February 14th: Barbie is 50 and Fabulous, and she has taken over the Tents this season at Bryant park. And to celebrate this occasion, Mattel hosted a huge runway show in her honor. I most admit when I saw Barbie on this year fashion week schedule I was surprised (giggled even) — why would Barbie have a presentation at Bryant Park? Then I realized Barbie is turning 50 this year so everything came together. Let’s not forgot that in addition to celebrating a huge milestone Barbie is also the quintessential fashion diva and what a better way to celebrate your birthday then by throwing a party in the tents and inviting 50 of the best designers  to create fashion inspired for the show. And, that’s what happened? If you were lucky enough to actually get inside the show you were in for a treat.

The show began with a three minute Barbie presentation accompanied by Barbie inspired music. It had great optical illusion that included a pink chandelier. After the presentation the Barbie inspired looks and Barbie like models walked the runway to designs from designers such as Betsy Johnson (my favorite), Bob Macke (whom was the crowd favorite), Kimora Lee, Vera Wang,  Anna Sui, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Donna Karan, Badgley Mischka, Kenneth Cole, and a host of other Bryant Park regulars. Towards the end of the show the models walked the runway with girls wearing tutu’s and a Barbie tee-shirts. Kimora Lee’s daughter’s also walked the runway like the pros they are (of course they walked with their mom’s look).

Front row attendees included Heidi Klum, Annie Leibovitz, Kellie Pickler, Diane Von Furstenberg, Fern Mallis, Bethany Frankel, Robert Verdi, Richard Dickinson,  Simon Doonan, and Rachel Roy.

But the best part of the show was the Barbie special edition doll that each guest received. I had mine signed by Robert Best.

-Lorna

Images from the Seats

The Looks (full show)

more images: http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/fashionweek/photos/0,,20259573_20259343_20580287,00.html