Barbie's a fashionista

Image via vogue.com

For Barbie's 50th birthday, she's getting the ultimate fashion makeover from 50 big-named designers.

Mattel Inc. is planning on marketing Barbie as a fashion brand, complete with a runway show that will be part of New York Fashion Week

The 50 designers will produce life-sized outfits inspired by the doll based on a series of different celebrations. Vera Wang will create a life-size wedding gown which includes a Barbie wearing the mini version and Jeremy Scott will create a capsule collection inspired by her.

In Shanghai, a House of Barbie will be opening, and a new range of beauty products, with names such as "All Doll'd Up" will be out in 2009.

Mattel is also embarking on a three-year partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America from next February, as well as sponser New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

"For many young girls, [Barbie is] their first association with fashion and dressing up and changing clothes," said Fern Mallis, senior vice president at IMG Fashion in New York.

Now, if only I could be a little girl again...and dress her up in Alexander Wang and Chanel...