Of all the toys I owned when I was a little child there’s no doubt that my favourite ever was Barbie. I remember so many letters I wrote to Santa for asking new Barbie dolls, dresses, shoes, her house or other kinds of accessories of that pink world that made my dream so much.
When they announced that the exposition “Barbie The Icon” would had taken place in Bologna at Palazzo Albergati, from the 18th May until the 2nd of October 2016, the little child inside me took over being enormously happy!
During those months, in the amazing scenary of an old and elegant palace, a lot of little and growned up girls have been able to go through this icon’s story and get to know a lot of secrets, a part from beeing able to see exposed an amazing amount of Barbie dolls!
Did you know that Barbies’ real name is Barbara Millicent Roberts? I didn’t! Barbie’s introduction to society took place 56 years ago, at the International Toy Fair of New York; since then her way was much more different of one of a popular doll, becoming, though, an icon of style and a real cultural and social phenomenon all around the globe!
Th exposition is a real journey that goes through the history, with Barbie’s style and outfits that change across the years. I loved especially the ’60 and ’70’s times…
Barbie has done a lot of jobs… dancer, doctor, spacewoman, singer, tennis player… and lots more! Did you know that she also run for president of USA? Who knows how it could have been 😉
I also found out that they made special Barbies or special collection of the doll for popular show biz women or cult movies! I loved Barbie “Grease”, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” or the ones dedicated to Jennifer Lopez or Marylin Monroe…
Obviously, since ever, the biggest fashion stylist have always desired to dress Barbie… One of the exhibition’s rooms is entirely dedicated to the most fashionist Barbies, dresses with the most famous designers’ clothes. But there’s also Barbie “jeans style”… actually you can find one for every mood and style 😉
How can’t you fall in love with the super glam and maybe a little bit exaggerated Moschino‘s Barbie?
There’s also a section dedicated to the houses, accessories and other gadgets that are part of Barbie’s world… I pleasantly surprised by finding the hair curling device that was able to make a kind of braids. Guess who had one in the eighties and used to use it also on her hair? 😛
The exhibition is really nice and it will take you about a hour and a half to visit it, follwing also the free audioguide they gave you at the entrance. The entrance is 13€ and the opening hours are from 10am to 8pm every day of the week until the 2nd of October 2016. For all the info I suggest you to go on Palazzo Albergati website.
At the end of the exhibition you’ll find also a little shop where you can buy gadgets or special Barbie’s edition dolls. A must is a photo with the Barbie’s box you’ll find right at the exit, to fell a little like a doll… here I am, even though I must admit I don’t have many of her physical characteristics 😉
The exposition is worth a visit, for a pleasant step back in time, to go trough some customs’ history or just if you want to feel as a little girl again for a few hours 🙂
