Product Description

The Art Of Barbie makes a conceptual plaything of the world’s most famous super-doll, delivering her up to
the most creative minds in contemporary fashion and art. Commissioned on the occasion of her fortieth birthday to raise funds for Sir Elton John’s Aids Foundation, this vivid doll’s gallery taps into the Warholian qualities of Barbie as archetype, inviting the cream of British and European fashion designers, artists, photographers and sculptors to customise the image of Barbie according to their own vision.

With forewords by Sir Elton John and style icon and Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, The Art Of Barbie is a multi-faceted visual seduction which works for kitsch fans, kids, couture junkies and culture theorists alike.

Through over one hundred photographs, the image of Barbie is transfigured as she offers herself up to fashion visionaries and innovative artists, providing a unique insight into the minds of each re-stylist as they react to the perverse gift of the ultimate bleached-out model. Leading players from fashion, including Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier reinvent her in guises ranging from warrior-babe to pierced punk. A stellar list of artists spanning David Bailey, Paloma Picasso, Rachel Whiteread, Marc Quinn and Mario Testino celebrate, subvert and toy with her identity, posing Bill’n’Hillary as Ken’n’Barbie, entombing a doll in plaster or dressing Claudia Schiffer in a pink sequinned imitation of classic, bubbly 60s Barbie.

Conceived following a joint initiative from her makers Mattel, The Elton John Aids Foundation and Proud Galleries, The Art Of Barbie is probably the most articulate utterance ever made on behalf of a mannequin. A vibrant improvisation on the theme of Barbie, it confirms her status as cultural catalyst whilst raising vital money for people living with Aids and HIV. All Mattel’s licensing royalities from the book benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #788091 in Books
• Published on: 2000-03-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 100 pages

Time Out
Some people will be fascinated with the book itself, others will have an interest in the fashion element, and others will be curious about the artists’ visions.

The Daily Telegraph
"Unique and individual interpretations of Barbie by a diverse and glittering range of artists, photographers, designers and sculptors."

Customer Reviews

Barbie like you've never seen her before
You thought she was just a doll. You thought she was just a plastic plaything. The Art Of Barbie presents not only the walking, talking living doll but the fashion conscious barbie. We see her in Prada,Versace, as Britpop Barbie and Medusa Barbie (my favourite). Barbie's 40th anniversary ( she's aged very well) is celebrated by this commemorative book. Her outfilts have been sold to raise money for the Elton John AIDS foundation. This book is a must see. The surprise at the end involves certain prime ministers and certain barbie outfits.....

The Art of Looking Glam
For those of you out there who have an eye for fashion dolls this book is a must. Cover to cover full of vibrant photo's of barbie at her most hip, glamourous and outragous best.

The book is an excellent coffee table must have and is great value. No matter how many times you look through it you always discover something new, you will never get tired of looking through its glossy pages.

Even if you are not a Barbie fan you cannot fail to be impressed at the inginuity of the designs and the photographic feast within the covers of this delight!

Kitsch for your coffee table!
Now i know why i think Barbie is the coolest! My personal favourites were Britpop Barbie and Prada Barbie... Go on,choose your favourite! and help raise money for an Aids charity at the same time!