“Life in plastic, it’s fantastic.” We never thought we’d be referencing Danish europop group Aqua in a fashion post but, just like everything else so far this year, 2022 likes to reference Y2K in a big way. And it’s never been more appropriate because Barbie is back, thanks to a new collaboration with French fashion house Balmain.

The Balmain x Barbie collection, which launches today, is a collection of ready-to-wear, accessories and NFTs (read what they are here) that sees the worlds of Mattel and French fashion combine. 

As well as a lot of pink – think shades of fuchsia to bubblegum – the Balmain x Barbie collection spotlights Balmain’s trademark suiting. The collection also references Balmain’s famed fabergé dresses from autumn winter 2012 (which was loved by Kim Kardashian and Kristen Stewart). It’s not all mega-glam, though, in a nod to our new WFH lives the collection includes athleisure.

Most notably, however, the majority of the collection is genderless. It was important, creative director of Balmain Olivier Rousting said in a statement, to make the collection equal. “Small boys like me were strongly warned away from Barbie, due to fears of teasing (or worse) for being ‘too feminine.’ But, thankfully, today’s Barbie wholeheartedly embraces everyone’s extraordinary beauty and possibilities — and Balmain’s new joyful and exuberant collaboration with that legendary doll celebrates that new open spirit of freedom and empowerment.”

You can shop the collection via the Balmain website from today.