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?

114 comments:

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  3. those sketches are beautiful!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  5. 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.

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

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

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  8. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow these are amazing designs :)

    Love, Vanilla

    http://vanillaheartsstyle.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. 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 ...

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  16. 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/

    ReplyDelete
  17. 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

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

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

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

    xx.M

    www.bellesandrebelles.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love your blog! Cute pictures


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

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love those designs!

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

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love Barbie, what a fabulous post xox

    ReplyDelete
  24. 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. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. 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/

    ReplyDelete
  26. His designs are gorgeous!!!
    xoxo Cybelle & Fabi

    http://www.fromustwoyou.com/

    ReplyDelete
  27. 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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  29. beautiful illustrations, i love his designs! xx

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

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

    Oh to Be a Muse

    ReplyDelete
  32. 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

    ReplyDelete
  33. 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

    ReplyDelete
  34. 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

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


    xx
    www.dragonnfruit.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Ooooh I love Barbie too!
    Awesome illustrations!

    xoxox,
    CC

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

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

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

    http://myownstrangelittle-world.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. 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

    ReplyDelete
  40. 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

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

    Amber
    Ambersmouthwash

    ReplyDelete
  42. 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/

    ReplyDelete
  43. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  45. yeH! beautiful illustration!

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

    ReplyDelete
  46. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  47. 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

    ReplyDelete
  48. 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

    ReplyDelete
  49. 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

    ReplyDelete
  50. 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! =)

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  53. 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...

    ReplyDelete
  54. 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

    ReplyDelete
  55. Wonderful drawings.
    I loved the pictures.

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

    xx
    http://absofuckinglutelyy.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  57. 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! :)

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

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

    x0x0

    lifelittlesurprises.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. 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

    ReplyDelete
  61. Oah, i love the second one for Barnie :OOO

    thank you ^^

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

    ReplyDelete
  63. Wow wonderful designs :)
    i like these

    xx Marina

    ReplyDelete
  64. 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

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

    http://fashiondeliz.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. 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
    _____________________

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

    ReplyDelete
  68. Thanks for visit my blog!
    I love Barbie to! Kissess

    ReplyDelete
  69. thx fot your visit :)



    http://patroushkasplace.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  70. 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

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

    Heated Blanket

    ReplyDelete
  72. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  73. THANKS for your comment!!
    Yes! We are now following you!!

    Thanks.

    Great blog by the way! :)

    Saludos

    ReplyDelete
  74. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  75. 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/

    ReplyDelete
  76. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  78. 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

    ReplyDelete
  79. they're gorgeous! i love them all! :)

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

    ReplyDelete
  80. 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

    ReplyDelete
  81. 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  82. i love these!
    thank you for the comment (:

    http://intotheforbidden.blogspot.com
    xo

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

    I'm following you! stay in touch

    ave

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


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

    ReplyDelete
  85. 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

    ReplyDelete
  86. i love all of those dresses :P

    ReplyDelete
  87. :O love that generation of dreams dress. Amazing xx

    ReplyDelete
  88. Great design! I love all! Gio

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

    ReplyDelete
  89. wowza...guys got serious talent!

    rockoomph.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. 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

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

    ellenreviews.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. 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!

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

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

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

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

    kisses J.

    Camilla
    www.thecheapdiamonds.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. 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

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

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

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

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



    http://meetmartina.blogspot.com/

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

    ReplyDelete
  102. loove the illustrations!!xxx

    www.zscloset.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. barbie looks amazing!

    xoxo

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

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

    Melanie's Randomness

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

    ReplyDelete