If only Susan Sontag were alive today to rewrite her famous “Notes on ‘Camp,'” she might have had a field day at the “Barbie” movie premiere, which took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday night (and, for all we know , she might even have been cast in the movie — it seems like every other person on Earth appeared in the trailer). If the message of the film is that we are all Barbie and Barbie is everyone, the pink carpet reinforced that message very well (at least that’s what the cryptic trailers imply, but we’re not sure, because no. screeners were provided).
Would Mrs. Sontag find the event serious enough? Many in attendance paid tribute to the plastic icon’s palette and smoothness of skin, but that’s par for the course in Hollywood. Certainly Mattel must have been pleased with the carnival of the branding.
After a cavalcade of YouTube personalities and influencers like David Dobrik, stars like Greta Gerwig and Issa Rae arrived in head to toe pink. Cast members like Helen Mirren and Will Ferrell didn’t make an appearance on the carpet – a shame, because Mr. Ferrell would have certainly looked great dressed as Barbie. Alas!
Nicki Minaj: Most “Go Blonde or Go Home” Barbie!
Classic, “Barbie Tingz,” as Ms. Minaj well knows, includes blonde hair that lasts forever.
Greta Gerwig: Most Buttoned Up Barbie!
The director and co-writer only had to wear Valentino to be completely on trend for his own premiere. Easy!
Second Lip: Most ‘Barbie Who?’ Barbie!
A shiny, almost nude dress made the attendees forget all about why they were there for a moment.
Billie Eilish: Most Mr. Potato Head Barbie!
Giant shoes, short pants and a shiny red tie. As if Barbie and Mr. Potato Head had a child. The Hasbro-Mattel crossover no one saw coming.
America Ferrera: Most Blushing Barbie!
A halter top and skirt broke up the pink palette.
Issa Rae: Safest Barbie!
A keyhole cut in a floor-length dress – both elegant and sassy.
Simu Liu: Most Built Ken!
His baby blue outfit included straps around his chest. Is that a passport holder or a deconstructed vest? Either way, he’s ready.
Alexandra Shipp: Most elevated Barbie!
The actress brought a touch of class and glamour.
Haim: Most “Too-Cool-for-School” Barbie
The sister band appeared in coordinated dresses with strategically placed circle cutouts.
Liv Morgan: Most “Likely to Crush Ken” Barbie!
The professional wrestler and actress brought her championship belt to the film. As would Barbie.
Kingsley Ben-Adir: Kindest Ken!
No rose, no stupidity, just pure confidence.
Margot Robbie: Most Barbie!
This woman was probably mistaken for Barbie in real life. We like that she wore black for the premiere, giving her a slight edge in a sea of bubblegum.
Ryan Gosling: Most Ken!
At first, Mr. Gosling seemed like an odd choice to star as Ken. But he does a great job embodying the role.