Barbie Unveils First Ken Doll Styled By Fashion Designer, Created By KidSuper
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Ken’s never looked so artsy. Barbie has tapped Brooklyn designer Colm Dillane, better known as KidSuper, for the newest installment in its Styled by series, introducing the very first Ken doll to get the high-fashion treatment. The Styled by KidSuper Ken doll is a wearable tribute to Dillane’s playful aesthetic and animated imagination, pulling directly from his Paris Fashion Week debut and signature claymation themes.
This version of Ken arrives decked out in an ensemble adapted from Dillane’s Spring/Summer 2021 Everything’s Fake Until It’s Real show, and includes an army jacket adorned with retro Barbie and Ken graphics, striped trousers patterned with illustrated birds in mid-flight, and a cap embroidered with “KS.” The look channels both vintage charm and surrealist energy, an apt fit for a designer who once turned household objects into animated runway characters.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
The Styled by series has become Barbie’s way of spotlighting creative minds across fashion and design, giving them license to reimagine the iconic doll. Earlier editions in the series showcased designer Suim Noh’s 1970s-inspired take on Barbie and stylist Maeve Reilly’s elevated streetwear version.
Dillane, however, is the first to bring Ken into the fold. The collaboration draws on a shared belief between Barbie and KidSuper that imagination and individuality are tools of limitless possibility.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
“I’m beyond excited to bring the KidSuper spirit to the Barbie universe with the very first Ken doll in the Barbie Styled by series. Growing up, I was fueled by creativity, imagination, and self-expression—so much so that my friends gave me the nickname ‘KidSuper.’ To now channel that same energy into my own Styled by KidSuper Ken doll is truly surreal,” Dillane remarks.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
“This doll is more than just fashion—it’s a reflection of my belief in dreaming big and expressing yourself boldly. I hope it inspires everyone—whether you're a fashion fan, a Ken enthusiast, or a dreamer—to chase your passions fearlessly and embrace your individuality with playful confidence.”
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Fans won’t have to wait long to get their hands on the doll. The Styled by KidSuper Ken drops on May 9 at 9 a.m. PT (12 p.m. ET) exclusively via Mattel Creations for US$45. Early access will go to members of Barbie’s Club 59 program, with public sales opening the next day. The subscription club, priced at $9.99 annually, grants access to exclusive dolls, content, and community perks.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
[via Mattel Creations, images courtesy and featured with permission]
