Plastic fantastic
Her look may have changed but, nearly half a century after she was created, Barbie is still in vogue.
To mark her 45th birthday this year, top designers have rustled up a range of sassy dresses for the doll.
Designer Robert Best created a figure-hugging Sixties number with a graffiti finish, accompanying faux fur and long pink gloves.
US couturier Bob Mackie has designed a flamboyant evening gown which would make any Oscar night outfit seem modest by comparison. The long, black, metallic brocade gown has an elaborate black-and-white embroidered swirl which encircles Barbie's platinum blonde hair.
Porcelain dolls with the two outfits are on sale for £69.99 at shops such as Harrods and Hamley's.
They are aimed at adult Barbie fans, who buy their favourite toys as nostalgia.
Last year, Giorgio Armani made an exclusive outfit for a collector's Barbie, and this year the House of
BY ABUL TAHER Versace has made a £120 dress for the world's favourite doll.
'A lot of people would buy Barbie because they like the designer who designed her dress, ' said a spokesman for toymaker Mattel.
Among other Barbies available are the 'Princess of England' and a Diana Ross version at £29.99.
Since she was 'born' as Barbie Millicent Roberts in March 1959, she has been everything from a rock star to military .
Every second, three Barbies are sold somewhere in the world.
