Barbie Is Fantastically Runway Ready at 50

The doll gets makeovers from more than 50 famous designers

By Breanne L. Heldman Feb 15, 2009 12:40 AMTags

Other than maybe Michelle Pfeiffer, who looks better at age 50 than Barbie?

The total doll came to Fall Fashion Week in Bryant Park in time for Valentine's Day and ready to show the fashionistas and kids alike that she came to play.

The looks strutting down the catwalk weren't at all plastic. Babs recruited more than 50 of the most recognizable designers today to create (and re-create) iconic wares for the statuesque lady, including Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Kenneth Cole, Diane von Furstenberg, Anna Sui and Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons.

The show was divided into three acts—the first showed reimagined designs from the doll's five decades, the second was a "faux reality" and the third a fashion-forward future.

Real-life Barbie Heidi Klum checked out the show, as did America's Next Top Model judge J. Alexander. He named Bob Mackie's white and gold plume-filled showgirl confection his favorite Barbie look to grace the runway and, overall, finds the statuesque blonde to be an inspiration.

"I think Barbie at 50 looks amazing," he tells E! News. "She's the first Botox bitch. I think she looks absolutely great. [In fashion], she's proof that you can make everything look great 50 years later."