Barbie is turning 60 this year, and to celebrate she’s being recognized for her influence on fashion.
On June 3, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) will bestow the Mattel doll with the Board of Directors’ Tribute award.
“Barbie has had such wide influence on American fashion and culture,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA, in the announcement.“Her story personally resonates with so many CFDA members that the Board of Directors decided to honor her with the special tribute.”
There have been Barbie dolls made in the likeness of countless celebrities, including Gigi Hadid, Karl Lagerfeld, Diana Ross, Cher and Marilyn Monroe.
Diane von Furstenberg, former president of the CFDA, as well as Zac Posen, Anna Sui, Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka and more fashion designers have all worked with the brand on special dolls in the past. Jeremy Scott has created an entire Moschino line based on Barbie and Kacey Musgraves even went dressed as a special edition Moschino Barbie to the “Camp: Notes on Fashion”-themed 2019 Met Gala.
“It is a tremendous honor for Barbie to be recognized by the CFDA Board of Directors for her contributions to American fashion. For the past six decades, Barbie has inspired and been inspired by fashion and creative communities,” said Richard Dickson, Mattel’s President and Chief Operation Officer. “Barbie has had the great privilege of collaborating with some of the greatest designers of our time and this award is a moment to celebrate her lasting influence.”
Past recipients of the Board of Directors’ Tribute include Michelle Obama, Tom Ford, Gloria Steinem, Cecile Richards, Janelle Monáe and Michael Bloomberg. On the same night, Jennifer Lopez is set to receive the coveted Fashion Icon Award.