As the world gears up for Barbie, one of summer’s most anticipated films, leading lady Margot Robbie has been busy channelling some of the doll’s most famous looks as she tours the globe.
The Australian actress who portrays the Mattel figurine in the Greta Gerwig-directed film has worked with her long-time stylist Andrew Mukamal to draw inspiration from – and update – some of Barbie’s most enduring outfits.
Designers have queued up to be a part of the film’s hype, with those including Versace, Chanel, Balmain and Manolo Blahnik all providing bespoke outfits, accessories and shoes for the press events and screenings.
Robbie and Mukamal have also dug into the fashion archives for some vintage outfits, all in Barbie’s signature pink.
Outfits inspired by Barbie's most famous looks
In Mexico City, Robbie stepped out in not one, but two Barbie-inspired looks for the press conference and pink-carpet premiere – Earring Magic Barbie and Totally Hair Barbie.
Both dolls were released in 1992 and served as inspiration for the Balmain and Pucci dresses the star wore.
In Seoul, Robbie wore two looks in one day for the South Korean premiere to pay homage to 1985’s Day to Night Barbie.
The actress attended the daytime part of the event in the day look, switching to the night version for the premiere, with both outfits designed by Versace.
Other famous versions of Barbie that Robbie dressed as include Pink & Fabulous Barbie and Sparkling Barbie.
The actress even went further back than the 1980s, wearing a black-and-white striped Herve Leger bandage dress for an event in Sydney, inspired by the swimsuit the doll wore in the 1950s.
Another Barbie-inspired look on the pink carpet in Los Angeles was worn by actress Sofia Sanchez, who twinned with the Barbie with Down syndrome released by Mattel in April.
Sanchez, 14, who has Down syndrome and will next appear in the Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, wore a replica of the blue and yellow floral dress worn by the doll and took to Instagram to share a photo of herself with Robbie.
Barbie is in UAE cinemas from August 31
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Key 2013/14 UAE Motorsport dates
October 4: Round One of Rotax Max Challenge, Al Ain (karting)
October 1: 1 Round One of the inaugural UAE Desert Championship (rally)
November 1-3: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula One)
November 28-30: Dubai International Rally
January 9-11: 24Hrs of Dubai (Touring Cars / Endurance)
March 21: Round 11 of Rotax Max Challenge, Muscat, Oman (karting)
April 4-10: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (Endurance)
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
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If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
