Some 200 Barbie fans braved a hard rain on Wednesday evening as they made their way to the Rizzoli bookstore in Manhattan for the release of a coffee-table book celebrating the doll’s fashion history.
Inside, some took off their raincoats to reveal pink skirts, scarves, sweaters and blazers. Before a panel discussion began, they helped themselves to pink velvet cupcakes and rosé.
Two friends in the crowd, Carol Torre and Anahy Antara, reflected on their fandom.
“I don’t really know much about the book,” Ms. Torre, an accountant, said. “I’m just here because I love Barbie.”
“I’ve been hitting thrift shops to try to pull off Barbie’s style ever since the movie came out,” Ms. Antara, a university administrator, added. “The truth is, lots of us still want to be Barbie. Sure, I’m all for bra-burning and feminism, but I still want to be like her.”
Published by Rizzoli and authored by Margot Robbie and her stylist, Andrew Mukamal, “Barbie: The World Tour” explores the Mattel doll as a style icon. Its pages are filled with portraits of Ms. Robbie, the star of Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster film, wearing outfits including a Givenchy dress inspired by Gay Parisienne Barbie, and a Miu Miu ensemble recalling Evening Splendor Barbie.
