post ,come check it out

Josie said...

I remember Robert -- I'm so obsessed with the fact that he's the principle Barbie designer now! She's looking super chic.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Opal Wells said...

so lucky! These are amazing. I could image being young and getting one of these. hell, I'd probably STILL get excited to be gifted one of these.

jenniwells.blogspot.com

SAMANTHA said...

of course!! haha and i love these sketches they're fantastic.


xx
www.dragonnfruit.com

Couture Carrie said...

Ooooh I love Barbie too!
Awesome illustrations!

xoxox,
CC

P.S. I have seen your shoulders and they are lovely, darling!

Bella y Cecile said...

great pics and YES, barbies are lucky hahaha
xxoo http://pop-corn-love.blogspot.com

My Own Strange Little World said...

Wow!! They're all absolutely amazing!! I love this post!! Thanks for your comment in my blog!!

http://myownstrangelittle-world.blogspot.com

Ruth @ xruthloves said...

These designs are amazing!
I wish they would fit me haha!! Barbie's got it easy! I love the camel shift-style dress and the amazing last one!

I love your blog, following!
Care to do the same back love?

Love,
Ruth xo

Venus Loves Virgo said...

Fun post. Some of those design are stunning. I'm jealous now, want to be a Barbie doll so I can have this wardrobe :) XOXO

Amber Lucas A Mused Blog said...

omg that collage dress is amazing!! I love Barbie too :)

Amber
Ambersmouthwash

Mimi said...

Barbie is indeed one lucky girl! looking at these photos brings back childhood memories of me playing with my barbie dolls. ;)

<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

Hot Cake Fashion-Water Bottle Walks said...

Hi Jennifer! Love the Barbie outfits, really..who knew that so much effort and talent goes into these 'doll' dresses..He's probably going to shoot like a rocket after this launch. We all have to start somewhere, right? Thanks for a cheerful post, I have to admit that I'm feeling a bit down ever since my mom and grandmother left for Sweden yesterday..It's like if someone nearly passed away, leaving me feeling so empty..jeez..I'm not good at goodbyes..Have a lovely weekend comming up, I'll better go for a little shopping venture to see if any material things can make me smile again..Big Hugs! Alice

MariahSmile said...

They are beautiful! I could even see the prints hanging up in a little girl's room, or mine for that matter!

poppinseatspancakes said...

yeH! beautiful illustration!

-pop-
http://poppinseatspanakes.blogspot.com

Dina's Days said...

Wow what a crazy job. I wonder if he ever thought growing up, man I'm gonna be in charge of Barbie's wardrobe. I need to get the hell out of my 9-5 for the sake of conversation starters like this. These designs are pretty awesome too.

Chyrel Gomez said...

thanks for visiting, followed you already.

i've never really been a fan of barbie but i know a friend who has an awesome collection. gosh! spends lots of bucks for barbie. i tell you.

thechyrelgomez.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I've always wondered what happened to all the contestants! These are awesome! I can't really recall any of his designs back then but boring pops to my mind, glad to see he's doing something great! Wish I could sketch like that!

http://blog.cessoviedo.com

Tasia |Ruffles and Sequins| said...

awww these designs are so cute, I'm in love with the Mad Men styled yellow dress! It makes me want to have something beautiful like it :) Thanks for sharing and commenting on my blog :)

Tasia
http://rufflesandsequins.blogspot.com

AstonishRyan said...

Wow!! Those are some fabulous dress sketches and designs!!

Thank you for the kind comment you left on my blog. Let's follow each other! =)

Holly said...

So LUCKY! I still want to be Barbie, lol!
LOVE your blog!
Thank you for visit mine, come back again soon!

Fashion Cappuccino said...

Wow, gorgeous sketches! I really love the black gown and the yellow dress! I wish I were a Barbie :-) xoxooo

lauren said...

LOVE BARBIE!!!! what?! too excited for a grown ass woman!? so be it, i love her. if for some reason i change my mind and decide to procreate i hope i have a daughter that i can spoil rotten with barbies. great drawings.

and thank you so much for mentioning my oscar posts. i'll shoot you an email once they are posted, but fingers crossed i'll have them done pretty soon after the show. i really appreciate that!!!

http://laurenlanzaosias.blogspot.com
check out the new improved site... with a side of critics choice...

The white cabbage said...

spectacular post!
I wish I could be a young girl....I would dream for this Barbie !

thanks for your visit .....I'll sign as follower I'm happy if you do back

ave

Unknown said...

Wonderful drawings.
I loved the pictures.

Mikaela said...

Thanks for dropping on my blog! :) I'm following you now!

xx
http://absofuckinglutelyy.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

thanks for leaving a comment on my blog.
you do have a lovely blog over here.
barbie is such a lusky girl!!
following you now! :)

Anonymous said...

thank you a lot fot the comment.
lovely designs.
love mari.

a!k0 said...

Who wouldn't want to design for barbie? Love the dresses!! :D Who wouldn't want to be barbie? ;)

x0x0

lifelittlesurprises.blogspot.com

Charmalade said...

okokokokokok.
These are effin' FAB. I love his drawings first of all, and then there are his designs. It totally looks like a throwback/homage to the traditional, chic Barbie rather than the modern-day all-smiles one (which isn't bad, but this is more couture-friendly). It's a nice mix of classic and then some modern.

Love! and danke for the YAY. :)

Toast with Charmalade

Chi said...

Oah, i love the second one for Barnie :OOO

thank you ^^

DANIELLE // DKD DESIGNS said...

I love all of these designs, such a talented guy! Yeah, barbie is a lucky girl!
xoxo

Unknown said...

Wow wonderful designs :)
i like these

xx Marina

fashioneggpplant said...

wow, they are gorgeous! they belong on a real woman's body on the red carpet! no fashion police for these designs. love them!!!

http://fashioneggplant.blogspot.com

Lidia De Cicco said...

WOOOOOOW...his sketches are amazing ♥ ♥ ♥ SMACK
LiDì

http://fashiondeliz.blogspot.com

Belén Casanova said...

Thanks for the comment!!

Follow??

Anonymous said...

barbie has got it going ON!
Oo my! What a fabulous designer, and she's not even real.
jealous much? I think I am.

wow!
This is really really good. I didnt know it could take up to 2 years for the concept to finally get to the store. That's patience.

I think I'll start watching Project Runway now - might broaden my horizon on fashion tips and ideas.
I like your blog.

Thank you so much for commenting on mine, I really do appreciate it.

Perhaps we could follow each other.

_____________________
cello-in.blogspot.com
_____________________

Jelena Zivanovic said...

why he designs only for Barbie,i want to wear those designs as well,they are so fabulous!!!!:)))

Micaela Paz. said...

Thanks for visit my blog!
I love Barbie to! Kissess

Patroushka's place said...

thx fot your visit :)



http://patroushkasplace.blogspot.com/

Lee Oliveira said...

Barbie has been a fashion inspiration for some many decades. And of course still very inspiring.
He does amazing designes and those sketches are fabulous
lee x

Linda said...

ive given you the award thing check out my blog for details i can tell you aswell xxx

Heated Blanket

(In)Sane said...

Cool blog; and these illustrations are amazing.
Oh and thank you so much for the comment on my blog, it was so sweet of you.

Tuesday in Amsterdam said...

THANKS for your comment!!
Yes! We are now following you!!

Thanks.

Great blog by the way! :)

Saludos

ilsteviewonder said...

Amazing!!! I love barbie! :D

Audrey Allure said...

Barbie is definitely a lucky girl! I honestly don't even remember him on Project Runway but it seems like he's doing really well!

Bonnie said...

ohmygosh. Best's designs are, well, the best. He always rocked Barbie out in the hottest fashions. While I used to burn my Barbies in a fire pit in my backyard (I was a tom boy ...), I can truly appreciate her style now. (We aren't getting into the sexualization or stereotyping issue right now.)

http://glamkittenslitterbox.blogspot.com/

vivalablonda said...

His work is awesome! Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I like your blog very much! and I'm following hope you could follow me back! and Happy friday

xx

Fashion Court said...

i LOVE the outfit w the leopard bag. like, i want it! lmao

Meagan said...

These are definitely some gorgeous designs. They look so real and elegant! I never thought about where Barbie's gowns came from before! And to think he started off on Project Runway and is now designing for Barbie? That show can really take you places!
-Meagan
http://spunkychateau.blogspot.com

syieranuar said...

they're gorgeous! i love them all! :)

btw,nice blog u have here. am following u :) visit my blog! :)

Arini Desianti Parawi said...

i have not watched project Runway yet:(
but i think he has talent..
barbie is one of the beautiful creature in this world.. i always love to see the dress that they wear.
this designs really beautifull
wish i can be a barbie..even it's for one day..lol

Happy friday
THE SECRET LIFE OF "D"

in Love&Light
Queen D

Henar said...

Fabulous designs, I love this!!
xx

Henar
...OH MY VOGUE!

Anonymous said...

Love fashion sketches <3
the barbie collection is wonderful!!! Really would like to get the calender, as I tend to collect things that remind me of the time when I was a kid :)

Anonymous said...

i love these!
thank you for the comment (:

http://intotheforbidden.blogspot.com
xo

Franzi said...

Wow, you're absolutely right, the drawings are AMAZING! Beautiful dresses!
xoxo F
http://itsnotjustabag.blogspot.com

The white cabbage said...

thanks for your kind comment , and to be may follower .

I'm following you! stay in touch

ave

Silvia Negretti said...

As i seen this post, i had to be your follower!
Really awesome!
xoxo
S


http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com

Esther said...

omg i love barbie too!!! i used to play it every day when i was little! :D and thanks for dropping by and the lovely comment :) im now following ya :D wanna follow each other? :)* big hugs!! xxx es.

http://theglamorousmess.blogspot.com

Venus Loves Virgo said...

Have a great weekend XOXO

Chi said...

awww thank you :)

Dani said...

i love all of those dresses :P

Anonymous said...

:O love that generation of dreams dress. Amazing xx

Giò said...

Great design! I love all! Gio

http://gio-beautiful-life.blogspot.com/

oomph. said...

wowza...guys got serious talent!

rockoomph.blogspot.com

Alinne's Style said...

asolutely fantastic designs! really fabolous! thanks for your comment on my blog, what do you think if we follow each other? if you want, leave me a comment!
see you here! kisses Alinne

www.alinnestyle.com

Ellen ♥ said...

I love them all! We, girls love barbie. She's always be beautiful in our eyes. :)

ellenreviews.blogspot.com

Becky Tjandera said...

Thank you so much for sharing about this Jen! What a lovely post. And oh my goodness those designs are too good for DOLLS. Lol. Really cute though!

Míriam Juan-Torres said...

Wow, these designs are truly incredible, I really like them :)
xx

btd. said...

Barbie is an extremely lucky girl! I want all her outfits! :)

Chris said...

Wow those are a lot of barbie pictures!
http://happeningsofrainbowing.blogspot.com/

Camilla said...

this a great post! who does not love barbie? she really was my idol back then!

kisses J.

Camilla
www.thecheapdiamonds.com

Chicago Chic said...

Omg! I'll take the black dress, the blue dress, and the beige outfit! So gorgeous!! Your posts are always so interesting Jennifer, you are such a talented writer.

and Yes, Barbie is SO lucky. :)

xoxo
Rachel

Marissa said...

This must be every little girl's dream job! This guy could outfit me anytime.

Paige Rhianne said...

Oh them designs are gorgeous i love them. Thanks for the comment on my blog.

http://www.gingerrsnap.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

The sketches are great!! I wish I would be a little more creative and could draw...



http://meetmartina.blogspot.com/

Ber. said...

I would love to be Barbie for once in my life lol
I mean..all the accesories, the shoes...♥ it melts my heart!

zs closet said...

loove the illustrations!!xxx

www.zscloset.blogspot.com

Yvette said...

barbie looks amazing!

xoxo

www.afashionhouseofcards.blogspot.com
There is a new update online, come and check it out!

Melanie's Randomness said...

Ohhh I remember him!! I'm soo envious of Barbie's wardrobe always!! =)

Melanie's Randomness

Sierra said...

oh wow i am in love!! he certainly is a very talented man, love all of these designs!