Wrangler Taps Into Barbie Fever
Barbie’s pink-hued reign continues. The cultural phenomenon and star of the summer’s highest-grossing film is now the subject of Wrangler’s latest collection.
On Wednesday, the Kontoor Brands-owned denim label launched a collaboration with Mattel, Inc.’s Barbie that allows shoppers to tap into their inner equestrian Barbie or cowgirl Barbie.
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The partnership brings together two of the most influential and unwavering fashion trends of the past year—Barbiecore and Western—by combining the signatures of both heritage brands. The apparel line features Wrangler’s quintessential Western design elements and Barbie’s fun colorways. Several items are available for both women and girls, encouraging mommy-and-me styling.
“Particularly through the remarkable expansion of its female product categories over the years, Wrangler has earned a unique position in women’s fashion, offering western style that transcends lifestyles, occupations, economic backgrounds, genres, geographies and generations,” said Jenni Broyles, Wrangler senior vice president. “Barbie has become a permanent and cultural symbol of empowerment, and with this collection we aim to encourage individuals from all walks of life to embrace their unique identities and make a statement that echoes across time.”
The collection includes the first Wrancher dress, a snap-button shirt dress in Barbie’s iconic bubblegum pink. A Western snap shirt features a lively ranch print mixing mountains and horseshoes with rainbows and horses with braided hair. Another bears a pink bandana print. A light-wash denim jacket and button-down shirt have whimsical chainstitched Western motifs.
High-rise pink Wrancher pants—punctuated with “W” and “B” chainstitched belt loops—coordinate with a fringe jacket. A retro high-rise flare pant features colorful stripes, while another has a novelty print that mixes Barbie’s silhouette with illustrations of cowboy boots and hats.
A bootcut jean, available in medium blue and a lighter “Ken Blue,” boasts a pink back-pocket leather patch. A large Barbie logo patch decorates the back of a classic jean jacket. Other items include striped knits, fleece jackets and graphic T-shirts.
Wrangler x Barbie is available now on Wrangler’s website and at select retailers, including Dillard’s, Buckle, Boot Barn and Cavender’s.
Despite “Barbie” hitting movie theaters in July, the blockbuster remains a part of the cultural zeitgeist. In September, Canadian brand Roots celebrated its 50th anniversary with a 30-piece Barbie collection for women’s, kids and toddlers. Barbie (and Ken) are also expected to be the most popular Halloween costumes this year, according to Trendalytics. TikToks with the hashtag #barbiecostume have already racked up 72.2 million views, with many focused on the pink Western look worn by Robbie in the film.