Advertisement

Barbie’s Marketing Mastery: Thirty Outstanding Examples that Showcase Success

News

Barbie’s Marketing Mastery: Thirty Outstanding Examples that Showcase Success

Barbie is an aspirational symbol for many girls, but now she is also an example of how to do a marketing campaign

Barbie is one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year. And for good reason. With a release date set for July 21st, the film directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, every new piece of information we learn about it makes it more intriguing, captivating, and worthy of being seen. Even though we haven’t seen anything yet, we are already excited to watch it, and this is also thanks to its marketing department. In this article, we will discuss all the things the movie is doing to promote itself and how these efforts are gradually making the film’s concept go viral among the audience.

Barbie Xbox

Description and/or text of the iteBarbie has many accessories, but one thing it didn’t have until now was an Xbox. Featuring the movie’s logo, an intense pink color, five themed controllers, and an entire house to decorate, it’s the special edition of the Xbox Series S that we have seen so far. However, there’s one catch. Everything is so limited that it can only be obtained through a Twitter contest and Microsoft Rewards, which will be held on July 10th. It’s truly an exclusive console for the world’s most famous doll.m.

Barbie house in Malibu

A completely pink house in Malibu. Private pool. Garden. Just a stone’s throw away from the beach. And moreover, available on Airbnb under the name “Ken Dream.” Is this possible? It is, thanks to the whimsical marketing campaign of the Barbie movie. Recreating Ken’s house down to the last detail, including the dance floor and bright yellow roller skates, this is the dream come true for all the fans of the most irrelevant boyfriend in the history of fiction.

Barbie car in Forza Horizon 5

The strong partnership between Microsoft and Barbie has become evident by now. That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the collaboration has extended to Forza Horizon 5, where the cars of the two movie protagonists, Barbie’s 1956 Chevrolet Corvette EV and Ken’s 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Pickup, will be added completely for free. This will be an automatic gift for all players who have the game, so don’t worry, or start worrying if you don’t want them even for all the gold in the world: you will have them in your game, whether you like it or not.

Interviewing a Barbie staff in a Barbie hotel

On June 24th, there was a media presentation where several journalists had the opportunity to interview the film’s staff. Where was this presentation held? As it couldn’t be any other way, it took place in a hotel completely themed with the Barbie aesthetic. Everything was painted and covered in pink, with props from the actual movie set. Perhaps it may not be as spectacular as the Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse – they set the bar very high there – but without a doubt, all the journalists must have been very impressed.

Interviewing a Barbie staff in a Barbie hotel

On June 24th, there was a media presentation where several journalists had the opportunity to interview the film’s staff. Where was this presentation held? As it couldn’t be any other way, it took place in a hotel completely themed with the Barbie aesthetic. Everything was painted and covered in pink, with props from the actual movie set. Perhaps it may not be as spectacular as the Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse – they set the bar very high there – but without a doubt, all the journalists must have been very impressed.

Barbie shoes

Aldo, the brand known for shoes, handbags, and accessories, has also joined forces with Barbie to take the promotion of the movie to the next level. Emphasizing the character’s iconic fashion status and the playful nature of her collection, the standout feature is their shoes, which come in packaging that pays homage to Barbie’s classic style. This nod to the doll’s origins is as charming as the shoes themselves, which are truly spectacular.

Barbie house insurance

Progressive Corporation is the second-largest insurance company, ranking 74th on the Fortune 500 list of American corporations. So, what does this have to do with Barbie? Well, even Progressive has joined in to make a promotional announcement for the movie, claiming that Barbie is their secret client for those who have insured their cars and multiple properties. Considering Ken’s attitude in the trailers, this is something that poor Barbie definitely needs.

Barbie carpet

Ruggable, a company specializing in rugs, couldn’t miss the opportunity to collaborate with potentially the biggest movie of the year. That’s why they have created a series of surprisingly exquisite and tasteful rugs inspired by Barbie that we would absolutely love to have in our homes. Whether it’s the spectacular Dreamworld Ivory & Pink Rug or the fabulous Paradise Ivory & Gold Rug, Ruggable has managed to add a touch of sophistication to Barbie for those who appreciate Barbie but don’t want to wake up surrounded by vibrant colors every day.

Barbie frozen yogurt

Although frozen yogurt can sometimes be cursed, other times it can be simply delightful. That’s the case with the special edition Barbie frozen yogurt cup released by Pinkberry, featuring a delicious strawberry and dragon fruit flavor. Not only is it an excellent flavor combination, but it’s also as pink as a frozen yogurt can be without looking like we’re consuming some kind of radioactive product. Or cursed. Because Barbie would never curse us.

The smell of Barbie’s house

Agreed, you may not be able to have Barbie’s house. That’s just the way it is. Barbie has amazing jobs and a questionable source of income that allows her to own incredible properties that the rest of us can only dream of. However, what we can have is the scent of Barbie’s house, thanks to Homesick Candles. With a fragrance of sweet peony, sandalwood, and lemon zest, one thing is clear: Barbie’s house smells as pink as it looks.

Barbie billboard

Sometimes all you need is a billboard. And what you need to display is literally a color and a date. July 21st. The most intense pink you’ve ever seen in your life. So saturated that it’s almost purple. It’s a brilliant marketing move that proves that sometimes you have a product with such a strong identity that you don’t need anything else but that: a color.

Barbie hair accessories

Not jumping on the Barbie bandwagon would have been a collective failure as a society for Claire’s. Fortunately, they did, and they did it with a 90s-inspired style. That means stretchy hairbands, clips that take up half your forehead, and scrunchies with so many folds that you could probably store a lighter inside them. All of this, of course, in slightly faded bright colors and lots of single-colored squares in an impossibly 90s collection.

Barbie’s makeup

What would a Barbie movie be without a matching makeup set? With a cool packaging and a palette of colors that is both beautiful and vibrant, NYX Cosmetics’ collection takes a clearly youthful and playful approach, embracing the mischievous side of the character. It’s a completely different approach from OPI, who opted for a nail polish line with an equally playful packaging and a more wearable, everyday color range.

Barbie inline skates

If there’s one thing that caught everyone’s attention in the trailers and promotional images of Barbie, it’s the plastic-looking inline skates in bright, Barbie-esque colors. Yellow. Pink. Spectacularly Barbie. Impala Skate has decided that we shouldn’t just be impressed, but that we should have them on our feet and skate with them in the most necessary collaboration: the one that makes us feel like the Barbie or Ken of our own Barbie or Ken.

Barbie glassware

Imagine having guests over, wanting to offer them some cocktails, and demonstrate that you’re the perfect hostess, but unlike Barbie, you don’t have the perfect selection of glassware. Well, Dragon Glassware has got you covered. With their collaboration with Barbie, featuring a set of intense pink glassware, they aim to mix an elegant touch with the Barbie aesthetic, resulting in interesting and eye-catching designs. This collaboration will ensure that your guests say, “Wow, their taste is truly not plastic.”

Barbie float

Summer is here, and that means beach days, poolside relaxation, and soaking up the sun. If you don’t have a float, then you should definitely consider getting yourself a Barbie float from FUNBOYlife. Among their various designs, they offer a giant float that features the iconic Barbie logo. It’s absolutely massive! Now, you might be wondering about the price, but when it comes to rest, beauty, and indulging in absurdly fun promotional floats for a movie we never thought would exist, who can put a price on that?

Barbie lunch box and thermos

Unfortunately, many of Barbie’s promotions are limited to the United States. This is the case if you want to get your hands on a spectacular Barbie lunchbox and thermos, which are only available at Alamo Drafthouse cinemas located in the state of Texas. If you’re in the US and Texas is within reach, you can line up before the movie’s release for a chance to add a little more pink to your everyday life.

Barbie cafeteria

If you’re in the US but Texas is too far for you, how about Chicago? If you can make it to the Windy City, you should know that they’ve set up a Barbie Café with a mini skate park included. It’s the perfect combination of three of life’s greatest pleasures: skating, enjoying coffee, and immersing yourself in the world of Barbie. There are certainly worse plans to make in Chicago in July, let’s be honest.

The Barbie House Feature

Of course, we are aware that the majority of us are far away from the United States. Probably you are too. That’s why Architectural Digest, considered the leading media outlet for interior design in the English-speaking world, has created a video showcasing the interior of Barbie’s house featuring Margot Robbie. Taking the opportunity to reveal some of the secrets behind the props and production, we only have one complaint: they missed the chance to have Margot Robbie do the video in character as Barbie. Because that’s the video we would have truly loved to see.

Barbie toy car

We previously discussed how Barbie and Ken’s cars will be featured in Forza Horizon, but the collaborations for the movie don’t end with Microsoft. They have also decided to team up with the iconic brand Hot Wheels. This collaboration has resulted in a tiny and beautiful pink 1956 Corvette, a replica of Barbie’s car, following the tradition of classic toys from Mattel’s brand. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and promotion that we know will captivate many fans.

Barbie cruise

Imagine living in Chicago or being a huge Barbie fan willing to travel there just to visit the Barbie Café. What if we told you that Warner Bros, in collaboration with Fangirl Fantasy, is chartering a Barbie-themed cruise on June 30th? The only condition is that you have to dress up in your best Barbie or Ken style. But let’s be honest, if you’re going on a Barbie cruise, how could you not dress up as Barbie or Ken?

Barbie cruise

Imagine living in Chicago or being a huge Barbie fan willing to travel there just to visit the Barbie Café. What if we told you that Warner Bros, in collaboration with Fangirl Fantasy, is chartering a Barbie-themed cruise on June 30th? The only condition is that you have to dress up in your best Barbie or Ken style. But let’s be honest, if you’re going on a Barbie cruise, how could you not dress up as Barbie or Ken?

Barbie dental hygiene products

Barbie understands the importance of dental hygiene and the need to brush our teeth at least two or three times a day. That’s what this collaboration with MOON Oral Beauty seems to imply. They offer Barbie-themed electric toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other dental hygiene products, all in the iconic Barbie pink color. This collaboration is definitely something that Barbie fans will adore, and it serves as a reminder of an important message: we can never shine like Barbie or Ken if we don’t take proper care of our teeth.

Barbie travel suitcases

It’s possible that all this talk about promotions in the US has made you want to take a trip. We don’t blame you. That’s why we bring you Barbie’s suitcases, a collaboration with BEIS that results in spacious, sturdy-looking suitcases in a vibrant yet not overpowering pink color. The interior is spacious with exquisite finishes. These suitcases are not only for Barbie fans but for anyone who doesn’t have an inexplicable aversion to pink.

Barbie pet clothes

If you’ve made it this far, we don’t need to tell you what you need to dress up like Barbie or Ken, but perhaps we can tell you what you need to dress up your pet like Barbie. That’s what Canada Pooch had in mind when they created a series of licensed dog clothing from the movie that is absolutely marvelous. If we may make a recommendation, if you have a dog, the Barbie bandana is something you need in your life.

Barbie Pride Day Parade Step

Back in the USA once again, during the Pride celebration in Washington DC, Barbie decided to show up to support the LGBTIQ+ community in the way Barbie knows best: skating. With several individuals in fluorescent yellow shorts, roller skates, and pink helmets, along with a Barbie banner, they were advocating for the rights of people across the LGBTIQ+ spectrum. Because Barbie, in addition to being pink, is a good ally.

Barbie public bench

While it’s not a common practice in Spain, it’s quite common in the United States to see advertisements on benches. That’s why it’s not surprising to see a bench painted pink, adorned with a Ken sign, and now we have the Barbie public bench. However, it is distasteful to design a public bench in a way that prevents homeless individuals from sleeping on it. We must admit that it’s not very Barbie-like on their part.

The Barbie Cooking Show Special

Although it’s true that television is becoming less relevant in people’s lives, it doesn’t mean that it’s not still of interest, especially cable programming in the United States. To demonstrate this, Summer Baking Championship, a cake baking competition on the Food Network, asked its contestants in the seventh episode to create a pink dessert using equally pink ingredients in collaboration with the Barbie movie. The results were worthy of being tasted by Ken, even though he might end up with a sugar overload and a trip to the emergency room.

Barbie hair products

Barbie has always had nothing less than perfect hair, so it’s logical that Mermade Hair has launched a line of Barbie products so that we can also be like Barbie. With perfectly styled and well-maintained hair, just like Barbie. Wait. What do you mean that the time and naturally perfect hair of Barbie are not included? Is it possible that Barbie is not real? Can’t we all be Barbie?!

Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice Barbie song

When Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice come together, you know exactly what to expect. Although the aesthetic of the music video combines elements of Barbie with the usual style of both pop stars, it is much more aggressive and bold than we would imagine Barbie endorsing in her speakers. Except maybe for Rebel Barbie. Has Mattel ever made a Rebel Barbie? If the answer is no, maybe we should call them right now and tell them that we had the idea first.

Your Barbie house

We mentioned earlier that it was impossible to live in Barbie’s house. That is not entirely correct. HGTV, a cable television channel focused on home decoration and renovations, has launched a challenge where they will transform a house in Southern California into a Barbie-inspired home. If you’re not in the US, particularly in SoCal, one of the most expensive areas in the US, then we’re afraid Barbie and her house are still as far away from you as they were before, both in terms of affording a Barbie-like house and living in that specific area.

Barbie selfie generator

To wrap up, we have to talk about the gem of it all. What has caused the most sensation. A selfie generator that allows us to use our own photo and create a Barbie movie poster with it. Although it has been mostly used for memes, this demonstrates one thing: many people dream of being Barbie because they dream of a life like Barbie’s. Carefree. Fun. Pink-colored. Since all we can have is this Barbie movie poster generator, what’s better than having a good laugh?

Álvaro Arbonés

Álvaro Arbonés

Cultural journalist and writer with a special interest in audiovisuals and everything that can be played. I'm not here to talk about my books, but you can always ask me about them if you're curious.

Latest from Álvaro Arbonés

Editorial Guidelines