Sandra‘s Closet

Pink Paradise: My Visit to the Malibu Barbie Café in Boston

If you follow me on social media, you already know I have a soft spot for immersive experiences and anything that comes wrapped in a generous shade of pink. So when the Malibu Barbie Café landed in Boston, a visit was absolutely non-negotiable. Though honestly, it was not even planned. My daughter spotted it on a spontaneous walk past Faneuil Hall, and within seconds we looked at each other and the decision was made. We are going to make a reservation.

The pop-up has taken over a space at 101 South Market Street, right in the heart of the Faneuil Hall neighbourhood, one of Boston’s most historic and lively corners. Cobblestone streets, a buzzing marketplace, the waterfront just steps away, and that unmistakable New England energy all around. It is an area where centuries of history meet a very current, very vibrant city scene, which makes it the perfect backdrop for something as boldly out-of-time as this.

The moment you step inside, you are transported to 1970s Malibu California. Every corner is drenched in that iconic Barbie pink, layered with beachy motifs, retro details, and a whole lot of glam. It is the kind of space that makes you reach for your phone before you have even sat down.

And that, honestly, is the main event. For anyone who loves photography, fashion content, or simply living their best Barbie life for an afternoon, this place truly delivers. There is a life-size Barbie Box made for stepping into with your best pose, a scenic lifeguard chair, a wave arch, and several other photo moments scattered throughout. Every corner has been considered with the perfect shot in mind.

Now, a word of honesty about the food and drinks: it is not the reason to go. The menu leans heavily into the aesthetic rather than the culinary. Everything felt a little artificial and very calorie-laden without a lot to show for it in terms of actual taste. We ordered drinks, but truly just for the photo. The menu simply did not tempt us beyond that.

Every ticket does include a ten dollar food credit and a five dollar merchandise credit, which is a nice touch. Just be aware that the food credit applies only to food, not to drinks. The gift store is worth a browse, though I personally did not find anything I could not live without.

None of that took away from the experience. We had a genuinely wonderful time, and the atmosphere is joyful and immersive in a way that is hard not to smile at.

One tip I would give anyone planning a visit: we went on a Tuesday morning, and it made all the difference. The space was calm, relaxed, and the photo moments were completely free to enjoy without crowds or waiting. If beautiful, uncluttered shots are your goal, I would strongly recommend choosing a weekday and an early time slot. Weekends and peak hours will be a very different story.

The Boston pop-up runs until July 19, 2026, so there is still time to plan your visit if you are in the city this summer. And the Malibu Barbie Café has already toured quite a number of cities across the US, including New York, Miami, Chicago, Austin, and Las Vegas, before recently making its very first stop outside of America in Melbourne, Australia. As for Europe, there is nothing announced yet, and as someone based in Switzerland, I will be the first to say: we would absolutely be ready for it. Fingers crossed that Mattel is listening.

Tickets start at 25 dollars per person and include a 90-minute seated experience. All ages are welcome, and children under two do not need a ticket.

As for what I wore, I had not planned the visit at all, so I put together a fitting look entirely from what I already had with me that trip. I will be sharing the outfit details very soon, so stay tuned.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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The House of CHANEL has collaborated on one of the summer’s most-anticipated film, Barbie, produced by and starring Oscar nominee Margot Robbie, a House ambassador, as the global icon. Directed and writen by Oscar nominee Greta Gerwig, the film reveals that to live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place… unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.

Throughout the history of cinema, CHANEL has been a preferred collaborator. In our latest partnership, the House proudly worked alongside Barbie creatives to realize several costumes for Margot Robbie’s character as well as a ski suit for Ken’s character, embodied by Ryan Gosling.

In a June 2023 interview, the actress/producer says that, in Barbie, «You’ll notice a lot of CHANEL, Barbies like CHANEL! I’ve got some great CHANEL outfits in the film that I got to wear. The mentality with Barbie is that she has all the accessories—there’s always a hat or bow and earrings and jewelry. The jewelry is big in the way it would be on a doll: big necklaces and earrings. Hats are never for protection from the sun, they’re just another accessory, along with bags and shoes and all of it! It was really fun.»

Five silhouetes imagined by Virginie Viard will be seen on screen, along with quilted bags, including a heart-shaped one, and accessories (shield-eyewear from the COCO NEIGE collection, holographic cuffs and costume jewelry, hats from Maison Michel) made available by the House. Oscar-winning costume designer and friend of the House, Jacqueline Durran, was given a selection of outfits in various shades of pink from the Ready-to-Wear, COCO BEACH and COCO NEIGE collections imagined by Virginie Viard. The five featured silhouetes – three suits, a ski suit, and a dress – were chosen to highlight the Barbie character as she moves through her journey in the film.

The feature film is in cinemas now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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Founded in 2009, the brand Olympia Le-Tan is well known for its creation of originals handbags and minaudières, which are a combination of embroidery and French savoir faire.

For the S/S 2021 collection, Barbie™ is the cover girl of Olympia Le-Tan’s book-inspired clutches. Borrowing imagery from the archive of Mattel, the gilded hard cases are covered in canvas and skillfully embroidered and appliquéd to mimic the doll’s iconic features in all sorts of situations. They are also threaded with a special limited edition number at the back, plus ©2021 Mattel.

Pair them with your favorited dress and statement heels to complete the look. Don’t forget what Barbie teached us: «You can be anything you want.»

TO SHOP OLYMPIA LE-TAN, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
Below you find my two favorites that found their way in my closet and one with the cutest typo!

LoL, Sandra

Barbie embroidered appliquéd canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan

Barbie embroidered appliquéd canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan

Photos: © Olympia Le-Tan, © Sandra Bauknecht,© David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

«Not your barbie girl, I’m livin’ in my own world, I ain’t plastic, call me classic.
You can’t touch me there, you can’t touch my body
Unless I say so, ain’t your barbie, no»
– Ava Max, Not Your Barbie Girl

This weekend I enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather and played a little dress up in my garden. I hope you like this boudoir-style old Hollywood glamour as much as I do.

My look: Feather-embellished silk-chiffon cape, feather and satin-trimmed silk-chiffon wide-leg pants, all by Dolce & Gabbana, and wrap-effect bandage and ruched tulle top
by Hervé Léger, silver glitter plateau sandals by Jimmy Choo, and hairspray bottle bag by Moschino, glitter sunglasses by CHANEL, 18-karat white gold diamond GG necklace and 18-karat white gold diamond necklace with charm, both by Gucci Fine Jewellery, Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring by Piaget, Tiffany True diamond ring by Tiffany & Co., diamond earrings, LOVE bracelets and yellow gold diamond pavé eternity band, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Happy 6oth Birthday, Barbie! Time flies…  Today, every passing minute sees more than 100 dolls sold worldwide, with 58 million sold every year. The iconic plastic doll has been a surgeon, a pilot, a singer and a president. She has been in a wheelchair and has a prosthetic leg. She’s been the Duchess of Cambridge, several characters in «Mad Men» and every member of Destiny’s Child.
But on her debut at the New York Toy Fair on March 9, 1959, she was just a doll in a swimsuit and ponytail, with white sunglasses in her hand.

First Barbie in 1959

Barbie’s success has remained as she continues to reflect culture and the world girls see around them.
Her evolution has been crucial, but never was easy. Created by Ruth Handler, who owned the toy company Mattel with her husband Elliot. She was inspired by the paper dolls her daughter Barbara played with, as well as a German doll named Bild Lilli.

Did you know that the inspiration for Barbie came from German BILD Zeitung? A doll called Lilli that was created in 1955.

Immediately, Barbie had a lot of success. She was an «adult», different to the baby dolls of the time. By 1960, Barbie was gainfully employed, as either a nurse, fashion editor, or flight attendant. The next year, she had a boyfriend, Ken, and the year after that, her first car and a pink dream house.

Lately, new additions to the «Barbie Fashionistas» line included a doll using a wheelchair and another with a prosthetic leg. For International Women’s Day 2018, Mattel released a new batch of dolls based «real-life role models» (for the previous post, click here please), among them aviator Amelia Earhart and artist Frida Kahlo.

This year, more than 20 new «Sheroes» will be immortalized as Barbies: among them, supermodel and activist Adwoa Aboah, and gymnast Dipa Karmakar, the first female Indian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics.

Me dressed in the Moschino x Barbie collection (for the post, click here).

Barbie did many designer collaborations such as an amazing shoe collection with Charlotte Olympia, was dressed by the likes of Moschino, Lagerfeld, or Christian Louboutin among others.

Margot Robbie will portray Barbie in upcoming movie about the child’s toy.

At 60 years old, Barbie stars in a Netflix series, «Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures,» and has almost 40 animated films to her name. In January, it was announced that Margot Robbie will play Barbie in a live-action movie. With 2 million followers on her instagram @barbiestyle, she’s one of of the big social media influencers and shares her outfits, and street-style shots.

I have been a Barbie fan since my early childhood and am proud of my pretty impressive collection. In my daughter’s old playroom, we still kept the Barbie corner. Happy Birthday, Barbie! Thanks to you, I feel sometimes like a little girl again…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Barbie and © Sandra Bauknecht 

You might have heard the news already as they had been announced a few days ago:
H&M revealed their newest designer collaboration with MOSCHINO, this time through Instagram live.

I was in the champagne with Moët & Chandon for an outstanding experience that I had no time to write about it before. Nevertheless, you might have heard about it but you still haven’t read my opinion about it which you might find interesting.

Funny coincidence: I wore Moschino’s Barbie collection to the Alexander Wang x H&M launch party in NYC in 2014.

First of all, I think that the time for designer collaborations is over. Somehow the magic went missing. Why is that? Personally speaking, in times, where street style fashion, sneakers, track pants and so on are totally trending, being stylish can be easily achieved, even on a low budget. Jeremy Scott, Moschino’s Creative Director, for example had a fantastic collaboration with Adidas before where you could find his aesthetics for a great price. Moreover, there are many new brands coming up, raising to fame through today’s advertising channels of social media.

Another coincidence: I met Jeremy Scott for the first time at an H&M party – in 2012 Anna dello Russo’s Paradise Ball celebrated her collaboration with the Swedish fashion giant.

When I was eagerly waiting during the last years for H&M’s new collaboration to be revealed, this one hit me unexpectedly as I had just forgotten about it. Nevertheless, personally speaking, I have always liked Moschino’s fun approach to fashion, especially since 2013 when Jeremy Scott has started to inject his pop energy, reminiscent of what Franco Moschino was famous for. Depending on the pieces Jeremy will create, this can be a great collection. Moreover, he is a designer of celebrity status with millions of fans, many of whom are also friends, such as Kate Perry, Lindsay Lohan and many more.

One of his buddies, no other than Gigi Hadid, revealed the new project with an Instagram live call to her friend Jeremy Scott. Her call was projected on digital screens at the annual MOSCHINO party in Coachella, California and live broadcasted on @hm surprising guests with the big news after midnight. Jeremy Scott and Gigi Hadid, were dressed in the first looks from the MOSCHINO [tv] H&M collection, a collection full of the vitality, playfulness and humour that has made the label one of the most beloved in fashion today.

«I am so excited about MOSCHINO [tv] H&M. My life’s work has been to connect with people through fashion, and with this collaboration I’ll be able to reach more of my fans than I’ve ever had the ability to do,» Jeremy Scott, Creative Director of MOSCHINO

For H&M, Jeremy Scott has designed new MOSCHINO collections for both women and men, as well as a full range of accessories and some extra surprises too. The collection will be available online and in select H&M stores worldwide from November 8, 2018.

The MOSCHINO [tv] H&M campaign is a radically innovative TV concept enmeshing social and traditional media to create a multi-platform takeover – a captivating new «zapping» experience for the digital world.

News were revealed last week at Scott’s annual Moschino Coachella Party: Jeremy Scott and Gigi Hadid dressed in the upcoming collection with Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s Creative Advisor.

Below you can find some of my favorite Moschino looks and accessories I wore over the past years, to see the complete outfit posts, click on the highlighted links. Let’s see if Jeremy will be inspired by one of those…

One of my favorite Moschino looks of all times: Barbie Girl.

Top left to right:  Love Pink –  When Fashion Meets Art – Good Girl
Bottom left to right: The Jacket Bag – Fast Fashion – California Cool

Infused with pop art: Jacket quilted leather shoulder bag.

Fashion kills: Cigarette box-inspired leather bag.

Looking at my photos, I can imagine that Scott’s surreal-Pop aesthetic will find many fans…
… to be continued!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M/Moschino, © Sandra Bauknecht
#HMOSCHINO – INSTAGRAM @hm @moschino

Last week to celebrate International Women’s Day, Mattel unveiled «role model» Barbies. After decades of focusing on their beauty and fashion sense, the famous dolls show finally their brains, strength and power as well. Not your average Barbies, these dolls are «Sheroes», meaning women who are heroes, designed to give young girls a range of inspirational and positive female idols.

The new dolls came after Mattel conducted a survey of 8,000 mothers around the globe and found that 86% are worried about the kind of role models their daughters are exposed to. Mattel’s series of empowering women dolls range from both the past and present.

Amelia Earhart, Aviation Pioneer

Many view this development as a thoroughly refreshing and progressive addition to the toy market like me. The new range showcases women from an array of professions: it includes US snowboarder Chloe Kim, Australian conservationist Bindi Irwin, Chinese volleyball champion Hui Ruoqi and French chef Helene Darroze. The range is ethnically diverse, Ibtihaj Muhammad stands for the first hijab-wearing Barbie and Mexican artist Frieda Kahlo is another «Shero» in the collection.

Ibtihaj Muhammad, Fencing Champion

But there are many voices criticizing the new dolls for still looking like «Barbie» as Mattel minimized the typical features that also have made these women special such as the famous Kahlo‘s famous monobrow (Barbie’s brows are thicker but not exactly looking like Frida) or the muscles of boxer Nicola Adams Obe.

Mattel’s message: «Inspire your little ones to paint a world of possibilities!»

Frida Kahlo, Artist

Nevertheless, it’s a great start and kids will love to have dolls that represent aspirational career paths and commemorate inspiring women. From «Sheroes» to «Inspiring Women», have a look at the latest Barbie role models – all extraordinary women honored with a doll in their likeness.

Leyla Piedayesh, Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur

By the way there is even a German lady among them: Iranian born Leyla Piedayesh who is the founder of fashion label lala Berlin. Congrats! Only a blogger is missing… I think for good when there is a real journalist as an influencer could probably be a quite tricky role model for a young girl.

LoL, Sandra

Nicola Adams Obe, Boxing Champion

Martyna Wojciechowska, Journalist

Patty Jenkins, Filmmaker

Chloe Kim, Snowboarding Champion

Hélène Darroze, World-Renowned Chef

Gabby Douglas, Gymnastics Champion

Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician and Physicist

Bindi Irwin, Conservationist

Yuan Yuan Tan, Prima Ballerina

Ashley Graham, Model And Body Activist

Sara Gama, Soccer Player

Hui Ruoqi, Volleyball Champion

Xiaotong Guan, Actress and Philanthropist

Ava Duvernay, Film Director

Photos: Courtesy of Mattel

Here is my Moschino look that I wore to the Alexander Wang x H&M launch event in NYC. “Barbie is so joyful – and I wanted to bring some joy and fun into fashion,” said Jeremy Scott of the inspiration behind his S/S 2015 collection for the Italian house that has been available right after the runway show to the customers. Needless to say, being a huge fan of Barbie, I had to shop those pieces first hand. Please don’t take this post too seriously, as Jeremy said it is all about having fun and that means sometimes being a little cheesy and tacky.

My look: Logo intarsia cropped sweater, matching cotton mini skirt and leather jacket shoulder bag, all by Moschino, Janis embellished suede ankle boots by Saint Laurent, earrings by Prada, diamond ring and diamond bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During New York Fashion Week, at the Lincoln Center, Barbie threw open the sparkly, pink doors of her Dream Closet.

It’s a special 9,000 square-foot installation with all kinds of looks to pick from and try on, a demonstration of what kids can do at home on their own computers if they visit BarbieWow.com and have webcams.

The real attraction were the Barbie “dressing rooms,” where you pose while your picture is snapped on a giant screen, then allowing you to “try on” some of your favorite B-doll costumes.

Stephanie Cota, Barbie’s senior vice president of marketing, has been active during Fashion Week for several years. There was a runway show in 2009 for the doll’s 50th anniversary, featuring outfits by 50 designers who included Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenberg and Calvin Klein.

In all, 75 couture designers have outfitted Barbie over the years. Cota and her Mattel crew were loaded with Barbie tidbits: There’s a “Barbie Pink” Pantone colour and more than 1 billion outfits produced for her since she first hit stores as a “teenage fashion model” in 1959 wearing a black-and-white zebra stripe swimsuit.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Now the boys can relax and play a nice round of foosball, while the fairer sex is sure to be all over the game, too. The ultra-pink Barbie Foosball table definitely bridges the gap of gender quality.

From the imagination of young French designer Chloé Ruchon, a student at Decorative Arts School in Strausburg, comes this crazy creation. It was produced in partnership with Mattel and the Bonzini group, the worldwide leader of foosball tables.

In place of the standard aluminium figurines of soccer (or “football” in Europe) players are leggy-line-ups of Barbie dools, ready for action. Guys, don’t you dream of getting in the game with a bunch of girls in hot pants?

This super-glam spin on the game-room classic is limited to only 8 numered pieces. Bearing an asking price of $24.999.-, it is available for special order by contacting the FAO Schwarz NYC Flagship Store at + 1 (212) 644-9400 or by clicking here.

The Barbie Foosball Table belongs to Mattel’s limited “The Plastic Collection” of carefully curated Barbie items from around the world.
Enjoy some of the other stunning pieces (photos above):

1 Barbie’s Pop Art (first in series), $750.- 
2 Jonathan Adler 1959 Barbie mirror, $8800.-
3 Kitschy-cute rings made out of dolls’ shoes by jewelry designer Margaux Lange, $235.-
4 Barbie chair that references Starck’s Ghost Chair by Philippe Starck and Kartell, $650.-
5 Only 180 Commes des Garçons Barbies will be produced, each $350.-
6 Trenchcoat by Martin Grant, covered with little dolls kisses, $600.-
7 Barbie neon sign is built to order, $2500.-

Many designers have dressed the famous doll already. A real treat for the Barbie lovers and fashionistas! I am still not over my Barbie phase and would love to collect them all!

Therefore, I am dying to pay a visit to the first Barbie flagship store that has opened its doors this year in Shanghai. One thing is for sure, it captures the imagination not just of young girls, but of women of all ages.

Children can enjoy a walk on the runway in Barbie-esque clothes and learn how to sing and dance to the Barbie song. For adults there is a clothing line from Patricia Fields, the stylist behind Sex and the City, a café where you can enjoy Barbie-tinis and a day spa.

For all Barbie lovers, a little idea for a great girly birthday cake. Just put a naked Barbie in the middle and make the frosting look like her dress. Easy with an amazing effect! Your daughter is going to love you for it…

Life in plastic seems fantastic!

LoL, Sandra