In a Barbie World

Jonathan Adler's Malibu Barbie, available September 2009

Barbara Millicent Roberts a.k.a. Barbie, just turned the big 5-0 this past March and she still doesn't look a day past perfect! Talk about a woman who has undergone much scrutiny for having unrealistic physical proportions (gotta love being plastic! Wink wink!) to her tumultuous split with rumored "swinger" Ken in 2004 (though they did supposedly reconcile in '06)...this bombshell has really seen and done it all over the course of her Mattel lifetime. Barbie's illustrious career past includes being a doctor, an astronaut, a NASCAR driver and has achieved accomplishments such as having a pilot's license, being a hair salon owner/stylist, and a news anchor!

Barbie prides herself on being a role model and providing inspiration that women can be successful, beautiful and have everything they want if they work hard! And in today's economy, no one's movin' on up like the Jeffersons faster than Mrs. Roberts! This year she celebrated her milestone birthday soiree, flawlessly coordinated by event planner extraordinaire, Colin Cowie, inside her Jonathan Adler designed Malibu manse! Mr. Adler said, "...she was a dream client" when speaking on how Barbie exists as a fantasy, and loved creating the interiors of a lifesize 3,500 square foot dream house of her life re-imagined.

Barbie revolves around Jonathan's world here in his custom designed sunburst mirror!

Nostalgic!

Now!

Exterior of Malibu Dream House

However, Barbie's sweet dreams of possibly selling her home one day may become a nightmare in reality! Critics have stated that her ultra-contemporary cliffside home would be a hard sell and it's very specific in decor. Adler's inspiration for the color palette of the mansion were influenced by boho-chic Talitha Getty (oranges, pinks, greens) and the late Tony Duquette, the king of over-the-top opulence. The living room boasts an Andy Warhol portrait of Barbie that she could auction if times get tough, along with chandeliers made of Barbie wig hair, designed by "Project Runway" contestant, Chris March.

Please note the frothy tulle and ribbon corset-backed chairs in Living Room! (Adler's Drysdale Chair)

Splashes of hot pink, custom printed screens, and sunburst mirror define "party time" in the sitting room.

Barbie's master bedroom - monogrammed bedding by Restoration Hardware.

Barbie's shoe closet, complete with 50 identical pairs of pink peep toe pumps by Christian Louboutin

Barbie does live an envious life. Plastic and perfect without scar tissue or signs of reconstruction, she's managed to perserve her youth and lifestyle! Her cars were flashy and pink...she had horses and several dogs and cats...AND all of her homes were dubbed "dream houses!" Considering where's she's lived, it's no wonder she was motivated to "move up" in the world. Here's a retrospective of Barbie's past abodes...

1962 - Barbie Cardboard Dream House

Pros: Cardboard = sustainable and eco-friendly (so progressive, Babs!), trompe l'oeil bookcases, mod furnishings with silhouettes that can be found at Room & Board.

Cons: Cardboard framework isn't very durable; no roof, small space plan, no bathroom and very little closet space!

1979 - Barbie A-Frame Dream House

Pros: Windows, front door, a roof line, house that can be subdivided for flexibility, balcony, planter boxes in front, a closet!

Cons: Awful proportions, low ceilings, no privacy, bedroom furniture projects through roof, balcony railing height is too low = easy fall

1982 Barbie Dream Cottage

Pros: Open space plan = flexibility with modular furniture and entertaining configurations, french doors, outdoor sconces, mailbox, rooftop terrace for more entertaining, relaxing or meditating, location=The Hamptons!

Cons: No walls, no kitchen, no bathroom, no delineation of spaces except ground level and rooftop; it was a share in the Hamptons!

1990?- Barbie Victorian Dream House

Pros: Charming, architecturally accurate (almost), nice neighborhood in San Francisco

Cons: Exterior paint colors, columns in front, chopped off turret, stained glass window upstairs, small rooms

Barbie's Birthday Party Pics from Paris!

Chic in Chanel!

We look forward to another fabulous fifty years of Barbie and living vicariously through her fantasy dream world! - BH