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Barbie Infiltrates the Fashion Industry, and We Are Scared

We’re used to hearing “Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week” instead of just “Fashion Week.” Blatant advertising, yes, but tacking the name of a luxury car on there never bothered us too much. By this point, it practically rolls off the tongue. But what about “Mercedes-Benz Mattel Fashion Week” or just “Mattel Fashion Week”? Mattel, as in the maker of Barbies. Taxonomy-fearing readers, it could be on the horizon. For come February, Mattel’s three-year partnership with the CFDA begins, including sponsorship of New York Fashion Week. Mattel is the first toy company to partner with the CFDA. Fashion Week master of ceremonies Fern Mallis justifies it thusly:

“For many young girls, [Barbie is] their first association with fashion and dressing up and changing clothes,” she said.

We’re used to hearing “Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week” instead of just “Fashion Week.” Blatant advertising, yes, but tacking the name of a luxury car on there never bothered us too much. By this point, it practically rolls off the tongue. But what about “Mercedes-Benz Mattel Fashion Week” or just “Mattel Fashion Week”? Mattel, as in the maker of Barbies. Taxonomy-fearing readers, it could be on the horizon. For come February, Mattel’s three-year partnership with the CFDA begins, including sponsorship of New York Fashion Week. Mattel is the first toy company to partner with the CFDA. Fashion Week master of ceremonies Fern Mallis justifies it thusly:

Barbie Infiltrates the Fashion Industry, and We Are Scared