Primark shoppers can get their hands on the brand new collection inspired by the world's most famous doll, in celebrate of the new Barbie movie.
Barbie fans have been soaking up all the buzz around the Greta Gerwig blockbuster, coming out on July 21 and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. One of the biggest parts of the film's merchandise is of course the clothing.
Now fans can dress up like Barbie and Ken too; high Street giant Primark has teamed up with Barbie creators Mattel to bring fans a brand new collection, including Barbie-themed garments, accessories, and stationary. After Primark shared the news on social media Barbie lovers branded it "everything", adding they "want it all".
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Primark said of the new collection: "Packed with fun, shimmer, and plenty of pink, our Barbie the Movie range is sure to delight your inner Barbie fan! From Barbie T-shirts to Barbie bucket hats and more, you'll be able to plan your go-to outfits of the summer all from one very dazzling place."
The range includes Barbie-themed outfits for little ones, with prices starting from £6 for Barbie Sparkle Print Leggings, as well as Barbie Elasticated Joggers for £10 with a matching Barbie Pullover Hoodie available for £11. The Barbie collection also features stationery ideal for back-to-school season, including a Barbie Stationery Set for £5, a Barbie Pencil Case for £4 and a Barbie A4 Notebook for £5.
Reporter Lucy Marshall went down to Primark in Trinity Shopping Centre, Leeds, to see if the collection is worth the hype.
I was bursting with excitement when I saw fluorescent pink, sparkles, and big Barbie signs in the windows of Primark. Playing Barbie but using myself as the doll sounds like a perfect day out; I was obsessed with the dolls when I was younger and still like to dress like Barbie today.
'Unless you have a body like Margot Robbie you won't be wearing this collection'
My first thought upon walking into the store was 'where actually is the collection?'. I was expecting all the clothing and accessories to be together but everything was spread out into relevant sections on each floor. Unless you know about the collection, it is not very obvious it has launched until you hunt for it.
First up I checked out the women's. This was based on the first floor. I was impressed with how many pieces there was to choose from - a dress, t-shirts, shorts, co-ord set, sweatshirt, swimming costume, denim jackets, jeans, a makeup bag, phone charger, phone cases, a hair turban, two unitards, crop top, tote bag, earrings, claw clip, keyring and sliders.
My pink-obsessed self was very excited and overstimulated by all the Barbie goodness. Just as I was browsing, a school girl called over her group of friends as she gasped and said: "Guys, it's Barbie". There was a lot of buzz for the collaboration.
I think the accessories have been done really well and would brighten up a plain outfit, or make perfect gifts. I adored the phone case, for sale for £6, that is shaped like a mobile phone. There was also a huge section of Barbie pyjamas in store from a pink checked set to cosy shorts. There is a set of Airpods cases with 'Barbieland' on for £4.50, phone case for £4, and laptop stickers for £2.
The Barbie sliders are really comfy and looked flattering on my foot. Paired with a pink swimming costume, how perfect? While girly girls like myself would walk around in pink head-to-toe, the collection is catered those who prefer more minimalist tones - such as the black t-shirt or white crop top.
A big disappointment was all of the women's clothing was generally bodycon shape. There was nothing floaty or more covered up which many women would prefer. For example the two unitards and one of the co-ord sets don't have padding for bigger boobs, and for tall girls like myself they come up very high on the leg. I also noticed there wasn't very much size variety; the only stock went up to a size 14.
It sends a message that unless you have a body like Margot Robbie you won't be wearing this collection. This is disappointing; the film and Barbie's message is all about different kinds of Barbies and their body shapes. I think a bit more variety with shapes and styles would have made the women's pieces outstanding as everything else from the colours, styles, and accessories is perfect.
Why the men's and kids collection impressed
I was really pleased to see Primark had done a section for the kens out there as well. There are some black pieces, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sliders with the Barbie logo on, as well as more daring pink tank tops, pink shorts.
I love the white and pink socks which look like Adidas dupes. The collection also includes a reversible pink and black hat. I was pretty impressed with the men's collection. It is fun, classy, and there is something for everyone. I would even wear some of the men's clothing myself.
However my favourite of the Barbie collection is the kids clothing. From tutus, t-shirts, sparkly leggings for £8, crop tops, jackets for £17, sliders, and tracksuit sets, and hoodies for £11...frankly it made me broody. Any parents with a little girl who adores pink has to take them down to Primark ASAP.
My favourite piece is a t-shirt which has six different Barbie's on it and reads 'Stronger Together' - this really encapsulates the modern day Barbie brand.
Final thoughts
I love the new Barbie collection in Primark; there is a lot of variety for everyone, no matter age or gender. It definitely encapsulates the Barbie brand and upcoming film well. However, I would have liked to see more variety in the women's section than just tightly fitted pieces.
Rating: 7/10
