Mattel unveiled the first Ken in Barbie's Styled by series, and the Styled by KidSuper Ken Doll sports a look from the Spring/Summer 2021 Everything’s Fake Until It’s Real claymation show at Paris Fashion Week. Ken's outfit inspired by Brooklyn designer Colm Dillane—also known as KidSuper—features a brightly colored jacket with retro graphics of Barbie and Ken, boldly patterned pants and a cap. Exclusively available via Mattel Creations, the Styled by KidSuper Ken Doll is a statement piece for fashion fans and collectors that exudes creativity, imagination and style.
After the Barbie movie, consumer perception of Ken shifted from seeing him as a one-dimensional supporting character to a more complex, comedic, relatable character, sparking renewed interest and cultural relevance for the once-overlooked doll.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Fashion-doll Crossover
- Combining high-fashion elements with popular dolls creates opportunities for brands to engage both fashion aficionados and collectors.
- Streetwear Collectibles
- Streetwear-inspired collectibles like the Styled by KidSuper Ken Doll appeal to the growing demographic interested in blending pop culture with fashion-forward designs.
- Nostalgic-pop Culture Revivals
- Revamped iconic characters with modern aesthetics can reignite interest among diverse age groups, blending nostalgia with contemporary storytelling.
Where This Applies
- Toy Manufacturing
- Integrating cutting-edge fashion trends into toys offers manufacturers the chance to captivate older generations and fashion-forward consumers alike.
- Fashion Retail
- Fashion brands collaborating with toy makers can expand their audience by tapping into the nostalgic and collectible markets.
- Entertainment Licensing
- Leveraging recognizable characters with updated storylines and appearances can provide entertainment companies with new branding and merchandising opportunities.
