doll: BMR1959: Barbie in Bike Shorts

In 2019, Mattel released its BMR1959 collection designed by Carlyle Nuera, a lead designer for Barbie Signature. Mattel intended for the collection to “capture the diverse looks found in today’s streetwear culture.” In the 1970s and 1980s, streetwear was born out of the specific locations and hobbies of American bi-coastal youth. It evolved as a do-it-yourself reaction to the ideals of luxury fashion. It led to practical, but hip, clothes for skaters and surfers in Los Angeles and New York City. Felix Petty, editor at “i-D Magazine,” noted that like many other counterculture movements, “streetwear--a preserve of outsiders, artists, those weird kids at school—became a luxury streetwear, just another fashion style….another product in a landfill of products.”

The BMR1959 collection included six dolls dressed in a mix of high-low fashions. Mattel noted the line presented everything from “re-imagined ‘90s gear to juxtaposed patterns, textures, and silhouettes,” and that “this curated ensemble is all about personal expression and style.” One of the more interesting aspects of the collection, are the two Ken dolls who embraced non-traditional trends and fashion statements. This seemed unusual for Ken.