Home · Entertainment · Sep 29 archive
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Redesigns Barbie and Ken in Iconic Teddy Bear Coat
Developing
In Short: French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has miniaturized his iconic teddy bear coat to create new looks for Barbie and Ken, which he plans to unveil at a launch event during Paris Fashion Week on Saturday.
De Castelbajac, known for his colorful and Pop Art sensibility, was approached by Mattel to bring his artistic vision to the world's most famous dolls. He immediately envisioned Barbie wrapped in something soft and comforting.
The teddy bear coat, originally created in 1986 as a statement against animal fur, has been a signature piece for de Castelbajac. He explained to WWD, 'When I created that teddy bear coat, the first images I saw of it being worn in the U.S. was of the rapper LL Cool J. Later, I saw Drake wearing it too, and I noticed that men were making the coat their own, almost like a king’s robe.
For Barbie, de Castelbajac designed a graffiti T-shirt dress, a nod to the chalk drawings he likes to leave on city walls and streets. Ken, while not receiving as much attention, also got a makeover, wearing a simplified version of the coat with baggy jeans and sneakers.
De Castelbajac emphasized the empowering nature of the coat, saying, 'When you put on this coat, it acts as a form of gentle armor — a superpower to be kind, cuddly, and gentle. Today, these are superpowers we urgently need.
Robert Best, vice president of Barbie product design, praised de Castelbajac's contribution, stating, 'Barbie has always reflected creativity, self-expression, and the culture of the moment. Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is one of fashion’s most imaginative voices, making him a natural creative partner for Barbie.
De Castelbajac, now 76, expressed his joy at working with Barbie, saying, 'I’m pleased because when I was a child, I used to play war games with my toy soldiers. Now at 76, I’m playing with Barbie.
He added, 'They’re a free-spirited couple,' referring to Barbie and Ken, who will be sold separately despite their coordinated looks.
What's still developing
- “My heart beats as an artist and designer because, through my work, I am able to convey a message,” de Castelbajac said.
- Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has miniaturized his most famous design to create new looks for Barbie and Ken, which he plans to unveil at a launch event on Saturday during Paris Fashion Week.
- The French designer initially created the coat in 1986, using stuffed bears as a statement against animal fur.
- Related Articles Shoe Trends Rihanna Floats Into Paris Fashion Week in Matières Fécales x Christian Louboutin Curved Pumps Celebrity News Rosalía Brings Back Balletcore for Paris Fashion Week When he was approached by Mattel to bring his colorful, Pop Art sensibility to the world’s most famous doll, de Castelbajac immediately pictured her wrapped in something soft.
- Whether Ken is her bestie or her boyfriend, he wanted Barbie to have a mate — though they are sold separately.