Mattel’s Barbie and Ken dolls are both celebrating their birthdays this March. But Ken’s celebration this year is extra special because he’s marking the big 6-0! Barbie turned 62 on March 9, while her best friend (and on-and-off boyfriend), Ken, turned 60 on March 11.
For this special celebration, Mattel collaborated with American designer Dapper Dan and French fashion house Berluti to create one-of-a-kind outfits for Ken.
Photos: Instagram/barbiestyle
The first Ken doll
Barbie gave a tribute to the original Ken doll who had blonde hair and signature red swim trunks (to match the first Barbie’s black-and-white striped one-piece swimsuit.) To mark this milestone, they will be re-releasing a “genuine Silkstone reproduction” of this OG Ken doll!
“In 1961, Ken first debuted on the scene after hundreds of fans wrote in asking for a friend for #Barbie–and the rest is history,” Barbie posted on Instagram.
From this initial look, the Ken we know today now comes in many looks and outfits and has more than 40 occupations!
Collaborations
This year, Mattel chose to collaborate with no other than Dapper Dan, “the legendary designer who pioneered high-end streetwear.”
So far, we’ve seen red-carpet ready, laid-back, and street chic looks from the custom Ken x Dapper Dan collection. From a dark suit, a bucket hat, to pastel-colored clothes, Ken has donned them all!
Photos: Instagram/barbiestyle
A collaboration was also made with Berluti which resulted in three beautiful Ken dolls dressed in miniature versions of Berluti Summer 2021 outfits. In addition to these fashionable dolls, they’re also releasing a Berluti x Ken shirt and a Nino clutch.
We’re digging all these new looks! Happy birthday, Ken!
