As a child, I used to create worlds for my Barbie dolls. I will spend endless time with me. sisters, trust, create intricate areas, sew tiny clothes from vibrant fabrics, and create furniture from corks, toothpicks and bottle caps! Early experiences like these introduced me to the magic of design and inspired me to become a designer and artist. So can you imagine how excited I was? @Barbie style We talked about what sounds like a dream collaboration. Jungalow designing a room in Barbie’s dream home !!!
Photo courtesy of the amazing Mattel team
We had our first call with the Mattel team (the friendliest, most creative team ever!) on a Friday and the following Monday we were in their office going through their archive of vintage Barbie furniture and shopping for our dream home! I had to bring Ida too! I couldn’t believe it. The artistry and attention to detail that goes into building (or sourcing, as the case may be) everything for Barbie is truly inspiring.
We got to choose from a variety of doll heads, body types, and clothes. Ah, clothes!
It’s so cool to see all these Barbie doll heads! Their hair and makeup are always on point!
How fun is this wardrobe selection?! We couldn’t stop wow and in awe as we made our selection. It’s so much fun!
Aimee (left) from the Jungalow team found Barbie pants in our size! And Jungalow’s Piper (right) is having a great time serving as Barbie’s stylist for a day!
After that, we went back to Jungalow studio and started working on the concept. I collected inspirational images and rendered a room where Barbie and her friends could be seen partying. The amazing Mattel team brought my concept to life. (The photo at the top of this blog post isn’t photoshopped! It’s actually Barbie scales – the fabrics and textiles are actually made from our prints and even a tiny version of my book! Argh!) Now I’m a Barbie all day long. I want to rest with you!
My hope was to create a space where Barbie could embrace her individuality and be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of textures, tones, and plants. We salvaged, recycled, and recreated vintage furniture, just like Faith and I did when we were kids. But this dream home is more than just a play area. It’s an invitation for Barbie, her friends, and all of us to nurture our own creativity, celebrate our uniqueness, and enjoy the magic and fun of free self-expression.
Come in and let’s play, create and celebrate our inner wild child. Junglelicious Barbie Dream House!
