The Kool-Aid is pink, and everyone is chugging it.
Since the first trailer for Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie released last December, Mattel and Warner Bros. have been working overtime, executing a marketing blitz that has flooded our feeds with Margot Robbie's fuchsia press tour 'fits, Ryan Gosling's "Ken"-ergy, Barbie movie poster memes, and a seemingly endless stream of collaborative merchandise collections encouraging movie-goers to live life in plastic (it's fantastic!).
To date, over 15 brands looking to capitalize off of Barbie mania have entered licensing agreements with Mattel. There are Barbie-branded Halloween costumes, toothbrushes, roller skates, and cans of lemonade (pink, obviously).
Mattel's decision to turn its product into a movie and, in turn, transform the movie into an even more expansive line of products fits nicely into the era of MerchTainment, a phenomenon that Highsnobiety's former editor-in-chief Thom Bettridge identified in 2021. Mattel's strategy is one the company will likely employ with its future films, an entire cinematic universe that will apparently include films based on its Hot Wheels and UNO toy lines.
Given the sheer volume of recently released Barbie merchandise to choose from, its easy to forget that the movie hasn't even hit theaters yet — it doesn't open until July 21. While you wait to spend an exorbitant amount on movie theater tickets, here are all the ways you can spend even more money on the Barbie movie. (Hey, all in the name of Greta Gerwig — we're not saying it's not worth it!)
Barbie x Airbnb
Spend the night in an IRL version of Barbie's Malibu Dream House.
Barbie x Bumble
No, you can't match with Margot Robbie or Ryan Gosling, but Barbie and Ken are doling out advice and encouragement via Bumble's "Encounters" feature.
Barbie x Moon
Barbie doesn't have to worry about tooth decay, but we do.
Barbie x Swoon
If Barbie had blood, this is what it would look like.
Barbie x Cold Stone Creamery
The perfect post-movie treat.
Barbie x Pinkberry
A more on-brand alternative to ColdStone's Barbie sundae.
Barbie x OPI
The trifecta: sparkles, pinks, and pastels.
Barbie x NYX
Barbie's pink flip-phone, transformed into a compact.
Barbie x Truly
Moisturizers and body scrubs for those of us with non-plastic skin.
Barbie x CHI
A flat iron and curling wand that might make your hair look like Barbie's perpetually coiffed locks.
Barbie x Mermade
Barbie-branded hair tools, part two.
Barbie x Tangle Teezer
Barbie-branded hair tools, part three.
Barbie x Kitsch
Barbie-branded hair tools, part four
Barbie x Hally
Not mad at the hair gems, TBH.
Barbie x Aldo
If only human feet had Barbie-level arches.
Barbie x Pacsun
Barbie hits the beach.
Barbie x Boohoo
Even the Barbie-verse isn't immune to fast fashion.
Barbie x Forever 21
See above.
Barbie x Zara
Again, see above.
Barbie x Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's in-house line, AQUA, offers even more Barbie-fied fashion.
Barbie x MeUndies
Boxers, briefs, and bras for those who'd rather keep their love of Barbie close to the chest.
Barbie x Loungefly
It's carrying.
Barbie x Hot Topic
Barbie is the antithesis of the Hot Topic-loving mall goth, but that didn't stop the emo outfitter from dropping a line of shocking pink wares.
Barbie x Alex and Ani
Barbie bling.
Barbie x GAP
GAP's iconic logo, but make it KEN.
Barbie x Impala Skate
Yep, these are the same skates Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie wear in the Barbie movie.
Barbie x Crocs
For when you just can't swing a feathered kitten heel.
Barbie x Superga
Leave it to Barbie to make a sneaker as impractical as possible.
Barbie x Beis
There's no way these hot pink suitcases will get lost in transit.
Barbie x Funboy
B is for "Buying lots of Barbie-branded stuff."
Barbie x Ruggable
If you can't stay at the Barbie Airbnb, bring the Barbie Airbnb home.
Barbie x Homesick
Notes include peony, rose, and pink jasmine.
Barbie x Glasshouse Fragrances
Strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of plastic.
Barbie x Xbox
Bids for these OOAK Barbie Xbox Series S controllers, housed in an actual Barbie dream house, are at $2,750.
Barbie x Spirit Halloween
A last-minute Halloween costumes bound to be popular picks come October 31.
Barbie x Fossil
This Barbie can tell time!
