Barbie experiments with gentle androgyny -- and being a King. (Or something like that.)
Although Barbie is no stranger to gold lame', she usually wears it in the form of a gown or cocktail dress. But not this time.
Come July, the iconic Mattel doll will be dressed up like Memphis' own Elvis Presley and for sale to Elvis fans and Barbie afficianados alike.
She's wearing what company literature calls a "tribute to Elvis with an artistic interpretation of one of the American music icon's most famous fashions." It's an updated, feminized version of the glitzy golden suit from the cover of the King's 1959 album 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong.
But this Barbie looks more like Priscilla trying on Elvis' clothes, with her glossy black pompadour hairdo and eyeliner-heavy makeup. And those gold platform Mary Janes! I'm not sure either half of that famous couple would be seen in shoes more suited to a hip-hop diva, but what do I know? Between the choice of accessories and the ultra-slim body, this sure isn't the Barbie of yesteryear, with her frothy stoles and flowing skirts -- and much more ample proportions.
Barbie has ever been a trailblazer, though, and if she wants to dress like Elvis, then by all means. I just wish she'd gain about 15 pounds while she's at it.
If interested in learning more about Elvis Barbie, see www.barbiecollector.com. She'll also be available at Graceland. (And maybe next year we can look forward to an Elvis-themed Ken doll or a Lisa Marie Skipper. Maybe a Michael Jackson action figure?)
