It's finally here: opening weekend for Greta Gerwig's hotly anticipated Barbie movie, a film whose far-reaching marketing campaign has become a spectacle in and of itself.
The movie's umpteenth collaborations and flashy press tour (which effectively ground to a halt when SAG-AFTRA began striking last week) have fueled the rise of all things pink and hyper-feminine, an aesthetic better known as Barbiecore.
Things like Valentino's neon pink platform heels and Central Cee's blush-colored Jacquemus 'fit are stylistically Barbiecore — they look straight out of Barbie and Ken's fantastically plastic universe. But the aesthetic can also be defined by something subtler: smell.
Highsnobiety asked seven fragrance experts — including TikTokers, perfumers, and brand founders — to share the scents that bottle Barbiecore and Ken-ergy. Keep reading for their picks, from Delina by Parfums de Marly to Toy Boy by Moschino.
Marissa Zappas - Annabel's Birthday Cake
A little plastic enhancement makes Annabel's Birthday Cake so much more than just another sugary gourmand. "Pool toy plastic," "balloon latex," and rubber are just a few of the whimsical, intentionally artificial perfume notes that pop up here. The bottle is also achingly Barbie. - Arielle Weinberg, founder of niche fragrance boutique Arielle Shoshanna
Penhaligon's - The Favourite
This is a feminine, sparkling scent that also has a powdery feel from mimosa and iris — which to me, is reminiscent to me of that Barbie doll smell. It’s a good fragrance for the Barbie movie because on the surface, it seems delicate and feminine, but there is a more complex depth to it once it dries down. - Emelia O'Toole, AKA @professorperfume on TikTok
Toy Boy - Moschino
Ken heard there was a fragrance called Toy Boy by Moschino and, because that's what he is, he knew he needed to have it. The black bottle was a little off-putting but it smelled like pink roses so he figured it was fine — now it's one of his favorites. Barbie likes it too, and there's a pink one he might get her for her birthday. - Jane Daly, beauty journalist
Parfums de Marly - Delina
This is quintessential, glam Barbie. The sweet rose, rhubarb, and vanilla notes are hyperfeminine, vibrant, and bold, just like Barbie. There is only one Delina, just like there is only one Barbie. - Sir Candle Man, perfume and candle content creator
Guerlain - Rose Barbare
If I renamed this fragrance, I’d call it Rose Tweed because it conjures the energy of a pink, Chanel tweed suit: fun, bright, and tailored. The rose and honey notes give it hot pink Barbie Jeep energy, the aldehydes make it feel structured like a Chanel suit, and what I assume is white musk (and perhaps lemon or linden blossom) make it sparkle like your favorite plastic dollhouse.
The perfumer, Francis Kurkdjian, is the same nose behind the TikTok darling that is Amyris Femme (another very strong Barbiecore scent, BTW). Rose Barbare feels like Amyris Femme's older sister — the Barbie to its Kelly? - Emma Vernon, fragrance content creator and host of podcast "Perfume Room"
Empress - SOKI LONDON
For me, Barbie is Empress by SOKI LONDON. The fragrance is a celebration of life, opening in wonder and closing in reflection. It's a triumph of positivity over adversity — a delightful burst of laughter with fruits (wild strawberry), flowers (rose and peony), and exotic woods and sweetness (patchouli and popcorn). Feminine with a nod to the Kens of this world. - Ruth Mastenbroek, perfumer and founder of Ruth Mastenbroek London
Jacques Fath - Vers Le Sud
This is what I picture Ken wearing. I’ve always imagined him as an easy-going guy who’s just having fun; the ultimate picture of boy joy. Vers Le Sud is a laid-back, aquatic fig that has a hint of “blueness” but isn’t trying too hard. It’s sunny, fresh, and suitable for a beach day or a night on the town. - Valerie March, AKA @thenichesampler on TikTok
