Let’s just say that “Barbie®: The Exhibition” at the Design Museum in London wasn’t high on my list of exhibitions to see this summer. Nevertheless, a request by our youngest family member saw it injected into our schedule.

With more than 180 Barbies on display, the exhibition spans decades of design, fashion and cultural shifts, making it a must see for all those Barbie enthusiasts out there. For those like me, who approach with a little less enthusiasm, the atmosphere of the exhibition more than makes up for it.

Once adjusted to the bright candy pink entrance, made even more vibrant by a large neon Barbie logo, you have no choice but to let go. Sam Jacob Studio has done a brilliant job of creating spaces that are both visually stunning and engaging. Indeed, the careful curation of light and color throughout these displays enhances their visual impact, making them a delight to photograph even for those who find the content somewhat less important. One standout is a chandelier made entirely out of Barbie hair. A somewhat surreal display which adds to the playful spirit that pervades the entire show. Another standout is the Astronaut Barbie display in an oval vitrine surrounded by neon light.

Astronaut Barbie, Architect Barbie and (quite poignantly) Barbie for President, etc.—in both black and white skin tone incarnations—are displayed in colorful tubes alongside everything else Barbie might need in her life. It is here that we learn about a recent collaboration with Kartell, resulting in bubblegum pink reproductions of chairs such as the “Louis Ghost” and “Masters” chair. To further emphasize the feeling that we have entered a real-life Barbie Dreamhouse, the same chairs are also available for weary visitors to take a seat. Whilst seated we cannot help but listen to a reel of Barbie adverts through the decades, with excited kids (girls) squealing: “You Can Tell It’s Mattel … It’s Swell.” Perhaps so; but most definitely so if you can see it within this visually captivating exhibition.

vvb.