Kith Women and Barbie have announced plans to release their collaborative doll, which was part of a 2019 styling contest whose winning look was styled by Mekka Shyian. The doll is dressed in Kith Women apparel and is packaged with a clothing rack with additional clothing, accessory, and footwear option, as well as a bench inspired by those found in Kith’s flagship stores. Alongside the doll, Kith will also launch a Barbie capsule, inspired by the winning. look.
If you recall, Kith and Barbie partnered two years ago (pre-pandemic!) on a styling contest with a panel featuring Ade Samuel, Dianne Garcia and Maeve Reilly. the styling contest, open to the public with participants invited to create a look by choosing one of several dolls and putting together a look from a selection of 80 doll-sized Kith Women apparel and accessories.
The committee selected the look styled by Newark-born Shyian whose fashion background includes studies at Italy’s Florence University of the Arts. Commenting on how she put the look together, Shian explained, “It really had a lot to do with school. I learned this when I was in Italy, to be really hands on. Research really matters. When I first got there, I just studied lookbooks, read articles, I sat there and really did the research. So I knew when I was going into this contest what I was going for and what style I was going for.
“I went for an upscale, elevated, minimalist type of look. I went for that girl that works in the city but works that 9-5 but still wants to go out after work. It’s Friday, so she’s able to dress down but still wants to look like a lady.”
While no pricing is available as of now, Kith Women and Barbie’s doll will launch at all flagship stores and at the Aspen pop-up store December 6, 2021. The doll will also be sold at 11:00 AM EST on kith.com and 11:00 AM CET on eu.kith.com.
