Barbie Overload With Jack Mackenroth

Project Runway alum, designer Jack Mackrenroth,  is dishing up Fashion Week in NYC at NewNowNext.com!  Chic Galleria is thrilled to have the opportunity to share his articles.

As the world becomes increasingly eco-friendly, by unveiling her first ever full runway collection, Barbie continually reminds us of one thing. PLASTIC IS FANTASTIC!! That b**ch  must have some massive walk-in closets in that dream house of hers because she has a lot of fabulous clothes.

The Barbie show on Valentine's Day was a mob scene and definitely the show of most interest this season. 50 different designers each designed one look inspired by the polyurethane pop-tart and they were all amazing. Since it wasn't an exhibition for buyers and editors they really put on a SHOW! I was in the second row and I did feel a bit snubbed that I was seated behind a 5-year-old but I think she may have been an editor at pre-teen Vogue. These days apparently anybody can be (Lauren Conrad), so who knows.

I spied with my little eye... Lots of celebs! I wasn't really star-searching Ed McMahon style but I did see Heidi Klum, Diane Von Furstenburg, Jeffrey Banks, Stephen Cole of the CFDA, Bob Mackie, Peter Som, The Blonds, Annie Leibovitz with her daughters, power gays Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler, Mattel Creative Director Robert Best and Robert Verdi. There were loads of screaming girls so I felt right at home.

As they peeled back the plastic off the runway and the lights went black, a 5-minute video of all Barbie's fabulousness dazzled the audience. I was in heaven. After the video the scrim parted and beneath a crystal chandelier posed the first model.

The show was divided into 3 sections. The first was high-pony glamour Barbie. The second was career glamour Barbie. And the third was futuristic glamour Barbie. I like the first group the best because all the models were so made up to look like dolls that they looked like reincarnations of Amanda Lepore. (No relation to Nanette Lepore who wouldn't give me a ticket to her show.) It was a hot pink tranny mess. I loved it.

The audience was full of excited little girls on their mothers' laps and many Barbie lookalikes in pink dresses, blond ponytails, even a pink wig. It was a cinematic event, opening with a visual biography of the birthday girl that took us through the ages, highlighting Barbie favorites - her stylish wardrobe, pink convertible and enviable dream house. But the real show began when the big screen split, revealing the first look: A black and white sequin swimsuit.


There were so many amazing looks it was difficult to pick a fave but I LOVED Bob Mackie's creation. We all know from Cher's get-ups that Ms. Mackie knows how to costume.

The party ended with a parade of models holding the hands of little girls dressed in brightly colored tutus and white Barbie logo tops, while sparkling confetti rained down on the birthday fete.

Color Palette: Pink of course! Black and white, silver, red, blue.

Textures & Details: Fur, organza, bows, ruffles, sequins, satin, sparkles. Completely girly, completely Barbie! High ponytails, oversized floppy sun hats, pink pumps, cute coats and slinky evening gowns.

Key Looks: ThreeAsFour's half pink-half white pleated, tiered party dress; Diane von Furstenberg's glamour girl in pink and white print wrap dress toting stylish luggage in tow; Alexander Wang's silver glittery one-piece bathing suit with pink jacket; Koi Suwannagate's butterfly-inspired dress with petal skirt; Kenneth Cole's Ken and Barbie in coordinating jeans and jackets.

The complete list of designers (in alphabetical order) includes:
Alexander Wang, Anna Sui, Baby Phat, Badgley Mischka, Betsey Johnson, Bob Mackie, Brian Reyes, Calvin Klein, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catherine Malandrino, Chris Benz, Costello Tagliapietra, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Erin Fetherston, House of Field, Jeremy Scott, Juicy Couture, Kai Kuhne, Kenneth Cole, Koi Suwannagate, Lyn Devon, Marchesa, Michael Kors, Monique Lhuillier, Naeem Khan, Nanette Lepore, Nicole Miller, Norma Kamali, Peter Som, Rachel Roy, Rag & Bone, Rebecca Taylor, Reem Acra, Rosa Cha, The Blonds, Three As Four, Tibi, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Tracy Reese, Trina Turk, Tuleh, Twinkle, Vena Cava, Vera Wang, Vivienne Tam, Yeohlee, Yigal Azrouel.

And the cherry on the top of the sundae: A one-of-a-kind collector's edition Barbie to go!! Hello eBay!!

If you love Barbie, head over to NewNowNext.com and leave Jack a comment!