BARBIE^TM Turns Fifty!
By Jillian Bietz

BARBIE^TM has accomplished more than most people ever will. She's had over 100 careers (from doctor to rock star to UNICEF ambassador) worn tons of styling outfits, and owns a pink version of almost every electronic item. Not to mention she's a pal to girls of the past, the present and indisputably the future. It may be hard believe the beloved Teenage Fashion Model recently turned fifty! And although BARBIE^TM will stay eternally young looking, she's officially hit middle age. And to celebrate the halfway mark in style, the iconic doll didn't skimp on the festivities.

Last month, the BARBIE^TM fashion show took place during fashion week in New York City. Accessorized with big ponytails, cat eyed lenses and glossy pouts, models strutted down the runway wearing retro, modern and future trends in BARBIE^TM-inspired outfits designed by more than fifty top designers including Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan, and more. And though there'd been rumors the famous couple split, even BARBIE^TM's beau Ken (wearing Kenneth Cole) made an appearance. Guests went home with a bag of BARBIE^TM goodies including retro-inspired dolls! Several looks were immediately displayed at Bloomingdales in New York, including the "Fifty Years of BARBIE^TM" display of over 100 dolls and a floor dedicated to BARBIE^TM merchandise only. And this was only on the East Coast!

The celebration continued at BARBIE^TM's Malibu beach house-literally. Last week, guests enjoyed cupcakes, cosmetics and other BARBIE^TM treats in the 3,500 square foot pad with an ocean view decorated by interior designer Jonathan Adler. With pink walls, a pink "B" carpet, and a display of the most famous dolls and an original Andy Warhol painting perched atop the mantle, no square inch of the dream house was left un-pink, unglamorous, or undecorated. Chris March of season 4 Project Runway fame assembled a mirror adorned with 65 dolls and a chandelier of blonde wigs. Thousands of miniature handbags, shoes and sunglasses filled Lucite tables, and the enormous closet was filled with pink Christian Loubutin heels. Parked in the driveway? A rhinestone, custom pink convertible, of course!

Want to celebrate with BARBIE^TM? Head to Fred Segal in Santa Monica California and shop for BARBIE^TM-branded clothes and accessories at STUDIO BEAUTY MIX. If you can't get to California, head to the makeup counter! Brands like Mac and Stilla have BARBIE^TM-inspired items. And in May, some contents of BARBIE^TM's Malibu house will be set up in the Palms Casino Hotel in Las Vegas where a BARBIE^TM suite will be created.

Here's to another fifty, BARBIE^TM!