The world’s number one fashion doll in the world recently announced a collaboration with celebrated fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee, who has created a new ready to wear South African-inspired collection, and couture dress made specifically for Barbie.
The Barbie Loves Gert collection, comprises of 31 looks and celebrates the uniqueness of South Africans. This is the first time Barbie is working with Gert-Johan Coetzee to debut original designs that are immediately distinguishable as creations by this established and celebrated designer.
All genders, sizes, and cultures are represented in the work by Gert-Johan Coetzee, and the models who walk in the show reflect Coetzee’s commitment to diversity.
“I wanted Barbie to experience South Africa to its fullest by integrating an array of South African cultural elements into the collection. Striking pink from the Pedi culture complimented by geometric patterns inspired by the Zulu culture” explains Coetzee.
Using “South African beadwork in black and white, I took inspiration from the Xhosa culture, I wanted this collection to encapsulate a true South African experience.”
Couture and Ready To Wear Items
The clothing collection includes both couture and ready to wear items. Fifteen ready to wear items from the collection will be available on Coetzee’s website for purchase and couture items can be made to order.
“As the most diverse fashion doll in the market with over 170 different diverse looks, shapes and sizes, Barbie continues to show the impact of representation and we are absolutely honoured and inspired to be working with South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee whose work embodies these values”, says Scott Hobson Country Manager Mattel South Africa,
The collaboration was led with Blue Horizon Licensing, Mattel’s official brand licensing partner in South Africa and a key partner in producing this collaboration.
A Show Stopper
As part of the Barbie Loves Gert collection, Coetzee describes his finale piece as a “one-of-a-kind gown – even in doll size – it’s absolute haute couture.”
Over three thousand genuine rhinestone crystals and pearls were manually applied to the fabric to create the replica for Barbie. The dress is made of more than 40 meters of bright pink tulle ruches and the entire construction took over 50 meticulous hours to create.
“Barbie has collaborated with designers many times but I really wanted the African interpretation to stand out. When people look at the collaboration from around the world they must really feel inspired by the diversity of Africa, the richness of our culture and the beauty of our men and women,” concludes Coetzee.
Shoes To Match
Gert-Johan Coetzee and Europa Art Group joined forces to both design and create the shoes for the collection. There are 5 different items, and each item will be available in two colours.
The shoes will be available at Europa Art stores as well as online . For more information on the ready-to-wear items available to consumers as well as information on the shoes from Europa Art you can visit the Gert-Johan Coetzee website.
To learn more about #BarbieLovesGert please visit www.blueh.co.za and join the social conversation with #BarbieSA and #GertJohanCoetzee. Shop the collection at www.shopgert.com
