A recap of Barbie's 65th Anniversary Celebration in NYC

September 10, 2024

Everyone knows that Barbie throws the best parties!

The Barbie shop inside the iconic F.A.O Schwarz toy store in Manhattan, NY was the perfect location for her 65th Anniversary. It was an event to remember, with an interactive activation that included live fashion sketches by Fashion Illustrator Deanna Kei (that’s me!) , and lots of other fun gifts!

The energy level inside the shop was off the charts! Everyone was so happy to be there! At the Barbie shop, fans can customize their very own Barbies with the help of a trained Barbie stylist. Each time a kid finished customizing their Barbie doll, the stylist presented them to the audience by name and everyone in the shop gave them a round of applause. The applause were going all day and had everyone smiling.

After guests chose their Barbies, they were treated to Barbie donuts and fashion sketches of themselves as a Barbie doll!

It was a fun filled day full of cute photo ops! Shoppers were given a Barbie hat with their purchases and the large Barbie box at the front of the store made the best frame for photos!

Barbie shoppers who spent $75 or more were able to have a live illustration done of themselves. The fashion illustrations were framed with a pink Barbie box border. It was the perfect memento from the day!

Krispy Kreme joined in on the festivities with a beautiful donut display of their Barbie x Krispy Kreme collaboration donuts. There were 4 different flavors to choose from, each featuring a different design! The Barbie donuts are available outside of the event too!* See Krispy Kreme for details.

Barbie fans showed up from all over, dressed in their best Barbie outfits. It was so much fun sketching everyone and chatting with them about their collections! There was a fun crowd around the sketch station and everyone was mingling with each other and showing off their Barbies and it was really just such an amazing day full of good, pink vibes!

The Barbie shop is located inside F.A.O Schwarz and is definitely worth a visit!

Deanna Kei is a fashion and beauty illustrator who works with brands to create custom illustrations, and she also sketches guests live at special events. To book live fashion art for your next event contact: DeannaKei@gmail.com or see here for more details!

Barbie Fashion : 5 colorful Barbie Movie outfits as Fashion Illustrations

August 18, 2023

The Barbie Movie is a fashion lover’s dream, full of stunning visuals and inspiring styles. Picturesque, pastel Barbieland is home to a brilliant cast of Barbies with colorful careers, and even more colorful outfits!

The film is laden with social commentary and touches on many difficult and important issues. Barbie’s relationship with fashion doesn’t cheapen her message. To borrow a line from Lawyer Barbie in one of my favorite scenes, “it does not diminish (her) powers. It expands them!”

Margot Robbie, playing ‘Stereotypical Barbie’, has over 40 different costume changes in the film, but the rest of the Barbies have impressive wardrobes too!

Scroll down to check out some of my favorite looks on 5 of the different Barbies who starred in the film!

Doctor Barbie, played by Hari Nef

This fuchsia and lime look has just the right amount of sleeve drama.

2. President Barbie, played by Issa Rae

A pink ball gown trimmed in gold is the perfect look for the president of Barbieland.

3. Lawyer Barbie, played by Sharon Rooney

This layered look pairs print with solid for a cute beach fit.

4. Reporter Barbie, played by Ritu Arya

Sunshine yellow adds extra fun to this power suit.

5. Stereotypical Barbie, played by Margot Robbie

The matching sun hat makes this pink gingham look stand out from the other pink gingham print dress Barbie wears in the film.

Which of Barbie’s outfits is your favorite? Share in the comments!

6 of Cruella's Fiercest looks - Illustrated

June 5, 2021

The latest Disney release, Cruella, brings fashion to the forefront in a captivating story of betrayal, revenge, and killer style. Cruella’s story is masterfully set on the streets of 1970’s London, and draws inspiration from the UK Punk scene and the styling of designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. Emma Stone as Cruella is outfitted by costume designer Jenny Beaven.

I turned 6 of my favorite looks from the feature into Fashion Illustrations. To see all 6, read below! ~ and if you haven’t gotten a chance to see the film yet, don’t worry, this post doesn’t include ending spoilers.

1. This textured black power suit is one of the first outfits Cruella steps out in.

It’s the start of her stylistic transition.

2. This fiery red gown is a show stopper.

Cruella undergoes a theatrical transformation which commands all eyes on her. She’s masked, mysterious, and captivates the crowd. Even the Baroness wants to know more.

3. The film develops into a fashion war between two skilled designers.

This military inspired look is Cruella’s outfit of choice when she takes a bold stand, quite literally, and steals the spotlight, winning the battle.

4. Cruella crashes an event on her motorcycle, dressed in a sculpted biker jacket with glittering gold pants.

The white lettering on her face reads ‘the future’, a bold declaration and an act of defiance.

5.The iconic spotted coat is totally remade a new, with a shawl collar and an asymmetrical color blocked silhouette.

This significant look leaves the Baroness furious. Sometimes fashion speaks louder than words.

6. Cruella wears her signature colors again in one of her final outfits.

The contrasting color and mixed fabrics come together into one complete look, just as Cruella herself is made up of two contrasting personalities.

Cruella’s unique wardrobe acts to solidify her character. Jenny Beaven, the costume designer stuck to a tight color pallet of black and white, with the occasional burst of reds, golds, and grays while dressing the her. Each outfit corresponds to an important scene in the film. A film where the fashion is built in to the story-line: it’s no wonder everyone is talking about it!

Which outfit is your favorite? Leave a comment and let me know!

BONUS: Which of Cruella’s Looks are you? Take the Quiz to find out!

Deanna Kei is a NY based Fashion and Beauty Illustrator. She works with brands to create unique and engaging content featuring their products and collections. To commission illustrations for your brand please write to deannakei@gmail.com