If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m a huge Barbie fan. She was my first dip into fashion as a child and I had a collection of over 40 Barbies stowed away in the back of my mother’s storage. Back then, I thought my 40 dolls and the countless accessories were a big collection and told my parents that I would like to display my Barbie dolls when I grow up. That didn’t come into fruition but Barbie gave me the ability to dream big and showed me I can do anything.

So when I heard of the House of Dreams at ION Orchard, I had to see it for myself and live my childhood dreams vicariously through the collection.

House of Dreams is a Barbie exhibition with over 600 Barbie dolls on display, Singapore’s biggest display of Barbie dolls to date made possible by a collaboration between Mattel and Jian Yang who is a Barbie Doll collector with a collection of over 12 000 dolls with the second largest collection in the world!

Admire Barbie dolls from all walks of life from designer exclusives, icons that have shaped our culture, favourite Hollywood classics and so much more.

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Queen Elizabeth II 70th Anniversary Platinum Jubilee

Reaching 70 years of service, Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. Inspired by one of The Queen’s most iconic looks, this collectible Barbie doll is dressed in an elegant ivory gown and blue riband adorned with decorations. A stunning crown and matching accessories complete her regal ensemble.

Prince William and Princess Catherine’s Royal Wedding

The Royal Wedding set released in 2012 commemorates the first anniversary of Prince William and Catherine Middleton dressed in wedding day attire inspired by their original outfits.

Bob Mackie Moon Goddess

The Moon Goddess by Bob Mackie released in 1996 is dressed in a dazzling blue dress that reminds one about the mysterious shade of the moon.

Find more Bob Mackie Barbies.

Christian Dior

Christian Dior 1995 Limited Edition is a Gianfranco Ferre design was first unveiled in 1993 on a wax model of Barbie that resides in the Musee Grevin in Paris. In 1997, Barbie commemorates Christian Dior’s 50th Anniversary with an authentic reproduction of a 1947 fashion capturing Dior’s famed New Look silhouette.

Karl Lagerfeld

Sold out almost immediately upon release, this Barbie is dressed up in Lagerfeld’s likeness with accents taken from his clothing line of the same name. She remains one of the most expensive and highly sought after collector Barbie dolls and has gone up in value since Lagerfeld’s death.

Puma and Stoney Clover

In 2018, PUMA unveiled a collaboration with Barbie in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic Suede sneaker. In 2021, Barbie celebrates the vibrant style of Stoney Clover Lane, a lifestyle brand reflecting their love of travel, beauty, fashion and organization.

Byron Lars Chapeaux

One of the third set of dolls released in 2007, Pepper Diva, in Byron Lars’ Chapeaux Collection. Every year from 1997 through 2011, Lars designed a unique doll for one of his four Mattel collections that emphasized fashion personified in the black aesthetic.

Iris Apfel

Officially the oldest person to ever be turned into a Barbie doll, the 96-year-old fashion icon debuted her figurine back in 2018 adorning her signature pair of round, oversized glasses and spot-on wardrobe.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s most iconic looks.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe in her most iconic looks in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itch.

I Love Lucy

Lucy disguises herself only after she accidentally hits legendary actor William Holden in the face with a custard pie but risks being exposed after her fake nose catches fire.

Elvis & Priscilla Presley

On May 1, 1967, Las Vegas wedding bells rang for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu.

Expressions of India

The North-Western Indian state of Rajasthan which literally means land of the Kings is known for its mystical deserts, royalty and elaborate ceremonies. Roopvati Rajasthani Barbie hued lehenga-choli and dupatta capture this tradition. Wearing colourful bangles, a shimmering maang-tika, nose ring and choker, Roopvati Rajasthani Barbie is a symbol of the glorious tradition and magnificence of Rajasthan.

This rare Swapna Sundari Barbie in Bharat Natyam Dance started the Expressions of India Barbie line but was withdrawn from the market because Swapna Sundari is the stage name of a dancer from India. Bharat Natyam is a dance form steeped in the temple traditions. Her sari tied and finely pleated along with her opulent jewellery entwined with jasmine brings out the various nuances of South Indian culture.

Greek Goddess Series

The Greek Goddess Series is a collection of Gold Label Barbies presented as Greek Goddesses. Only three dolls in this series were ultimately released, designed by doll designer Linda Kyaw. A fourth entry was planned but never made it to production.

#FlushableFashion by Jian Yang

All the dolls in this showcase are from Singaporean Barbie Collector, Jian Yang. His book, #FlushableFashion features dolls dressed in couture creations made of sustainable materials.

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I spent hours here just gasping and admiring Jian Yang’s beautiful collection with envy and pride at the same time, lol! It’s absolutely stunning and I was just in awe at every turn, it’s impossible to pick favourites or to show you everything in this post.

Drop by and see it for yourself, you will be immersed in it too! Entry is free and you can take cheesy Barbie in a Box pics for your Super Freaky Girl inspired Instagram shots too!

Address:
ION Art Gallery, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Level 4, Singapore 238801

Opening Hours:
1000 – 2200 (Daily)

Till 21 Oct 2022.

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Reference:
Mattel
Jian Yang

Related Posts:
List of Designer Barbie Dolls